HelpPrivate programs

Private programs

Restrict access to invited guests only — no public code sharing required.

What is a private program?

By default, any guest who knows the access code or direct link can open a published program. Enabling Private Event mode changes this: only guests who received a personalized invitation link can open the program. Anyone who tries to access it via the access code, QR code, or a shared link — without an invitation — sees a Private Event screen and is blocked.

Private mode is ideal for:

  • Events where the guest list is controlled and you do not want the program publicly discoverable
  • Programs shared before a public launch (soft launch to select guests)
  • Sensitive or confidential events (board meetings, private ceremonies)
  • Preview access for a subset of attendees before the event goes public
ℹ️
Note

Private mode controls who can view the program. The program must still be published — an unpublished program is not accessible to anyone, invited or not.

Enabling private mode

  1. Open the program in the editor (Customize from the Dashboard).
  2. Scroll to the Settings section at the bottom of the editor.
  3. Find the Private Event toggle and switch it on.
  4. Click Save. Private mode is now active.
  5. Publish the program if it is not already published.
⚠️
Important

Once private mode is on, the access code and QR code no longer grant entry. Guests who try to open the program without an invitation link will be blocked immediately — even if they have the correct code.

Sending invitations

Private programs rely on the Invitations feature to give guests access. Each invitation email contains a unique personal link that includes an invitation token — this is what grants the guest entry.

  1. From the editor, open the Invitations tab.
  2. Add recipient email addresses (manually or via CSV import).
  3. Compose your message and send.
  4. Each guest receives an email with their personal link. Clicking it opens the program directly — no code entry required.
ℹ️
Note

Invitation links are personal — one link per guest. Forwarding an invitation link to a third party will give that person access too, so guests should treat their link like a ticket.

For a full walkthrough of the Invitations feature, see the Invitations guide.

Guest experience

Opening the program

Guests click the personal link in their invitation email. The link includes a token that the platform validates automatically — the guest does not need to enter a code or create an account.

Once inside, a small You've accepted your invitation badge appears on the program page confirming their invited status.

What blocked guests see

If someone tries to open the program without a valid invitation link — by entering the code on the Access page, scanning the QR code, or following a plain link — they see a lock screen:

  • Private Event heading
  • Message: "This is a private program. You need an invitation link to access it. Check your email for an invitation, or contact the event organizer."

No program content is visible to blocked guests.

Recently visited

The program is saved to a guest's Recently Visited list after they open it via their invitation link. The saved entry retains the invitation token, so the guest can return directly from their history without needing the email link again (on the same device and browser).

⚠️
Important

If a guest clears their browser data or switches devices, the saved history — including the invitation token — is lost. They will need to use their original invitation email link to re-enter.

Turning off private mode

To make a program publicly accessible again:

  1. Open the program in the editor.
  2. Scroll to Settings and switch off the Private Event toggle.
  3. Save. The access code and QR code now work for anyone.

Existing invitation links remain valid after private mode is turned off — guests who already received an invitation can still use their personal link as a convenient shortcut.