Preview the directory in admin mode

This guide shows you how to use the admin-mode directory preview to see all members — including those who have opted out — and how to switch to the member view to see what your members actually see.

Who can do this: Admins with the directory:view-admin-mode permission.

Before you start

• Admin mode shows all non-archived members regardless of their opt-out status or the directory’s visibility restrictions. It does not show archived members — archived members are permanently excluded.
• Every time you open the admin-mode preview, a log entry is recorded.

Steps

Open the admin-mode preview

1. In the admin sidebar, select Directory, then select the directory instance you want to review.
2. Select Preview directory in the page header. The admin-mode preview opens.
3. A blue banner at the top of the page reads “Admin mode — you’re viewing all members. Opted-out members and members outside the visibility scope are visible to you only. This view is not what members see.” This banner stays on screen the entire time you’re in admin mode.

Identify opted-out members

Members who have opted out of the directory appear in the list with a “Hidden from public” badge on their card. They’re still visible to you in admin mode, but members and visitors cannot see them.

Filter to opted-out members only

1. Check Show only opted-out members in the filter row. The list narrows to show only opted-out members.
2. To return to the full list, select the ✕ on the “Opted-out only” chip in the filter bar, or uncheck the checkbox.

Switch to the member view

To see exactly what an authenticated member would see:

1. Select View as member inside the admin-mode banner.
2. The banner changes to “Previewing as member — this is what members see. Opted-out members are now hidden.” Opted-out members disappear from the list.
3. To return to admin mode, select Exit preview in the banner.

Verify

You’ll know you’re in admin mode when the blue “Admin mode — you’re viewing all members” banner is visible at the top of the directory. You’ll know you’ve switched to the member view when the banner changes to “Previewing as member — this is what members see.”

If something goes wrong

• The “Preview directory” button is missing — your admin role may not include the directory:view-admin-mode permission. Contact your organization’s primary admin.
• “Could not load the directory” — select Try again to reload. If the error repeats, check your connection and try again.

Related

• Create and configure a directory instance
• Member not appearing in directory
• Directory visibility eligibility reference