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Preview vs live: what "published" really means

The difference between a preview link and a published, live site — and what changes when the free 7-day preview window ends.

When you build a site, SiteDrop first gives you a preview. A preview is a working version of your site you can look at and share for feedback — but it isn't the same as being live. Here's the difference.

What a preview is

  • A private-ish link you can open, check on your phone, and send to a friend.
  • Fully editable — change anything before you commit.
  • On the free plan a preview is editable for 7 days. After that the site stays online, but you can't change it until you subscribe.

What “published” (live) means

  • Your site is publicly online for anyone to visit.
  • It can use your own custom web address instead of a SiteDrop link.
  • It stays up as long as your plan is active.

WarningA free preview lasts 7 days. After that the site stays online at its address — we don't take it down — but you can't edit or update it until you subscribe. Full details: what happens when a preview expires.

When you're happy with the preview, take it live — see Publishing your site and going live.

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Last updated 28 Jul 2026