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Preview a role safely

Preview a role with server-enforced read-only access. The preview clearly identifies the role, masks protected data when configured, prevents mutation, and…

Status
Verified 2026-07-29 on build 2ac7ef8
Who can do this
Studio owners, Organization owners
Required access
organization.owner
Where in PositiveForm
/settings/roles
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Who this is for

This guide is for the organization owner who wants to see the console the way a role sees it, before handing that role to a person.

A preview is read-only, and the server enforces that, not just the screen. You cannot change anything while previewing, however the page looks.

Before you begin

  • Create the role first, in Settings › User roles; see Manage reusable roles.
  • Know that a preview expires on its own after a short window. You do not have to remember to end it, though you should.

Steps

  1. Click Settings in the left navigation, then click User roles.
  2. Find the role you want to check and start its preview.
  3. PositiveForm confirms with Previewing in read-only mode and takes you to the dashboard as that role.
  4. Move around the console. Navigation, pages, and actions appear as they would for someone holding only that role.
  5. Read the banner across the top. It names the role you are previewing, says the access is server-enforced and read-only, and gives the time the preview expires. If the role masks protected data, the banner says that too.
  6. Click End preview in the banner when you are done.

Expected outcome

While the preview runs, the banner is on every page, so you can never mistake a previewed console for your own. Attempts to change anything are refused by the server, not merely hidden, so previewing cannot damage a record.

End preview returns you to your own access immediately. The preview also ends by itself at the time the banner names, so a forgotten preview does not leave you stuck.

Nothing about the role changes by previewing it, and no staff member is affected.

Screenshots

User roles list; Front desk assigned to 1 staff member
User roles list; Front desk assigned to 1 staff member
Previewing Front desk with End preview banner
Previewing Front desk with End preview banner

Recovery

If the preview will not start, PositiveForm shows Could not start that role preview. with the reason, and your access is unchanged.

If you are unsure whether you are previewing, look for the banner. No banner means you are yourself.

If End preview fails, wait for the expiry named in the banner, or reload the page and try again. Your own access returns either way.

If the console looks more limited than you expected, that is the point: the role carries fewer permissions than you thought. End the preview and adjust the role in Manage reusable roles.