Appifio Creator · Lesson K09 · Technical
preview iframe - live site OK, editor blocked
When a link uses a custom domain, the browser blocks the Creator preview iframe - the site isn’t “broken.” This lesson walks through the correct overlay labels and fix.
Learning goals: Recognize the preview overlay, use Switch domain now to edit, then re-attach the domain after Save changes.
Reading time: about 10 minutes
Prerequisites: Custom domain already attached to the link (Link settings).
Previous → next: K08 → K09 → K10 · Troubleshooting: X05
Modal labels: Preview unavailable · Suggested solution · Switch domain now
1. Preview overlay flow
2. Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Custom domain | Your own domain attached to an Appifio link (e.g. shop.brand.com) |
| Preview unavailable | Overlay title when the preview iframe can’t load due to domain |
| Switch domain now | Temporarily move the link to default appifio.com so you can edit in Creator |
| Suggested solution | Block in the overlay explaining cause and fix |
| iframe / X-Frame-Options | Embedding mechanism - similar to CSP frame-ancestors elsewhere |
3. Steps in Creator
- Open Creator - see header Preview unavailable and the current domain ({host}).
- Read Suggested solution - live site still OK; only in-editor preview is blocked.
- Click Switch domain now → confirm the dialog (temporary switch to appifio.com).
- Wait for success → iframe preview, Canvas, and Inspector work again.
- Finish edits → Save changes → Link settings → re-attach the custom domain.
4. What is affected
Still works: Visitors on the custom domain; public URL; CMS admin on the custom domain (if configured).
Temporarily blocked: Creator preview iframe; Inspector picking elements on canvas while the overlay covers it.
Standard workaround: Temporarily switch to appifio.com to edit - no need to tear down DNS or turn off the live site. Troubleshooting detail: X05.
5. Compared with other tools
- Webflow custom domain: designer preview often on a separate subdomain - Appifio embeds via iframe, so you hit similar cross-origin limits.
- WordPress + custom domain: admin and frontend use separate URLs; here Creator needs the default domain temporarily to embed preview.
- X-Frame-Options DENY on self-hosted sites: same technical reason - not an Appifio bug.
6. Technical limits
You can
- Temporarily switch domain for full Inspector
- Keep live custom-domain site running while the overlay shows
- Re-attach the domain after publish
You cannot
- Preview iframe while the link still has a custom domain (browser blocks it)
- Bypass the overlay without temporarily switching domain
- Edit CSP on the custom domain from inside Creator
7. Security
Blocking iframes protects sites from unauthorized embedding - expected behavior. While temporarily on appifio.com, the preview URL may differ from the public domain - don’t share that preview link with clients as the production URL.
8. Common issues
| Situation | Fix |
|---|---|
| Overlay stays after switching domain | Refresh Creator; confirm the dialog was accepted |
| error_token / error_url on reset | Refresh; retry Switch domain now - see X05 |
| Client thinks the site is “down” while you edit | Explain live still runs - only you temporarily use appifio.com for preview |
| Forgot to re-attach domain after Save | Link settings → attach custom domain again |
9. Tips
- Schedule large edits: switch domain first, re-attach right after Save changes.
- Clone the version (K02) before layout edits once the overlay is gone - avoid accidental Discard.
- Bookmark X05 for support - same symptoms, same UI labels.
- With the overlay up: Files, Backend, and AI Chat still work - only preview/Inspector canvas is limited.
- Tell stakeholders: temporary appifio.com switch does not take the production custom-domain site offline.
10. Self-check
- Do you understand the live custom-domain site still runs when the overlay shows?
- Can you use Switch domain now, then re-attach the domain after Save changes?
- Do you remember to check X05 for token/URL errors?
Next lesson
K10 - Review mode & batch notes
Share a review link, collect client notes, send them to AI in batch - without exposing CMS admin rights.
Internal navigation (same language)
Appifio Creator · User guide · K09
