Preview, saving, and recovery
Previewing throughout the design process catches problems earlier than a final export.
Change what you are previewing
- Face and Back switch sides.
- The row picker changes the dataset row shown on the card.
- Enum/options selections create virtual variants for the selected row.
- 3D shows the piece as an object for presentation and orientation checks.
- Fit and zoom controls change only your view, not the exported dimensions.
When a reference or image is still loading, the preview may temporarily show a pending state. Do not approve the card until every referenced element is ready.
Stale and unavailable previews
A stale preview means Studio has a previous usable image while a newer one is being prepared. An unavailable preview means the current piece could not be rendered. Open the design and check missing images, fonts, references, or expression errors rather than assuming the older picture represents the current design.
Saving and reconnecting
The header reports save and connection state. If the network disconnects:
- Keep the Designer tab open.
- Avoid making the same edit in a second tab.
- Wait for the connection and Saved state to return.
- Reopen the affected design only if Studio asks you to refresh.
The Designer may find a local recovery copy after a restart. If the server also changed, Studio asks whether to apply the local copy or discard it. Applying replaces the current working document with the recovery copy; discarding keeps the saved project version.
Preview versus export
The Designer preview is for iteration. Export creates an immutable snapshot and checks the generated collection. Always review representative generated cards in Export QA before sending files to players or a printer.