You can close a project's submissions in three ways: set Availability to Closed (instant), set a past Between Dates window (auto-closed by date), or change Visibility to Draft (project also hidden from creators). Pick the option that matches what you want creators to see and whether you plan to reopen later.
Which closing method should I use?
Method | What creators see | Best for |
Availability = Closed | 'Submissions for this project are closed' message on the form page | Hard, immediate close — deadline reached, programme ended, project paused. |
Availability = Between Dates with a past end date | Same closed message — but Dapple closes automatically on the date you set | Pre-scheduling the close; sticking to a published deadline. |
Visibility = Draft | 404 / 'project not found' — link is dead | Pulling the project entirely; you don't want even the closed page visible. |
How to close via Availability
Open Project Settings → General.
Scroll to Availability.
Switch to Closed.
Save. The form closes immediately.
How to close via a past date
Open Project Settings → General → Availability.
Choose Between Dates.
Set the end date to any moment in the past (or the moment you want to close).
Save.
How to close via Draft Visibility
Open Project Settings → General.
Scroll to Visibility.
Switch to Draft.
Save.
Full visibility detail: How to Set Project Visibility
Why close submissions?
Deadline reached — programme has hit its window and you're ready to review.
Quota reached — you've received the maximum submissions you can process.
Programme paused — you're not running this opportunity right now but might bring it back.
Cleanup — the project is finished; close to keep your active list focused.
Where to go next