Demo Mode in Dapple is a sandbox environment where you can build and test projects, forms, payments, and messages without affecting any real submissions or creator data. Switch to it via the top-left three-dot menu → Demo Mode. Create as many demo workspaces as you need. Payments use Stripe test mode automatically, and every email sent is tagged with [DEMO] so it's never confused with real communication.
Why use Demo Mode?
Practice new features without risk of touching real data.
Onboard new team members in a safe environment.
Test complex configurations — multi-stage contests, conditional logic, automations — before rolling them out to a real project.
Demo the platform to colleagues or stakeholders without exposing real submission data.
Run integration tests with Stripe and external webhooks.
How to set up Demo Mode
Click the three-dot menu in the top-left corner of Dapple.
Find Demo Mode in the menu.
Click Create to make a new demo workspace, or Switch to jump between existing ones.
When creating a new demo workspace, give it an organisation name and (optionally) a logo, just like a real org.
You can create as many demo workspaces as you need and toggle between them quickly via the same Switch list.
What works in Demo Mode?
Feature | How it works in Demo Mode |
Projects, forms, stages | Identical to a real account — full feature parity |
Payments | Connect to a Stripe test account automatically. Use Stripe test card details to simulate payments. |
Messages | Real emails are sent, but every email is tagged with [DEMO] in the subject. Important: never use real creator email addresses in Demo Mode — only your own or teammates. |
Reviews | Set up panels, send submissions for review, see results — all functional |
Automations | Stage automations fire as normal — including webhooks (use a test endpoint) |
Setting up payments in Demo Mode
When you connect Stripe in Demo Mode, Dapple automatically routes you to Stripe's test environment. Set up the Stripe test account as if it were real (fake details are fine), then use Stripe test card numbers (4242 4242 4242 4242, any future expiry, any CVC) to simulate payments. No real money moves.
Sending messages in Demo Mode — important
Messages in Demo Mode are real emails. They land in real inboxes. Every email is prefixed with [DEMO] in the subject so it's clear they're test messages, but the rule is simple: only send to your own or teammates' email addresses. Never use real creator emails — they'll receive a [DEMO] email and probably be confused.
How to switch back to your real workspace
Click the three-dot menu in the top-left.
Click Switch in Demo Mode.
Pick your real organisation from the list.
There's no risk of accidentally working on the wrong workspace — every Demo Mode account is clearly labelled in the header and sidebar.
Best practice
Create one demo workspace per test scenario rather than reusing one for everything.
Name demo workspaces clearly — 'Webhook Test', 'Form Builder Practice', 'New Hire Onboarding' — so you can find the right one fast.
Use Demo Mode before rolling out any new automation or payment configuration in production.
Clean up unused demo workspaces periodically — they don't cost anything but the Switch list gets noisy.
Where to go next