> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fanfare.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Experiences

> Step-by-step guide to creating new experiences in Fanfare

This guide walks you through the experience creation process, covering the shared configuration used for queues, draws, auctions, appointments, and timed releases. Waitlists are configured on access paths when you want to capture interest before or around another distribution.

## Starting the Creation Process

1. Navigate to **Experiences** in the sidebar
2. Click the **Create Experience** button
3. Choose your distribution type or access path template

*Caption: Select an experience type to begin configuration*

## Quick Links by Type

For type-specific configuration details, see:

* [Queue Configuration](/dashboard/experiences/configure-queue)
* [Draw Configuration](/dashboard/experiences/configure-lottery)
* [Auction Configuration](/dashboard/experiences/configure-auction)
* [Appointment Configuration](/dashboard/experiences/configure-appointment)
* [Timed Release Configuration](/dashboard/experiences/configure-timed-release)
* [Waitlist Configuration](/dashboard/experiences/configure-waitlist)

## Common Configuration Fields

All experience types share these configuration sections:

### Basic Information

*Caption: Enter basic information about your experience*

| Field                 | Required | Description                                         |
| --------------------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**              | Yes      | Display name for the experience                     |
| **Distribution Type** | Yes      | Queue, Draw, Auction, Appointment, or Timed Release |

### Product Selection

Select the product or product pool that consumers will access through this experience.

*Caption: Select products from your catalog*

| Field               | Required | Description                                                                                       |
| ------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Product**         | Yes      | The product or product pool to offer                                                              |
| **Variant Options** | No       | Specific variants to include (if product has variants)                                            |
| **Selection Mode**  | Varies   | Consumer-selected products let consumers choose; system-assigned products use allocation settings |

<Tip>
  Create products before experiences. Navigate to **Products** to add items to your catalog.
</Tip>

### Audience Selection

Control who is eligible for an access path by selecting one or more audiences.

*Caption: Select which audiences are eligible for this access path*

| Field        | Required | Description                                         |
| ------------ | -------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| **Audience** | Varies   | Audiences whose members are eligible to participate |

**Options:**

* Select a specific audience
* Select multiple audiences for the same access path when those segments share eligibility
* Use separate sequences when different eligible groups need different ordering or treatment
* Leave empty for public access (no restrictions)

### Schedule Configuration

Set the distribution window. Experience `openAt` and `closeAt` are derived from the distributions attached to its access paths.

*Caption: Configure when your experience runs*

| Field          | Required | Description                                                          |
| -------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Open Date**  | Varies   | When the distribution becomes active                                 |
| **Open Time**  | Varies   | Time of day the distribution becomes active                          |
| **Close Date** | Varies   | When the distribution window ends                                    |
| **Close Time** | Varies   | Time of day the distribution window ends                             |
| **Time Zone**  | Yes      | Time zone for all scheduled times (defaults to organization setting) |

### Capacity Settings

Configure distribution-specific capacity and outcome limits.

*Caption: Set capacity limits for your distribution*

| Field                 | Required             | Description                                            |
| --------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Queue Capacity**    | Queue only           | Maximum consumers waiting at once                      |
| **Admit Rate**        | Queue only           | Rate at which consumers are admitted                   |
| **Max Admissions**    | Queue only           | Maximum consumers who can be admitted                  |
| **Winner Count**      | Draw only            | Number of winners selected at draw time                |
| **Slot Capacity**     | Appointment only     | Maximum bookings per slot                              |
| **Guest Support**     | Timed Release only   | Whether guest participants can claim the release       |
| **Waitlist Capacity** | Waitlist access path | Maximum waitlist entries when a waitlist is configured |

## Form Progress Saving

The experience creation form automatically saves your progress as you work. If you navigate away accidentally, your entered data will be restored when you return.

<Info>
  Form progress is stored locally in your browser. Clearing browser data will reset your progress.
</Info>

## Validation and Errors

The form validates your input as you type:

* **Required fields** - Highlighted if empty when submitting
* **Date validation** - End date must be after start date
* **Capacity validation** - Numeric limits must be positive numbers where required

*Caption: Validation errors appear inline as you complete the form*

## Creating the Experience

Once all required fields are complete:

1. Review your configuration
2. Click **Create Experience**
3. Wait for confirmation

*Caption: Click Create Experience to finish*

### Operational Follow-Up

After successful creation:

* You'll see a success notification
* You'll be redirected to the experience detail page
* The experience is saved with its configured access path, distributions, and derived schedule

## Discarding Creation

To discard your progress:

1. Click the discard action
2. Confirm you want to discard changes
3. You'll return to the experiences list

<Warning>
  Discarding clears your saved form progress. This cannot be undone.
</Warning>

## URL Parameters

You can pre-fill certain fields using URL parameters when linking to the creation page:

| Parameter    | Description         | Example               |
| ------------ | ------------------- | --------------------- |
| `type`       | Distribution type   | `?type=QUEUE`         |
| `name`       | Experience name     | `?name=Summer%20Sale` |
| `productId`  | Pre-select product  | `?productId=prod_123` |
| `audienceId` | Pre-select audience | `?audienceId=aud_456` |

Example URL:

```
/app/experiences/create?type=QUEUE&name=Summer%20Sale&productId=prod_123
```

This is useful for:

* Creating experiences from other parts of the app
* Building custom workflows
* Developer integrations

## Best Practices

### Before Creating

1. **Prepare your product** - Ensure the product exists with correct details
2. **Set up audiences** - Create audience segments if you need restricted access
3. **Plan your schedule** - Know your start/end times before beginning

### During Configuration

1. **Use descriptive names** - Include product and date for easy identification
2. **Double-check time zones** - Verify the time zone matches your intended schedule
3. **Review capacity limits** - Ensure limits match your launch plan and available stock

### After Creation

1. **Preview the experience** - Check how it appears to consumers
2. **Test with a sample entry** - Verify the flow works correctly
3. **Set up notifications** - Configure alerts for key distribution events

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

| Issue                   | Solution                                                  |
| ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Can't find product      | Create the product first in Products section              |
| Audience not appearing  | Verify the audience exists and has at least one consumer  |
| Date picker not working | Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser              |
| Form won't submit       | Check for validation errors (scroll up to see all fields) |

### Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

1. Check the error message for specific guidance
2. Review the documentation for the specific experience type
3. Contact support with the error details and request ID

## Next Steps

After creating your experience:

* [Configure Queue Settings](/dashboard/experiences/configure-queue) - For queue experiences
* [Configure Draw Settings](/dashboard/experiences/configure-lottery) - For draw experiences
* [Configure Auction Settings](/dashboard/experiences/configure-auction) - For auction experiences
* [Configure Appointment Settings](/dashboard/experiences/configure-appointment) - For appointment experiences
* [Configure Timed Release Settings](/dashboard/experiences/configure-timed-release) - For timed release experiences
* [Configure Waitlist Settings](/dashboard/experiences/configure-waitlist) - For waitlist experiences
* [Experience Schedule](/dashboard/experiences/experience-lifecycle) - Understand derived timing and distribution states