# Draft mode

By default, when a course is created, it's in draft mode, to give you time to configure and fill it in peacefully. 

## Draft mode 

While your course is in draft mode, it is only visible to Spot admins. In the course list, the course card is displayed in light gray with a `Draft` status. Once your course and all its stages are ready, you can publish it! 

## Publishing a course 

To publish a Course, go to that course, and from the reading view, click on the `Publish` button next to the `Edit` button in the top right-hand corner of the page. A modal will open to confirm your action! Once the Course has been published, it will be visible in the course list for Spot members and authorized visitors. 

<figure><img src="https://3055204660-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrzBxnWaSListMwx3rzKu%2Fuploads%2F8ORtJcKRldpt97O4iTLB%2FScreenshot%202024-07-11%20at%2017.33.52.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dc049c05-29a6-4b87-9c00-83e353326cc0" alt="Publishing a course"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

At any time, you can decide to return a course to draft mode! To do so, simply click on the `Convert to draft` button next to the `Edit` button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Once a course has been converted to draft mode, no member or visitor will be able to view or access it; only admins will be able to.

{% hint style="info" %}
If members have already started a course and you convert it to draft, their existing data will remain accessible from the course participants table.
{% endhint %}