> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/landing-pages-and-forms/launch-a-drop.md).

# Launch a Drop

This page shows you how to build and launch drops in Cymbal

A drop is a time-locked, high-urgency release of tickets, a product, or content. It's designed to drive instant action and capture fan contact details. New drop pages start from a flyer design with a countdown to the drop time.

Common uses:

* **Pop-up and secret shows:** fill under-booked dates or announce last-minute, intimate performances that need fans to act fast.
* **Production hold releases:** sell held seats near the stage once the setup and sightlines are confirmed on show day.
* **Low-ticket alerts:** turn fans on your waitlist into buyers by releasing the final tickets for an event that's close to selling out.
* **Merch and announcements:** run a drop without an event for merch, news, or anything else.

Drops are available on every plan. Starter plans can have up to 4 live pages at a time. The optional SMS & Instagram keyword signup is a Premium feature.

## How to build a drop

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Go to **Web tools** → [Pages & Forms](https://manager.cymbal.co/pages).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Create** in the top right corner, then select **Drop**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the event for the drop, or choose **Continue without event** for a drop that isn't tied to an event, like merch or an announcement.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**If you selected an event:** pick a look, then set the drop date and time. Cymbal creates four flyer designs from the event's cover photo: **Dark**, **Light**, **Vibrant** (a color gradient background), and **Shapes** (a soft shapes background). If the event has no cover photo, Cymbal uses one of its built-in color palettes (Stone, Dusk, Moss, or Clay). To start from a blank page, a style preset, or a Cymbal template instead, choose **Use my own**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**If you continued without an event:** fill in the **Create your drop** step, then select **Continue**:

* The drop date and time
* **Drop sign up message**
* **Drop day message**
* **Drop link** (must be a valid URL)
* **Drop image** (optional)

Then pick a look. If you added a drop image, the looks use its colors. Otherwise, Cymbal uses one of its built-in color palettes (Stone, Dusk, Moss, or Clay).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Optional (Premium): turn on SMS & Instagram keyword signup so fans can also sign up by keyword. Otherwise, select **Create**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Adjust the design and content of the page and the drop's automations, then turn everything on when you're ready.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## What the drop page shows

The draft page includes a headline, a "Drop on" line with the date, the event name and venue (or your sign-up message as the heading when there's no event), a countdown to the drop time, and the signup form. You can edit all of it in the page editor.

## Drop emails and texts

Fans who sign up get a welcome message when they register and a drop-day message when the drop goes live. Texts only go out if your organization has an active phone number. The emails use the same colors and look as your drop page.

For a drop **without an event**, the drop-day email includes your **Drop image** above the **Access Now** button when you added one. Drops tied to an event keep the event block in that email instead.

{% hint style="info" %}
The flyer looks only apply to drops created after October 9, 2026. Existing drop pages and their emails keep their original design.
{% endhint %}

## Related

* Run a Presale
* Building a Page
* Building a Form