> 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/run-a-presale.md).

# Run a Presale

Create a presale signup page, schedule when the code is available, and publish it for fans.

Cymbal's built-in presale tool lets you collect fan signups before tickets go on sale and control when a presale code becomes available. New presale pages start from a flyer design built from your event's cover art, with a countdown to when the code goes live.

## Before you begin

Make sure the event is available in Cymbal and confirm:

* The presale code
* When the code should become available
* When the code should expire

Presales 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.

## Create the presale

1. Go to **Pages & Forms**.
2. Click **+ Create** in the top-right corner.
3. Select **Presale**.
4. Select the event connected to the presale. If you start a presale from an event, this step is skipped.

## Pick a look

Cymbal creates four flyer designs from the event's cover photo. Pick the one you like:

* **Dark**
* **Light**
* **Vibrant**, with a color gradient background
* **Shapes**, with a soft shapes background

To start from a blank page, a style preset, or a Cymbal template instead, choose **Use my own**.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the event doesn't have a cover photo, Cymbal skips the looks and takes you straight to the template picker.
{% endhint %}

## Add the presale information

1. Enter the **Presale code** fans will use.
2. Set the **Start date** and **Start time**. This controls when the code becomes available. The start time must be at least 4 hours from now.
3. Set the **Expiration date** and **Expiration time**. After this time, the code will no longer be available through the presale page.
4. Optional (Premium): turn on **Enable SMS & Instagram Keyword Signup** so fans can also sign up by keyword.
5. Continue to create the page.

{% hint style="info" %}
Double-check the time zone shown beside the start and expiration times before continuing.
{% endhint %}

## Design the signup page

Cymbal creates a draft page with a headline, a "Presale opens" line, the event name, venue and date, a countdown to the code's start time, and the signup form. Customize it in the page editor to match your event or brand.

* Update the page name, headline, and title text.
* Review the selected event, presale code, and availability window.
* Customize the colors, images, backgrounds, form, and other design elements.
* Use the device selector above the preview to check the page on mobile and desktop.
* Review the registration form and compliance text.

Fans can register with their contact information before the presale begins. The page displays when the code becomes available and when it expires.

## Presale emails and texts

Fans who sign up get automatic messages, such as a registration confirmation, reminders, and the code when the presale goes live. Texts only go out if your organization has an active phone number. The emails use the same colors and look as your presale page.

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

## Publish the presale

1. Review the page preview and confirm the event, code, dates, and times.
2. Click **Publish** in the top-right corner.
3. Open the published page and submit a test registration.
4. Share the published link in your email, SMS, social, and advertising campaigns.

Use **Schedule** if you want the page itself to publish at a specific time.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Publishing the page and releasing the presale code are separate controls. The page can be live before the code's start time so fans can register in advance.
{% endhint %}

## Before sharing the page

Confirm that:

* The correct event is selected.
* The presale code matches the code configured with your ticketing provider.
* The availability window uses the intended time zone.
* The page looks good on mobile and desktop.
* A test registration works as expected.

## Related

* [Launch a Drop](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/landing-pages-and-forms/launch-a-drop)
* [Building a Page](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/landing-pages-and-forms/building-a-page)