When you're working on significant updates to your website, you may want to display an "Under Construction" page. During this period, Smilii Builder gives you two options to continue editing your website behind the scenes:

Option 1: Creating a Staging Website

The first method involves creating a staging website. This feature, included in all Smilii plans, allows you to create a separate environment where you can edit and test changes without affecting your live site. Here's how to do it:

1. Login to the panel.
2. Click on "Websites & Domains", then "Add Subdomain".
3. In the Add Subdomain wizard, next to "Subdomain name", there are two fields. Choose the domain you want to add a subdomain to or leave it as the current selection.
4. Type "stage" into the field next to "Subdomain name".
5. (Optional) You can change the Document root if necessary. However, it's better to leave it as is if you're unsure.
6. Click "Ok".
7. Click "Websites & Domains" from the left sidebar and find stage.yourdomain.com in your domain list.
8. Open the options for the staging website and click on Smilii Builder. A new Smilii Builder website will now be created for stage.yourdomain.com.
9. Choose a template and make all desired changes. This staging site is invisible to visitors, allowing you to experiment freely.
10. When you're happy with the changes, hover over the green "Publish" button in the top-right corner of the Smilii Builder and select "Backup/Restore" from the dropdown.
11. In the "Backup/Restore" popup, click "Download Backup". The backup may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your website.
12. Now, open the Smilii Builder for your live website and navigate to the "Backup/Restore" option as before.
13. Switch to the "Restore" tab and select the backup file you downloaded from your local storage.
14. Click "Restore" and wait for the restoration to finish. The duration will depend on the size of your staging site.
15. Once completed, click "Publish". Your staging site has now replaced your live site.

Option 2: Editing within the same Smilii Builder instance

Alternatively, you can edit your website within the same Smilii Builder instance without creating a separate staging site. Here are the steps to follow if your website hasn't been created yet or is being updated:

If the website hasn't been created yet:

1. Select the appropriate "Under Construction" template.
2. Make the necessary edits to the website.
3. Click "Publish" at the top of the Smilii Builder.
4. Click on the "New/Reset" dropdown list at the top of the Smilii Builder and select "Change template".
5. Select your new template.
6. Check the checkbox "Got it" and click "Yes, change template".
7. Continue editing your website. Do not publish it until it's ready.
8. Use the "Preview" button to view your website.
9. To save your progress, select the "Publish" dropdown list at the top of the Smilii Builder and choose "Save Draft".

If the website is being updated:

1. Save a backup of your current website.
2. Select "New/Reset" dropdown list at the top of the Smilii Builder and select "Change template".
3. Choose the "Under Construction" template.
4. Check the checkbox "Got it" and click "Yes, change template".
5. Make edits to the website.
6. Navigate to the "Publish" dropdown list at the top of the Smilii Builder and select "Backup / Restore".
7. Restore the backup of the website you wish to continue editing.
8. Continue editing your website. Don't publish it until it's ready.
9. Use the "Preview" button to view your website.
10. To save your progress, select the "Publish" dropdown list at the top of the Smilii Builder and choose "Save Draft".

These options ensure that your visitors only see a polished, complete version of your website, even as you work on updates or a complete overhaul behind the scenes.