> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/getting-started/setting-up-your-account/test-mode-vs.-live-mode.md).

# Test Mode vs. Live Mode

Open Letter Connect provides two separate environments:

* 🧪 Test Mode – A safe space to build, test, and experiment without mailing anything.
* 🚀 Live Mode – Your production account where real orders are placed and mailed.

Using Test Mode first is the best way to ensure your templates, merge fields, and integrations are working exactly as expected before sending mail to your customers.

## Test Mode

Test Mode allows you to safely test every part of the platform without creating real mail pieces.

#### What you can do in Test Mode

✅ Create and edit templates\
✅ Import test contacts\
✅ Test merge fields\
✅ Preview mail pieces\
✅ Test SDK and Zapier integrations\
✅ Build automations\
✅ Create sample orders

#### What happens in Test Mode?

* No mail is printed or sent.
* No charges are applied to your wallet.
* Orders remain in your test environment only.
* You can safely experiment without affecting your live campaigns.

💡 Test Mode is ideal for:

* Learning how the platform works
* Testing new templates
* Verifying merge fields
* Confirming automation workflows
* Reviewing proofs before going live

## Live Mode

Live Mode is your production environment.

Anything created here is intended for actual mailing.

#### What you can do in Live Mode

✅ Create production templates\
✅ Import real contacts\
✅ Place live orders\
✅ Schedule mailings\
✅ Send direct mail campaigns\
✅ View order tracking\
✅ Monitor QR code scans and delivery updates

#### What happens in Live Mode?

* Orders are processed for production.
* Mail is printed and sent.
* Your wallet is charged for submitted orders.
* USPS tracking and delivery updates become available after processing.

⚠️ Only switch to Live Mode when you're ready to send mail.\
\
🔄 Switching Between Modes

You can easily switch between Test Mode and Live Mode using the mode toggle within your account.

Always double-check which mode you're in before creating an order.

💡 Tip: If you're testing a new integration or automation, stay in Test Mode until you've confirmed everything is working correctly.

## Frequently Asked Questions

#### Will anything be mailed in Test Mode?

❌ No. Test Mode never sends mail or submits production orders.

#### Will I be charged in Test Mode?

❌ No. Testing does not use wallet funds or generate mailing charges.

#### Will my templates appear in Live Mode?

✅ Yes. Templates created in Test Mode are available in Live Mode.

#### Will my contacts appear in Live Mode?

❌ No. Contacts are stored separately and must be imported into Live Mode before mailing.

#### Can I test Zapier or CRM integrations in Test Mode?

✅ Yes. Test Mode is the recommended place to verify that your integrations, merge fields, and automations are working before switching to Live Mode.

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