> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://swallow-1.gitbook.io/swallow/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://swallow-1.gitbook.io/swallow/build/step-builder/placeholder-mode.md).

# Placeholder mode

'Placeholder mode' is an option for any step you add in the step builder, so that you can have it switched off and not being used by your pricing model until you're finished working on it.

It can be switched on or off within the settings on every step settings page. 

You'll see the toggle to switch it on and off in the middle of the left-hand sidebar. 

<figure><img src="/files/w7jMa3BuxlNK6jXywrA4" alt="" width="297"><figcaption><p>Placeholder mode toggle switched on</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**When might you use Placeholder mode?**

Placeholder mode can be used for simply making notes, experimenting, or for drafting steps in your model that you're not yet ready to push live.

For example, you may be waiting on an API to be built from your development team, so you could add an API step as a placeholder while it's incomplete or not yet working.
{% endhint %}

When the toggle is switched on, your step will go orange in the builder, and you'll see a banner at the top of your step page to remind you that if you publish your model, it will be ignored and not used in the model.

<figure><img src="/files/Wj9IanCSZne0Jt8vGBWf" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Placeholder warning message</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/hIs2V1fX7yQiCVFgVFzw" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>A step in the builder in Placeholder Mode</p></figcaption></figure>

Ready to push your step live? Simply switch the placeholder toggle back off and the step will start being used as part of your model.

<figure><img src="/files/7M7gu10NUigh0ocqqm9I" alt="" width="304"><figcaption><p>Placeholder mode toggle switched off</p></figcaption></figure>


---

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