Contents
Using it
Can I break the site? Very unlikely, as an editor. You work on drafts that nobody sees until you publish, earlier versions are kept, and removed items go to the trash first (Undoing a mistake). What your role does not allow is grayed out or missing (Roles and permissions explained).
Do I need to know HTML or code? No. You write in fields and a text editor with a toolbar, like a simple word processor (Changing a page). The look of the site is the designer's job.
Why does my colleague see buttons I do not? Different roles. Ask your administrator for what you need to do, not for a role name.
Why is my change not on the site? Usually it is still a draft, waiting for approval, or a cache shows the old page (Caches explained).
Can I build a page by dragging blocks? Yes, if your site uses Exponential Layouts and your role allows it (Making a page with Layouts).
Is there an AI that writes for me? An optional writing assistant, Exponential Intelligence, suggests drafts if your site has it set up with an AI provider. It never publishes on its own (Using the writing assistant).
Can I use it on my phone? The administration works in a web browser. For longer editing, a computer is more comfortable.
Owning and paying for it
Is Exponential free? The software has no license fee: it is free software under the GNU GPL. You pay for hosting, the domain and people's time (Questions about cost).
Can I install it myself without technical skills? Realistically, no: installation normally uses a command line and the tool Composer. A host, developer or partner does it, and you then only use the browser (Three ways to get a site).
Who makes Exponential? The company 7x leads and maintains it, the nonprofit Exponential Foundation operates the project, and a worldwide community uses and develops it (What Exponential is, in plain words).
Does Exponential give me a domain name or e-mail? No. A registrar provides the domain and your host or a mail provider the mailboxes (Domain name and e-mail).
Does it have online booking / table reservations / ticketing? Not as a shipped feature. These come from an outside service that your site links to or embeds, or from custom work (Extensions explained).
What must I keep in my own hands? The domain registration, an administrator account, and the right to a full export (What to ask before you sign).
Do I need to update it? Yes, regularly: security fixes come only through new releases. Somebody technical does it; you ask for the result (How updates work).
When things go wrong
I published something wrong. What now? Go back to the previous version under Manage versions, or hide the item at once if it is harmful (Undoing a mistake).
An error page shows a code like ERR-0123456789. Note it with the time and the page address and pass it on: it lets an administrator find the problem (Reading an error message).
The site is down. Whom do I call? Your host first (Who to call).
Where can I ask questions for free? The community forums and chats (How to ask for help).
Related pages
- Non-technical people: start here
- Glossary for non-technical people
- Customers FAQ
- Free documentation: this page is free to copy, translate and improve under the GNU FDL 1.3.
Become an Exponential Partner. Partners share their information, provide funding, contribute back and develop the products with us, and that is how Exponential grows. A partner website and dashboard are planned for mid-2027: please become a partner today to speed up our growth rate and land new features faster. Start with Partners: start here and How to apply.