Add a step (and choose how it unlocks)

The four ways a step can unlock: just be there, enter a code, write a response, or wait for a set time.

Before you start

You need an experience open in the step editor. If you haven't made one yet, see Create your first experience.
You can add up to 10 steps per experience. On the free plan you can add up to 5 before you activate.

Open your experience from the dashboard. The step editor appears. In the middle column, find the Add a step form. If you already have steps, select + Add another step to open it.
(Optional) Use a Quick start chip to pre-set the unlock method: Just be there, Code-based clue, Written reflection, or Timed surprise. This just fills in the unlock method for you — you can still change it below.
Fill in the Step name — a short title only you and your player will understand.
Fill in the Description — what your player reads when they reach this step. Keep it short, two or three sentences. It must be at least 10 characters.
(Optional) Add a photo, a hint, or a location. See Add a photo or a hint.
Under How does this step unlock?, choose one of the four methods (explained below).
Select Save step. The step appears in your list on the left.

This is the choice that gives each step its character. Pick based on what you want your player to do.

The player taps a button to confirm they've arrived, and the next step opens. No code, no writing.

Use it for: “Go to the bench where we met,” or any step where simply getting there is the point.
What the player sees: a button labeled I'm here.
On the unlock menu this is shown as No Action. The helper text reads: “The player will not have to complete an action in order to progress.”

The player has to type a specific word or number that you choose. Until they get it right, the step won't open.

Use it for: a code on a plaque, a date, an inside joke, the answer to a riddle.
What the player sees: a box labeled Enter the code and a Complete step button.
Capitalization doesn't matter — “SUNDAY” and “sunday” both work.
After you pick this method, a Code to accept box appears for you to set the code. See Set the code for a code-locked step.
On the unlock menu this is shown as Enter Code.

The player has to write a reply before they can continue. You can read whatever they wrote, and it's saved to the memory wall at the end.

Use it for: “Write down your favorite memory from this year,” or any prompt you want a keepsake answer to.
What the player sees: a box labeled Your reply and a Complete step button. Any text counts — there's no right answer.
On the unlock menu this is shown as Enter Response.

The step stays locked until an exact date and time you set. When that moment arrives, it opens on its own.

Use it for: “Lunch is at noon — this opens then,” or pacing a surprise so nothing arrives early.
What the player sees: a quiet screen that says “This step unlocks at” with the time, until the moment passes.
After you pick this method, a Time zone and Unlocks at field appear. See Schedule a timed unlock.
On the unlock menu this is shown as Enter Time.

Mix and match. A great experience often opens with a “Just be there” step, builds tension with a code or two, and ends with a “Write a response” step that becomes a keepsake.
The left-hand step list flags anything unfinished. A code step with no code yet shows SET CODE, and a step the assistant suggested a photo for shows a photo marker — handy reminders before you activate.

Your step didn't save and the form reappeared → Check that the description is at least 10 characters and that you've filled in everything the unlock method needs (a code for a code step; a time and time zone for a timed step).
“An unlock code must be added” → You chose Enter a code but left the code box empty. Add a code, then save.
“An unlock time must be selected” / “A timezone must be selected” / “An unlock time must be in the future” → You chose a Timed unlock. Set both a time zone and a date/time, and make sure the time is in the future.