---
title: How to Preview Smart Shells
description: "Assette’s **Preview with Data** feature enables users to simulate how a **[Smart Shel](https://learn.assette.com/docs/smart-shells-overview/)**l will render with dynamic content. This process is consistent across Smart Pages, Smart Docs, and other content types in the platform. ![How to Preview Smart Shells 1](https://learn.assette.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-25-1024x510.png)…"
url: "https://learn.assette.com/docs/how-to-preview-smart-shells/"
updated: "2025-05-25"
category: Users / Authoring Center / Smart Shells
---

# How to Preview Smart Shells

Assette’s **Preview with Data** feature enables users to simulate how a **[Smart Shel](https://learn.assette.com/docs/smart-shells-overview/)**l will render with dynamic content. This process is consistent across Smart Pages, Smart Docs, and other content types in the platform.

![How to Preview Smart Shells 1](https://learn.assette.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-25-1024x510.png)

## Steps to Preview a Smart Shell

To generate a preview of a Smart Shell using data:

1. **Navigate to the Smart Shell**
   - Go to the **Authoring Center** and open the **Smart Shells** section.
   - Locate the Smart Shell you want to preview from the list.
2. **Open the Action Menu**
   - Click the **ellipsis icon (`...`)** at the end of the row for the selected Smart Shell.
   - From the dropdown menu, select **Preview with Data**.
3. **Set Up the Generation Screen**
   - The **Preview Generation** screen will open.
   - Select the necessary input parameters, such as:
     - **Recipient**
     - **Account**
     - **As of Date**
   - These selections define the dataset used to populate dynamic fields and content blocks within the shell.
4. **Click Next**
   - After entering the required information, click the **Next** button to initiate preview generation.
   - Assette will generate a preview of the Smart Shell using the selected data.
5. **View the Preview**
   - Once the generation is complete, click **View** to open the rendered preview.
   - Use this to validate formatting, dynamic field population, layout consistency, and branding.

## Additional Notes

- The preview simulates the actual output, including live data integrations, so ensure the selected account and date reflect expected reporting content.
- If errors occur during generation, review the input data or dynamic fields used in the Smart Shell.
- You can repeat the preview process as needed to test various configurations or datasets.

## Additional Resources

- [Smart Shells](https://learn.assette.com/docs/smart-shells-overview/)