Practice Mode
Rehearse Without Risk
Practice Mode is Live Mode with one difference: nothing is saved. The interface is identical -- same questions, same background notes, same hotkeys, same layout -- but no events are recorded, no timestamps are captured, and no data is written to your interview. When you exit, it's as if the session never happened.
This makes it perfect for building confidence before a real interview. Run through your questions, practice the hotkeys until they're automatic, and walk into the recording knowing exactly how the tool works.
Starting Practice Mode
On the interview details page, click Practice Interview (the graduation cap button next to Start Interview). Practice Mode launches immediately with your questions and background notes loaded.
Note: Practice Mode is only available on interviews that haven't been started yet. Once you've clicked Start Interview and begun recording, Practice Mode is disabled to protect your real data. If you want a permanent practice space, create a dedicated interview just for rehearsal.
The Practice Interface
Everything looks and works like Live Mode with two visual differences:
- A banner at the top reads "PRACTICE MODE -- Events are not being recorded" so you always know you're in a safe environment
- The exit button says Exit Practice instead of End Interview
All seven event capture hotkeys work the same way -- press 1 through 5 for instant captures, L to add a link, N to add a note. You'll see the same flash confirmations and dialogs. The timer runs. Questions highlight and scroll. The only difference is that none of it persists.
Practice Mode runs solo -- it doesn't connect to collaborative sessions. It's your personal rehearsal space.
When to Use It
Before your first interview -- spend 10 minutes getting comfortable with the interface and hotkeys. By the time you record for real, your fingers will know where to go.
Before a high-stakes interview -- do a quick 2-minute run-through of your questions. Check the order, skim the background notes, and make sure everything reads well on screen.
Building hotkey muscle memory -- the fastest way to internalize the shortcuts is to use them. Start with just 3 (Highlight) and add more keys each session. After two or three practice runs, the hotkeys become automatic.
Testing your setup -- position your device, check that the screen is comfortable to glance at, and verify that the screen wake lock keeps your display on.
Exiting
Click Exit Practice in the banner. A brief confirmation dialog appears -- press Yes, Exit Practice to confirm. You'll be taken back to the interview details page with your interview completely unchanged.
What's Next?
Live Interview Mode - The real thing -- conduct your interview with full event capture
Keyboard Shortcuts - Complete reference for every shortcut
Your First Interview - Walk through the complete journey from idea to published episode