---
title: "[Preview Sharing] - Understanding Comments in Visual Builder and Preview Sharing"
description: Understanding Comments in Visual Builder and Preview Sharing
url: https://www.contentstack.com/docs/content-managers/preview-sharing/understanding-comments-in-visual-builder-and-preview-sharing
product: Contentstack
doc_type: concept-guide
audience:
  - content-managers
  - developers
  - designers
  - reviewers
version: latest
last_updated: 2026-03-25
---

# [Preview Sharing] - Understanding Comments in Visual Builder and Preview Sharing

This page explains the difference between Visual Builder Discussions and Preview Sharing Comments in Contentstack, who each feature is intended for, and when to use them during content review and collaboration workflows.

## Understanding Comments in Visual Builder and Preview Sharing

Contentstack offers two distinct commenting features designed to enhance collaboration across different workflows: **Visual Builder Discussions** and **Preview Sharing Comments**. While both support content reviews, they cater to different use cases and audiences. Understanding how and when to use each helps teams improve efficiency and clarity throughout the content lifecycle.

## Visual Builder Discussions

Visual Builder [Discussions](/docs/content-managers/visual-builder/discussions/) enable internal teams to provide structured comments to fields in the webpage directly within Contentstack’s Visual Builder interface.

- **In-Context Comments:** Comment directly on **fields**, **sections**, or **components**.
- **For Internal Teams:** Designed for **content managers**, **developers**, and **designers**.
- **Status Tracking:** Mark discussions as **Active**, **Resolved**, or view them in the **Timeline**.
- **Quick Access:** Use the **Show Comments** toggle to highlight discussions on the previewed website.

## Preview Sharing Comments

Preview Sharing [Comments](/docs/content-managers/preview-sharing/add-a-review-comment) allow you to share website previews with both **internal users** and **external stakeholders**. Internal users are those who have access to Contentstack, while external stakeholders can review and comment on the shared content without needing a Contentstack account. This simplifies collaboration by enabling feedback from all relevant parties, regardless of their access level.

Unlike Visual Builder comments, Preview Sharing comments can be added anywhere on the page, offering greater flexibility for content review and feedback.

- **External Collaboration:** Collect comments from **clients, partners, and other reviewers** via a **public preview link**.
- **Content-Oriented Comments:** Focuses on **content accuracy, messaging, structure, and user experience** rather than design elements.
- **Threaded Comments:** Enables **conversations within a comment thread** to keep discussions organized.
- **Limited Access:** External reviewers have **read-only access** and cannot make changes to content.
- **Expiration Control:** Preview links can be **set to expire** for security and review management.

## Key Differences

| Feature | Visual Builder Discussions | Preview Sharing Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Internal content structuring and design discussions | Internal and External review |
| Access and Visibility | Available within **Visual Builder** | Publicly accessible via **preview links** |
| Users | Internal teams (content managers, developers, designers) | Internal and External stakeholders (clients, partners, reviewers) |
| Comment Type | Field-level comments tied to components | General comments anywhere on the page |
| Resolution Tracking | Discussions can be **marked as resolved** and viewed in the **Timeline** | Comments can be **resolved** and tracked in the **Discussions** panel |

## When to Use Each Feature

- **Use Visual Builder Discussions** when you are refining the structure, layout, or design elements of a page with your internal team.
- **Use Preview Sharing Comments** when collecting overall feedback from internal stakeholders and external reviewers such as clients or partners.

By leveraging both features appropriately, teams can ensure efficient collaboration, clear comment management, and a smooth content review process.

## Common questions

### Can external stakeholders use Visual Builder Discussions?
No. Visual Builder Discussions are designed for internal teams and are available within **Visual Builder**.

### Do external reviewers need a Contentstack account to leave Preview Sharing comments?
No. External stakeholders can review and comment on the shared content without needing a Contentstack account.

### Where can Preview Sharing comments be added?
Preview Sharing comments can be added anywhere on the page.

### How do I decide which commenting feature to use?
Use Visual Builder Discussions for internal structure/layout/design refinement, and use Preview Sharing Comments for overall feedback from internal stakeholders and external reviewers.