Platform Settings
Introduction
This comprehensive guide details the Platform Settings dashboard, a critical component of the Global Settings area. Platform Settings allows super administrators to customize the platform's appearance, configure Help Center options, and set up SMTP email services. This documentation provides step-by-step instructions for navigating and utilizing all features within the Platform Settings dashboard.
Table of Contents
- Platform Settings
Accessing Platform Settings
Navigation Path
- Log in to the platform with super admin credentials
- Locate the left navigation bar
- Select Global Settings from the navigation options
- From the displayed options, click on Platform Settings
Access Restrictions
Important: Platform Settings are accessible only to users with super admin privileges. Regular admin users or standard users will not have access to these configuration options.
Dashboard Overview
The Platform Settings dashboard contains three main configuration categories:
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Appearance Settings | Customize the visual elements of the platform |
| Help Center Settings | Configure the platform's help resources |
| SMTP Settings | Set up email server configuration for notifications |
Each category can be expanded to reveal its specific configuration options.
Appearance Settings
Expanding Appearance Settings
To access appearance customization options:
- Locate the Appearance Settings section in the Platform Settings dashboard
- Click on the expansion button (arrow or + icon) next to "Appearance Settings"
- The section will expand to reveal customization options
Global Appearance Customization
The Global appearance settings affect the entire platform interface:
- Within the expanded Appearance Settings section, select the Global option
- Click the button to open the customization popup
- In the appearance customization popup, you can modify:
- Platform logo and images
- Base color scheme
- UI element colors
- Make desired changes to the platform appearance
- Click the Save button to apply changes
Note: After saving global appearance changes, the platform will automatically refresh to apply the new visual settings.
Module-Specific Appearance
You can customize specific modules independently from the global appearance:
- Within the expanded Appearance Settings section, select a specific module:
- Chat - Customizes the chat interface
- Search - Customizes the search functionality
- Search Bookmarks - Customizes bookmark features
- Click the button to open the module-specific customization popup
- Modify the appearance settings for the selected module
- Click the Save button to apply changes
Important: Module-specific appearance changes only affect the selected module and do not alter other areas of the platform.
Customizable Elements by Module
| Module | Customizable Elements |
|---|---|
| Global | Platform logos, base colors, overall UI elements |
| Chat | Chat interface colors, message styling, chat window appearance |
| Search | Search bar appearance, results display, search filters styling |
| Search Bookmarks | Bookmark icons, saved search styling, bookmark organization |
Help Center Settings
The Help Center settings allow you to configure support resources for platform users:
- In the Platform Settings dashboard, locate and expand the Help Center Settings section
- Configure the following options:
- Enable/disable the Help Center functionality
- Update Help Center resource links
- Configure Help Center visibility
- After making changes, click the Save button to apply the updates
Help Center Configuration Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable Help Center | Toggles the visibility of Help Center resources throughout the platform |
| Help Center Links | URLs to documentation and support resources |
| Custom Resources | Add organization-specific help materials |
SMTP Settings
The SMTP settings allow the platform to send email notifications and alerts:
- In the Platform Settings dashboard, locate and expand the SMTP Settings section
- Enter the following required information:
- Username: SMTP server username
- Password: SMTP server password
- Host: SMTP server hostname or IP address
- Port: SMTP server port number (typically 25, 465, or 587)
- From Email: Email address that will appear as the sender
- Display Name: Name that will appear as the sender
- Click the Test Connection button to verify your SMTP configuration
- If the test is successful, click the Save button to apply the settings
SMTP Configuration Example
Username: smtp_user@example.com
Password: ************
Host: smtp.example.com
Port: 587
From Email: notifications@yourcompany.com
Display Name: Platform Notifications
Security Note: Ensure your SMTP credentials are kept secure and use encrypted connections when possible.
Best Practices
Appearance Customization
- Maintain Brand Consistency: Ensure all visual elements align with your organization's branding guidelines
- Test on Multiple Devices: Verify that appearance changes look appropriate on different screen sizes
- Limit Color Palette: Use a consistent color scheme throughout customizations
- Save Changes Incrementally: Make and test changes in small batches rather than all at once
Help Center Configuration
- Verify Link Functionality: Ensure all Help Center links direct to valid resources
- Provide Contextual Help: Configure module-specific help resources when possible
- Update Documentation Regularly: Keep help resources current with platform updates
SMTP Configuration
- Use Dedicated Email: Create a specific email address for platform notifications
- Implement Security: Use TLS/SSL and secure ports when configuring SMTP
- Monitor Deliverability: Regularly verify that platform emails are not being filtered as spam
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Appearance changes not displaying | Clear browser cache or refresh the page |
| Help Center links not working | Verify URLs and ensure they are accessible from your network |
| SMTP test connection fails | Check credentials, firewall settings, and server availability |
| Settings not saving | Ensure you have proper permissions and click the correct save button |
Support Resources
If you encounter persistent issues with the Platform Settings dashboard:
- Refer to the platform's technical documentation
- Contact your IT department or system administrator
- Reach out to the platform provider's support team
Next Steps
After configuring your Platform Settings:
- Verify changes are correctly applied across the platform
- Document your specific configuration for future reference
- Train other administrators on the configured settings
- Establish a regular review process to ensure settings remain optimal
This documentation is intended for super administrators responsible for configuring platform appearance, help resources, and email notifications. For documentation on other Global Settings areas, please refer to the relevant sections of the platform documentation.