Personalize your system pages to polish your brand.

Already followed our recommendations for creating your brand on your SmugMug site? If you're a Power or higher user, we've got another easy way for you to elevate your site's branding. No more boring 404 pages—dress them up with a dash of your personality. It's a simple way to let visitors know they're in good hands.

Customizing your built-in system pages is a subtle touch that can add a bit more character to your brand and, with some clever SEO writing for your SmugMug site, might even give your traffic a little boost. Ready to make your site uniquely yours?

Pages you can customize.

Here's a concise list of system pages you can tweak to match your style. These pages won't appear in your Organizer, so save this reference or keep our handy help link nearby for future styling sessions.

To see these pages on your site now, replace “nickname” in the links below with your SmugMug nickname.

‍404.

• The go-to error page for non-existent destinations on your site.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/404

Tip: Add a friendly text box to ease visitor frustration and encourage them to reach out for help.

Access denied.

• An error page displayed when someone attempts to access a restricted gallery, folder, or page.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/access-denied 

Browse.

• A comprehensive page listing all folders on your site; while logged in, unlisted and private folders will also show.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/browse

Tip: This page comes already linked in our ready-made designs; it’s great for adding content boxes to make browsing easier, like the keyword cloud, map, and timeline search.

‍Client area.

• Exclusively for Portfolio accounts and above, this offers your clients a space to view privately shared photos.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/client 

Date.

• A timeline view for searching photos within specific date ranges.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/date 

Keyword.

• A keyword cloud showcasing sitewide keywords and associated photo counts.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/keyword

Tip: Consider using a keyword-cloud content block on your Browse page to give visitors a more visual way to explore your photos. 

Password.

• Displayed when sharing password-protected galleries.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/password

Tip: Add a title/text block that invites visitors to contact you for password assistance.

Popular.

• Publicly liked and commented-on photos and videos.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/popular 

Search.

• A straightforward search field for finding content on your site.
• Link: https://nickname.smugmug.com/search

Tip: The search-box content block is also available for any page on your site.

What’s off limits.

Some core content on a few pages is untouchable. For instance, the password field on a password page is firmly set. How can you tell? When you mouse over them in the Customizer, a little lock icon will appear. (Check it out above.) Don't worry; there's still plenty of room for customization magic elsewhere.

Step-by-step customization.

1. The first step is the easiest: log in to your account.
2. Copy one of the URLs above, and replace the “nickname” text with your own SmugMug nickname. 
3. Head to the top section bar and click Customize Design. You're now backstage in the customizer, where the real fun begins!
4. Drag content blocks and drop them on your page. The green areas that light up are your canvas.
5. Hover over your placed content block, click the wrench icon (it's like your customization magic wand), and refine your options.
6. Take a sneak peek as you go with the Preview button. When you're ready to unveil your masterpiece, hit Done. You can choose to be the star of the show immediately or save the grand reveal for later. Your call!

Linking the chain.

Once your pages are perfect, don't keep them hidden. Add links to them in your site's navigation to make browsing a breeze for anyone stopping by to admire your photos. (Not needed for the 404 and password pages—they’re covered automatically!)

With those links in place, you've finished creating a fully branded experience across your entire site. 

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Have examples of creative system pages you’ve created? Share them with us on Facebook, X, or Instagram.