Force Variants

The Force Variant feature lets you send users to a specific variant directly using a URL parameter. This is useful when you want a controlled group of users (like ad traffic) to always see the same version of a test.

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Common use cases

• A/B testing multiple ad campaigns with fixed landing page content

• Running a demo or client presentation that always shows a specific variant

• QA and debugging specific variant setups

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How it works

To force a variant, Optibase uses a special URL parameter:

optibaseVariants=test_id:variant_id

When a user visits a page with this parameter in the URL, Optibase will:

• Bypass random variant selection

• Show the specified variant

• Maintain this variant for the user for the duration of the session

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How to generate a Force Variant URL

1. Go to the Variants tab inside your test in the Optibase dashboard

2. Click the Preview / Force icon next to the variant you want to force

3. A modal will appear with two options:

   • Preview: Opens the URL for manual testing

   • Force: Generates a link with the variant forced via query param

4. Enter the URL where the test will run

5. Click Copy to copy the full forced URL

Example URL:

https://example.com?optibaseVariants=header_text:variant_b

When users visit this link, they will be shown variant_b of the header_text test.

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Forcing multiple variants

You can force multiple variants from different tests by chaining them using a semicolon:

optibaseVariants=header_text:variant_b;footer_cta:variant_a

Each test_id:variant_id pair should be separated with ;.

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Notes

• Force Variant overrides random selection but only applies during that session

• This does not affect test data or variant assignment for other users

• Users who receive a forced variant still count as Tested Users and trigger conversions as normal