Create a custom 404 page

A 404 page appears when a visitor navigates to a URL that doesn't exist on your site. Composer lets you designate any existing page as the 404 page in Domain Settings, so visitors see your site's branding and a helpful message rather than a generic browser error.

💡Quick answers

  • Where is the 404 page setting in Composer? In Domain Settings > Landing Pages tab > 404 Page entry; click Choose Page to select any page on your site.
  • How do you open Domain Settings? Click the three-dot More Actions menu next to the domain in Composer and select Settings.
  • What should a custom 404 page include? Your site's styling, a short message explaining the error, and a link back to the home page or site directory.
  • Can the 404 page automatically redirect visitors to another page? Yes; setting the 404 page to your site directory is a practical option for users who may be looking for a specific section.

A "404 page" is the error message that users see when they try to view a page that doesn't exist on your site. This can happen if they follow an outdated link, or type in a web URL incorrectly.

This one, from Finalsite.com, lets users know that they've made a mistake with the address and invites them to click back to our home page. This simple, clean approach to 404 pages is common, although some websites put a little more creativity into theirs.

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If you want to create a custom 404 page that's more engaging, you can do that easily. You may want to have a 404 page that utilizes your site's style for a more integrated experience. Another option is to automatically redirect users to the site directory, which is handy for site users who may be having trouble locating a specific site page.

To set a 404 page for your school, first click to open Domain Settings.

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On the Domain Settings window, select the Landing Pages tab.

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Find the 404 Page entry, and click Choose Page.

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A new menu will appear; you can create a custom 404 page and choose it, or select any other page on your site to be the 404 page. Whenever a visitor attempts to access a site page that does not exist, they will be redirected to the page you select here.

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