Understanding view modes in GemX is critical if you want to read analytics correctly and avoid drawing the wrong conclusions from your data. The same page can show very different performance depending on which view mode you’re using, as each mode is calculated from a different set of sessions.
This guide explains what view modes are, how each one works, and when you should use them.
What Are View Modes in GemX
In GemX, a view mode defines which sessions are included when metrics are calculated for a page or experiment.
Every metric you see, such as conversion rate, revenue, bounce rate, and engagement, is calculated based on the session scope of the selected view mode.
Change the view mode, and you’re essentially changing the dataset behind all metrics.
Available View Modes in GemX
GemX provides two view modes for each session type. Metrics in each mode are calculated independently based on the sessions included in that mode.
View by “Entry Session Only”
This view mode only includes sessions where the selected page is the first page viewed in a visitor’s shopping journey.
Key characteristics:
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The session begins when the visitor lands directly on the page
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The page acts as the entry point of the entire session
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All metrics are calculated using only these entry sessions
This view mode is best for evaluating how well a page performs as a landing page, especially when measuring first impressions and top-of-funnel effectiveness.
View by All Sessions
This view mode includes all sessions in which the page appears, regardless of when it was viewed during the visitor’s journey.
Key characteristics:
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The page can appear at any step (entry, middle, or near checkout)
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Sessions may include previous or subsequent page interactions
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Metrics reflect the page’s role across the entire funnel
This mode gives you a more comprehensive view of user behavior and is especially useful for understanding how a page contributes to conversions rather than how it performs as a first touchpoint.
When Should You Use Each View Mode?
Choosing the right view mode depends on what question you’re trying to answer.
Use “Entry Session Only” When
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Testing landing pages, homepages, or hero sections
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Measuring first-touch performance
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Evaluating how well a page converts cold traffic
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Comparing entry-page variants in A/B tests
Use “All Sessions” When
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Analyzing pages that appear mid-funnel or late-funnel
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Understanding a page’s contribution to overall conversions
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Reviewing the Journey Analysis
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Evaluating returning users or multi-touch journeys
Common Misunderstandings to Avoid
When switching between view modes, it’s easy to misread the data if you don’t account for how sessions are scoped. These mistakes don’t come from bad data, but from interpreting the right data in the wrong context.
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Comparing metrics across view modes without accounting for session scope differences
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Assuming lower conversion rates mean worse performance (entry sessions are usually colder)
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Treating All Sessions data as “inflated” rather than simply broader in scope
FAQs about View Modes in GemX
