# Banner modes: opt-in, opt-out, informational, dont-sell

> The four banner modes (opt-in, opt-out, informational, dont-sell) and when to use each, including the GPC interaction.

Author: OptinStack Team  
Published: 2026-06-28  
Page: https://community.optinstack.com/articles/banner-modes-opt-in-opt-out-informational-dont-sell  
Markdown: https://community.optinstack.com/llms.md/articles/banner-modes-opt-in-opt-out-informational-dont-sell

OptinStack supports four banner modes so you can match regional expectations\. The mode controls default category values and the visitor primary actions\. Pair modes with regional rules in the dashboard\.

## Opt\-in

Optional categories \(analytics, marketing, preferences\) start denied\. The visitor must explicitly accept before optional trackers run\. Typical for GDPR and ePrivacy\-style requirements\.

## Opt\-out

Optional categories start allowed\. The visitor can reject them\. Use where prior consent is not required for the same categories, subject to your legal review\.

## Informational

The banner acknowledges notice and records an accept\-all style decision\. There is no full preferences dialog for this variant\. Use only where an acknowledgement pattern is appropriate\.

## Do not sell \(dont\-sell\)

Presentation for do not sell or share style controls\. The underlying consent model behaves like opt\-out; the UI copy and primary actions follow the dont\-sell variant\. At runtime, mode is the consent model and uiVariant is the banner presentation\.

## Global Privacy Control

When the browser sends a GPC signal, OptinStack records gpc: true\. By default, optional categories default to false\. Business and Enterprise can configure advanced GPC category behavior in project settings\.

> **Warning:** Choose mode per region in Rules. Do not treat any mode as legal advice—confirm requirements with counsel for each market.

## How to choose

- EU/EEA\-style prior consent: start with opt\-in\.
- US do not sell or share surfaces: consider dont\-sell with GPC honoring\.
- Informational only where notice\-and\-ack is enough—validate carefully\.

### Can I use different modes in different regions?

Yes. Create regional rules so the matched policy sets consentModel and uiVariant for each audience.

### What is the difference between mode and uiVariant?

mode (consent model) is opt-in, opt-out, or informational. uiVariant is the banner UI and may be dont-sell while the model remains opt-out.

### Where can I read more?

See the developer docs on Getting started and the JavaScript API for mode and uiVariant at runtime.