# Session recording references

Associate selected external recording-session references with tracked page context for investigation.

*Release 3.3 · admin, operator*

## What it is

INSIDE can carry selected external session references with a tracked page. These references can help correlate visitor activity with an external session-recording tool. A reference alone does not establish that a playable recording exists.

## Who uses it and why

Administrators use recording references when investigating a website experience with Powerfront. Operators may provide the visitor and page context needed for that investigation.

## Where to find it

There is no dedicated session-recording reference screen. Ask Powerfront to check whether the relevant reference was captured with the visitor's page context.

## How it works

When the browser tracks a page, INSIDE checks for selected external session cookies. If they are available, it includes their reference values with that page's data.

The external tool owns the recording itself. Matching the reference to a recording depends on that tool having captured and retained the corresponding session.

## Configure it

Ask Powerfront to check compatibility with your external recording setup. This release does not provide a client setting for choosing a recording provider through this reference-capture behaviour.

Operator-console session recording is a separate feature. Its recording controls do not establish that a visitor's external website recording is available.

## Limits and good to know

- Only selected external session values are collected; an arbitrary recording tool is not automatically supported.
- Browser cookie availability affects whether INSIDE can capture a reference.
- A captured reference is not proof of recording consent, successful capture or continued recording availability.
- Recording references are correlation aids, not visitor sign-in credentials.
- The capture behaviour does not establish an external recording retention or deletion period.

## Depends on and works with

### This feature uses

- **Requires** [Visitor page and product tracking](VIS-003.md): Recording references are carried with tracked page context.

## FAQ and troubleshooting

### Why is there no recording reference for this page?

The supported external session cookie may have been absent or unavailable when the page was tracked. Ask Powerfront to check the page context and integration.

### Does a reference mean I can play the recording in INSIDE?

No. The reference capture alone does not provide playback. Availability depends on the external tool and its integration.

### How long will the external recording remain available?

Check the external tool's retention configuration. INSIDE's captured reference does not guarantee the recording's lifetime.