# Set up a server-side conversion pixel

**Category:** [Ad Manager](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/ads-1)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## What a pixel does

A server-side pixel lets you send conversion events — such as purchases or sign-ups — to Ad Manager directly from your own server, rather than relying only on browser tracking. This is more reliable and gives you control over what data is shared.
## Create a pixel

- Open the **Pixels** page and create a new pixel with a **name**.
- Open the pixel's detail page to find its unique **collector URL** and a ready-to-use snippet.

## Send events

Your server sends events to the collector URL as JSON. The only required field is `event_name`. You can also include:

- `event_time` — defaults to now if omitted.
- `event_id` — a key used for **deduplication**, so the same event sent twice is only counted once.
- `value` and `currency` — for purchase events.
- `source_url`, `custom_data`, and `user_data` (such as email or phone).

## How personal data is handled

Any customer details you pass in `user_data` — email, phone, first and last name — are **hashed** (SHA-256) before they're stored. Raw emails and phone numbers are never kept in plain text.
## Check it's working

The pixel detail page lists recent events as they arrive, so you can confirm your integration is sending data correctly. Only **active** pixels accept events; an inactive or unknown pixel is rejected.

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## Related Articles

- [Manage and control campaigns](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/manage-campaigns)
- [Connect an ad platform](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/connect-an-ad-platform)
- [Ad Manager overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/ad-manager-overview)
- [Build and sync custom audiences](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/build-and-sync-audiences)
- [Connecting and Managing Ad Accounts](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/connecting-and-managing-ad-accounts)

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