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Printing & Delivery

Printing

Pictor supports direct printing from both the web app and the iPad app, letting you deliver physical prints at live events. This guide walks you through enabling printing, configuring your settings, and managing print jobs from the event gallery. Note: Printing is available on all Pictor plans, including Basic ($49/mo). For DNP printer support, use the free Print Partner App (Mac/PC). Print Partner App The Pictor Print Partner App is a lightweight desktop application that connects Pictor to your printer. It works with a wide range of printers — though we've done our most extensive testing with DNP dye-sublimation printers (DS-RX1, DS620, DS820, etc.) and recommend them for the best results at live events. The app acts as a local bridge, receiving print jobs from Pictor and sending them directly to your connected printer. Download and Install Download the Print Partner App for your operating system: - Windows: Download for Windows - macOS: Download for macOS Installation is straightforward — run the installer, choose a destination folder, and follow the on-screen prompts. No advanced configuration is needed during setup. App Overview Once installed, the Print Partner App has three main sections: - Print Jobs — Shows all print jobs received from Pictor, including their status (queued, printing, completed, or failed). - Devices — Displays detected printers and their connection state. When your printer is connected and configured correctly, it will show as connected here. - Logs — Provides detailed logs for troubleshooting, including connection events, print job processing, and error messages. Important: Always launch the Print Partner App before enabling printing in Pictor. The app needs to be running for Pictor to detect and communicate with your printer. Step 1: Enable Printing on Your Event Open the event you want to configure and navigate to Output Delivery (in the left sidebar or event settings area). Find the Printing option and toggle it on. If the Print Partner App is running on your computer, Pictor will automatically detect the connection — look for a green status indicator confirming the link is active. Make sure to Save your settings before moving on. Add Printing to Your Event Workflow Next, go to your Event Workflow configuration and add Printing as a stage in the workflow (typically the final step). Here you can configure whether printing happens automatically after capture and set the maximum number of print copies allowed per session. Step 2: Select Your Printer After enabling printing, you'll see a list of printers available on your device or network. Select the printer you'd like to use for this event. Commonly used event printers: - DNP dye-sublimation printers (DS-RX1, DS620, DS820) — our most tested and recommended choice for photo booth events. Fast print speeds, high-quality output, and well-supported through the Print Partner App. - HiTi printers — another reliable dye-sub option for on-site printing. - Standard inkjet/laser printers — can be used for proofing or lower-volume events, though dye-sub printers are recommended for professional results. Tip: Install your printer's drivers and verify it prints a test page from your device before the event. This avoids troubleshooting during a live event. Step 3: Configure Paper Size and Layout Under the printing settings, choose your paper size to match the media loaded in your printer. Common sizes include: - 4×6" — standard photo print, most common for events - 5×7" — slightly larger print option - 6×8" / 6×9" — available with compatible DNP printers - 2×6" strips — classic photo strip layout (requires cutter or pre-cut media) Make sure the paper size setting in Pictor matches the actual media loaded in your printer. A mismatch can cause cropping issues or print errors. Step 4: Advanced Settings Pictor includes a few advanced print options that let you fine-tune the experience: Cutter Settings If your printer has a built-in cutter (common on DNP printers), you can enable or disable it from within Pictor. This setting is password-protected on iPad — you'll need to enter your device passcode to change it. Once saved, the cutter preference persists across print jobs for that event. Print Copies You can set the default number of copies per print. For high-traffic events, setting this to 1 helps conserve media. You can always reprint from the gallery if a guest needs an additional copy. Auto-Print When enabled, images are automatically sent to the printer as soon as they're captured — no manual intervention needed. This is ideal for high-volume events where you want every guest to walk away with a print. Step 5: DNP Printer Driver Settings (Advanced) If you're using a DNP printer with the Print Partner App, there are additional driver-level settings you can fine-tune for optimal results. These are accessed by clicking the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the Print Partner App, selecting your printer from the dropdown, then clicking More Settings → Advanced. Paper Size — Must match your booth layout exactly. A mismatch will cause cropping or scaling issues. Copy Count — Control the number of copies from the Pictor app, not the driver. Avoid setting driver-level duplication to prevent double prints. Print Quality — Use High-speed for live events (faster output with excellent quality). Switch to High-quality only for studio or premium print modes where speed isn't critical. ICM Method — Set to ICM Handled by Host System. This lets Windows manage color using the printer's ICC profile for accurate color output. ICM Intent — Set to Pictures. This rendering intent is optimized for photos and preserves skin tones and gradients. Advanced Printing Features — Keep this Enabled. It unlocks optimizations specific to your DNP model (e.g., DS620). Pages per Sheet — Let the Pictor app handle layouts. The driver should print exactly what it receives. Border — Disable borders for edge-to-edge printing. Any borders should be part of your booth design/template, not added by the driver. Overcoat Finish — Choose Glossy for events and parties (vibrant, eye-catching). Use Matte for premium or studio-style booths (softer, more refined look). Print Re-try — Enable this. It's critical for unattended booths — the printer will automatically retry failed prints, preventing lost prints during ribbon hiccups or minor errors. 2-inch Cut — Enable if you are printing 2×6 photo strips. Disable for standard 4×6 prints. Printing from the Gallery You can also print images on demand from the event gallery: 1. Open the event gallery. 2. Select the image you want to print. 3. Tap or click the Print button. If the Save option is enabled, the image will be saved to the gallery before being sent to the print queue. If Save is turned off, the image goes directly to the printer. This is useful for reprinting a guest's photo or printing specific selections from a larger session. Troubleshooting Printing Issues Printer not showing up? - Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the same network as your device (or connected via USB). - If using a DNP printer, confirm the Print Partner App is running and shows the printer as connected in the Devices tab. - On iPad, ensure the printer supports AirPrint or that the appropriate printer app/driver is installed. - Restart the printer and refresh the printer list in Pictor. Prints are cropped or cut off? - Verify the paper size in Pictor matches the media loaded in your printer. - If using the Print Partner App, also check that the Paper Size in the DNP driver settings matches your booth layout. - Check your output resolution — higher-resolution outputs will print more cleanly. - If using a custom overlay or template, ensure the design accounts for safe margins around the print edges. Print quality is poor? - Dye-sublimation printers deliver the best quality for photo booth events. Inkjet printers may produce lower-quality results, especially at speed. - Make sure you're using the correct media for your printer model. - If prints appear washed out, check your image brightness and contrast settings in the workflow. - For DNP printers, verify ICM Intent is set to Pictures in the Print Partner App's advanced settings. Print queue stuck? - Check the Print Jobs tab in the Print Partner App for failed or stuck jobs. - Check your device's print queue (System Preferences → Printers on Mac, or Settings → Printers on Windows). - Clear any stuck jobs and try reprinting from the gallery. - If the issue persists, check the Logs tab in the Print Partner App for error details, then restart both the printer and the app. Tips for Live Events - Launch Print Partner App first. Always start the Print Partner App before enabling printing in Pictor so the connection is ready. - Bring extra media and ribbon. For a 4-hour event, having at least 400 prints' worth of media is a good starting point, though usage varies. - Test print before guests arrive. Run at least 2–3 test prints to verify color, alignment, and cutter settings. - Keep the printer ventilated. Dye-sub printers generate heat — avoid enclosing them in tight spaces. - Save your configuration. After dialing in your Print Partner App and Pictor settings, save everything before the event starts. Use default settings when unsure, and adjust incrementally. - Have a backup plan. Enable digital sharing (QR code, email, text) as a fallback in case of printer issues. You can always reprint later from the gallery. Still Having Issues? If printing isn't working as expected, reach out to us: - Use the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of app.pictor.pro - Email us at support@pictor.pro Include your event name, printer model, and a description of the issue so we can help you faster. If using the Print Partner App, exporting the Logs from the app can help us diagnose the problem quickly.

Getting Started

What are the system requirements to run Pictor?

What are the system requirements to run Pictor? Pictor runs across all major platforms — iPad, iPhone, Android tablets/phones, Mac, PC, and web. Here's what you need for each. iPad & iPhone (Recommended for Live Events) For the best experience capturing photos at live events, we recommend devices with high-resolution front-facing cameras. Minimum iOS version: iOS 12.4 or newer iPad - iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation or newer) - iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation or newer) - iPad Air (4th generation or newer) - iPad (9th generation or newer) - iPad mini (6th generation or newer) iPhone - iPhone 11 or newer Note: Apple frequently releases new models. Any newer iPad or iPhone running iOS 12.4 or later will also work. For the smoothest AI processing, a device with an A13 Bionic chip or later is recommended. Android Tablets & Phones Pictor has a native Android app available on Google Play. It supports most modern Android devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or newer. Recommended specifications: - 4GB+ RAM (8GB recommended for AI processing) - 64GB+ storage - Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or equivalent processor (or newer) - High-resolution front-facing camera (8MP+ recommended) Tip: Android performance can vary across manufacturers. For mission-critical events, we recommend testing Pictor on your Android device before event day. Mac & Windows PC Pictor does not currently have a native Mac or PC desktop app. On these devices, operators run Pictor through the Virtual Booth — no download required, just a modern web browser. Recommended browsers: - Chrome 90+ (best performance) - Safari 15+ (Mac) - Edge 90+ (Windows) - Firefox 90+ Note: JavaScript must be enabled. An internet connection is required. Print Partner App (for DNP Printers) If you are connecting a DNP printer to your setup, there is a separate Pictor Print Partner native app available for download: - Mac: requires macOS 15 (Sequoia) or newer - Windows: requires Windows 10 or newer (64-bit) The Print Partner app is only needed for printer connectivity — it is not required to run the booth itself. Web Browser (app.pictor.pro) You can access the Pictor dashboard from any modern web browser. For the best experience, we recommend: - Chrome 90+ (recommended for best performance) - Safari 15+ (Mac) - Edge 90+ (Windows) - Firefox 90+ JavaScript must be enabled. The dashboard requires an internet connection to manage events, view galleries, and access settings. General Requirements - Internet connection — required for the Pictor dashboard and cloud features. Event capture can operate with intermittent connectivity; uploads sync when reconnected. - Pictor account — free to create at app.pictor.pro. No credit card required. - Stable WiFi or cellular data — recommended for sharing, printing, and AI processing.

Features & How-To

Using Paywall

The Paywall Workflow Stage lets you charge guests directly at the photo booth using a QR code and Stripe Checkout. Ideal for restaurants, event venues, and any pay-per-photo setup — it enables automated, self-service monetization with no manual payment handling required. Requires a Pro or Premium license. Pictor's platform fee is 10% for Pro and 5% for Premium — the remainder goes directly to your Stripe account. How It Works When a guest reaches the Paywall stage in your workflow, a QR code appears on the booth screen. The guest scans it with their phone, completes payment via Stripe Checkout, and the booth automatically continues to the next workflow step — no staff involvement needed. You can place the Paywall stage at the beginning or end of your workflow depending on your use case — collect payment before the photo is taken, or after. Step-by-Step Setup 1. Create an Event 1. Log in to your Pictor account. 2. Create a new Advanced Event. 3. Open the Workflow tab. 2. Add the Paywall Stage 1. Click the + (Plus) icon in your workflow. 2. Select Paywall from the stage list. 3. Connect Your Stripe Account 1. Click Connect Stripe inside the Paywall section. 2. Log in to your existing Stripe account or create a new one. ⚠️ The Stripe account must use the same email as your Pictor account. 3. Once connected, your account will appear as Connected. 4. Set Your Price 1. Enter the price guests will pay per session. 2. The platform fee is deducted automatically — the remainder is deposited to your Stripe account. 5. Customize the QR Code Display (Optional) Use the paintbrush/design tools within the Paywall stage to customize the QR code display — colors and styling can be adjusted to match your event branding. 6. Finalize Workflow & Launch 1. Add remaining workflow stages (e.g., Capture → Print → Share). 2. Save your event. 3. Launch it on your iPad or mobile device — a unique QR code will appear for guests to scan. Guest Experience 1. Guest approaches the booth and sees the QR code on screen. 2. They scan it with their phone — Stripe Checkout opens. 3. They complete payment on their phone. 4. The booth detects the successful transaction and automatically continues to the next workflow step. Platform Fees | Plan | Pictor Fee | You Keep | | -------- | -------------- | ------------ | | Pro | 10% | 90% | | Premium | 5% | 95% |

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Troubleshooting: Sharing Station Issues

If your Sharing Station isn't displaying images or videos correctly, this guide will help you troubleshoot the most common issues. Images Appear as "Ghost" or Placeholder Thumbnails If images on the Sharing Station look faded, blank, or show as ghost-like placeholders that never fully load: 1. Check your internet connection. The Sharing Station requires a stable internet connection to pull images from the cloud. Test connectivity on the Sharing Station device by opening a web browser. 2. Wait for cloud processing to complete. If your event uses AI effects or cloud-based rendering, a temporary placeholder image is displayed while the final output is being generated. This is normal — the final image should replace the placeholder automatically within a few moments. 3. Refresh the Sharing Station. Go back to the Event Settings page and click the Sharing Station button in the Control Panel at the bottom of the page to relaunch it. This forces the gallery to reload and pull the latest content. 4. Check that the event is still running. The Sharing Station pulls sessions from the active event. Make sure the main booth event has not been stopped or paused — you can confirm this on the dashboard where live events show a green dot. 5. Restart the Sharing Station device. If the issue persists, restart the iPad or tablet running the station, then relaunch the Sharing Station from the Pictor dashboard. Videos Not Showing on the Sharing Station If photos appear on the Sharing Station but videos are missing: 1. Confirm video rendering is complete. Videos take longer to process than photos, especially with AI effects applied. You can check the Generated Media count in the Control Panel on the Event Settings page — if it's still incrementing, processing is ongoing. 2. Check your event type. Ensure you are running an Advanced event (shown as a blue "ADVANCED" badge on your event card). Simple events may have limited video support. 3. Verify your license level. Video features and the Sharing Station both require a Pro-level license or higher. The Sharing Station toggle in Output Delivery shows a "Pro" badge — if your license doesn't cover Pro features, it won't work. 4. Refresh the Sharing Station. Relaunch the Sharing Station from the Control Panel on the Event Settings page. No Sessions Appearing on the Sharing Station If the Sharing Station gallery is completely empty: 1. Confirm the main booth is actively capturing. Sessions only appear on the Sharing Station after guests complete a session. Check the Virtual Session and Physical Session counts in the Control Panel on the Event Settings page. 2. Verify the Sharing Station is enabled. Click Output in the left sidebar of your event → scroll down to find SHARING STATION (marked with a "Pro" badge) → confirm the toggle is set to On. 3. Make sure both devices are on the same event. The Sharing Station must be launched from the same event that the main booth is running. Each event has a unique Event Code shown on the Event Settings page. 4. Check your internet connection on both the main booth device and the Sharing Station device. Sharing Methods Not Working If guests can see their images but sharing (email, text, AirDrop, etc.) isn't working: 1. Verify sharing methods are enabled. Click Output in the left sidebar of your event settings. Check that the sharing methods you want (email, SMS, download, etc.) are toggled on. 2. Check your email/SMS configuration. If email or text sharing isn't working, ensure your messaging settings are properly configured with valid sender information. See our Email and Text Message Sharing guide. 3. Test with a different sharing method. If one method fails, try another to isolate whether it's a method-specific issue or a broader connectivity problem. Still Having Issues? If none of the above steps resolve your problem, contact our support team through the chat widget on this page or email support@pictor.pro. Please include: - Your Event Code (found on the Event Settings page, e.g., "VC5MVG") - The device(s) you're using for the Sharing Station - A screenshot or description of the issue - Your session counts from the Control Panel (Virtual Sessions, Physical Sessions, Generated Media)

Features & How-To

Background Removal Guide

📹 Watch the video tutorial Pictor provides built-in background removal for both standard captures and AI outputs. This article explains how background removal works, how to enable it, and what options are available. Overview Background removal allows you to remove the background from a captured photo or an AI-generated image. You can then place the cut-out subject onto custom designs, graphics, or layered compositions inside the Pictor template editor. Pictor supports: - Background removal on original photos - Background removal on AI output images - On-device (free) background removal - Premium cloud-based background removal (Pro license required) Background Removal Types 1. On-Device Background Removal (Free) - Runs directly on the device - Works without an internet connection - Uses no tokens - Activated automatically when the device is offline - Good for fast, simple cutouts 2. Premium Background Removal (Cloud) - Higher-accuracy AI model - Requires a Pro license - Uses tokens - Recommended for client-facing activations or detailed portrait work Quick Start: Step-by-Step Guide Follow these steps to set up background removal in your event: Step 1: Create a New Event - Navigate to your events. - Select Create a New Event. - Ensure it is an Advanced Event. - Name the event (e.g., 'Background Removal'). Step 2: Configure Event Settings - Set up your event settings as needed. - For this example, we skip detailed settings. Step 3: Access the Flow Section - Go to the Flow section of your event. Step 4: Add a Template - Choose to add a new template. - Select any size for the template (e.g., 1:1 ratio). Step 5: Add Background Removal Effect - In the template, add an effect to remove the background. - This will allow the output to have a cut-out effect. Step 6: Incorporate AI Filter (Optional) - Select an AI filter for your output. - Use a prompt to guide the AI in processing the image. Step 7: Adjust Output Settings - Ensure the background removal effect is applied to the output. - You can drag and resize images as needed. Step 8: Review the Output - After processing, check the output images: - One should be a regular image cut-out. - The other should be the AI output cut-out. Enable Background Removal on a Capture Photo 1. Open your event template. 2. Add a Capture component (or select an existing one). 3. Go to Effects → Remove Background. 4. Choose Free or Premium background removal. 5. Arrange your capture layer above any backgrounds or graphics. Once enabled, Pictor will remove the background immediately after each photo is taken. Using Multiple Captures With Background Removal Pictor supports multiple capture components within one template. Each capture can have its own background removal setting. Examples: - Layer two different poses of the guest - Apply blend modes - Create double-exposures or artistic overlays To set this up: 1. Add multiple Capture components. 2. Enable Remove Background on each capture you want processed. 3. Arrange layers as needed under Layers Panel. 4. (Optional) Apply blend modes such as Multiply for style effects. Using Background Removal With AI Output Background removal can also be applied to images generated from Pictor's AI tools. To enable: 1. Add an AI Output component. 2. Select an AI prompt or style. 3. Duplicate AI outputs if you want multiple variations. 4. Select an AI output layer. 5. Go to Effects → Remove Background. 6. Enable Premium or Free background removal. Notes: - AI images must finish rendering before background removal completes. - Each AI output layer can have separate background removal settings. Previewing and Testing - Background removal can be tested in Simulator Mode. - If you do not have a Pro license, a message will appear indicating a Pro license is required for premium removal. - On-device removal works in both simulation and live mode when offline. Output Results After processing, you will see: - Original photo with background removed - AI output with background removed (if enabled) - Additional AI variations (if you created multiples) Each output is saved separately inside the event's Sessions panel. When to Use Background Removal Background removal is especially useful for: - Greenless green screen - Themed scenes and branded environments - AI-enhanced portraits - Collages and double exposures - Layered compositions - Events with limited physical backdrops Requirements - Premium removal: Pro license + tokens - On-device removal: No license or tokens required - AI output removal: Requires AI features enabled in your plan Need Help? If you have questions or need assistance, reach out via the chat widget on app.pictor.pro or email support@pictor.pro.

Features & How-To

Creating an AI Video

📹 Watch the video tutorial ⭐ Premium Feature: AI Video is a Premium feature. To run AI Video events live, you need a valid Premium license ($149/mo). You can test AI Video in the Simulator on any plan. Pictors new AI Video tool brings cinematic, AI-generated videos directly into your event workflows. Instead of only producing AI stills, you can now generate full AI motion sequences, stitch together multiple AI scenes, add overlays, and build multi-clip video stories right inside your existing Pictor event templates. This guide will walk you through: - Creating your first AI Video event - Using pre-existing AI prompts - Adjusting layers, timeline, and clip duration - Understanding automatic camera motion - Testing your flow in the Simulator - Building advanced, multi-scene commercial-style videos - Using overlays, blend modes, and parallel rendering 1. Creating a New Event 1. In your Pictor dashboard, select Create Event. 2. Name your event (example: AI Video). 3. Under the Flow tab > Choose Experience > Add Template 4. Choose your AI Video template format: - 1:1 (Square) - 16:9 (Cinema landscape) - 9:16 (Vertical video) Note: AI Video currently supports these three formats only. 2. Adding Your First AI Video Capture 1. Create a new template. 2. Add a Capture to your template. 3. The output type should be selected as static. 4. Press the + button after Effects and select AI Video. 5. Select any existing AI prompt - your previous prompts automatically work for video. ⚠️ Note on Reference Images: If your prompt includes a reference image (added via the @ tag), that reference should only appear in the image prompt — not in the video prompt. Including a reference image in both sections can cause unexpected output issues. If youre reusing an existing prompt for video, remove the @ reference from the video prompt field before saving. Automatic Camera Movement If your prompt doesnt include video instructions, Pictor adds a default slow cinematic camera motion. You can customize this later to shape the feel of the video. 3. Positioning, Layering & Timeline Management After selecting a prompt: - Your AI Output will appear in the template. - Place the clip where you want - Go to Layers to reorder (e.g., put the capture above/below the AI result). Timeline Matching If: - AI Video = 5 seconds - Capture = 8 seconds …set your timeline to 5 seconds for a clean output. Name the template and save. 4. Testing with the Simulator No need for an iPad. You can test everything inside the Simulator: 1. Click Simulate. 2. Take a photo. 3. Answer any prompt questions (example: "Choose your favorite color"). 4. The capture uploads and begins rendering. Render Times - AI Stills: ~37 seconds on average - AI Videos: 1–2 minutes per video - Stitching happens after the video render completes Once processed, it appears in Sessions → View Output. 5. Creating Advanced Multi-Scene AI Videos You can build multi-scene videos like a real commercial: Example: During the Super Bowl, someone scans a QR code, takes a selfie, and receives a branded multi-cut AI commercial featuring themselves. Steps to Build a Multi-Scene Template 1. Create a new template (1:1, 16:9, or 9:16). 2. Add Capture 1 → AI Video Output 1 3. Add Capture 2 → AI Video Output 2 4. Set timeline long enough (e.g., 10 seconds). 5. Hide captures so only the AI results appear. 6. Arrange clips side-by-side on the timeline like iMovie: - Scene 1 → Scene 1 AI Output - Scene 2 → Scene 2 AI Output This flow stitches the videos together into one seamless final video. 6. Adding Overlays & Video Effects Pictor supports video overlays and blend modes similar to Photoshop. Examples from the demo include: - White Flash Transition - Paparazzi Strobe Effect - Light leaks - Texture overlays How to Add an Overlay Video 1. Add a Video Asset to your template. 2. Resize to match canvas (e.g. 1080 × 1080). 3. Add a Blend Mode like Screen. Screen Mode Behavior: - Dark areas become invisible - Bright areas (white flashes, light streaks, strobes) stay visible Perfect for: - Flash transitions - Stylized commercial effects - Texture overlays - Strobe/paparazzi moments 7. Parallel Rendering (Huge Speed Advantage) Pictors AI system renders multiple scenes at the same time. Example: - Scene 1 AI Video = ~1 minute - Scene 2 AI Video = ~1 minute Instead of taking 2 minutes, they render in parallel, then stitch: - Total time ≈ 1 minute + stitching - Not 2 minutes. This keeps multi-scene videos fast and event-friendly. 8. Reviewing Your Final Output After both scenes finish: 1. Go to Sessions 2. Click View Output 3. Youll see: - Scene 1 AI Video - Video overlay effects - Scene 2 AI Video - Combined final stitched video You can now test, adjust prompts, modify overlays, or rebuild shots to shape the final story. 9. Summary Pictors AI Video tool lets you create: - Single-shot AI videos - Multi-scene commercials - Branded video stories - Dynamic overlays & blend-mode effects - Full cinematic sequences stitched automatically Whether youre building: - A sponsored activation - A music-video style output - A sports commercial - A narrative with A-roll/B-roll - Or an entire branded campaign …AI Video gives you full creative control inside a photo booth workflow. Related Articles - Billing & Licensing — Complete Guide — understand plan tiers and features - Pictor Pricing — compare Basic, Pro, and Premium plans