Features & How-To

18 articles E By Eve Martin

Guides for every Pictor feature — AI, templates, sharing, and more.

White Label Setup

📹 Watch the video tutorial What Is White Label? White labeling lets you replace all Pictor branding with your own. Your virtual booth will run on your custom domain (e.g. booth.yourcompany.com), and all delivery emails will be sent from your own email address via your SendGrid account. Once set up, your clients and guests will see your branded domain, sender name, sender email, logo, and colors instead of Pictor branding. Important: White labeling is account-wide, not per event. Once set up, your custom domain and sender email will apply across all your Pictor events. Video Tutorial ▶ How to Set Up White Label Branding in Pictor.pro (Custom Domain, Logo, Dropbox + SendGrid Tutorial) Requirements - Enterprise plan ($1,500/year) — white labeling is an Enterprise-only feature. Contact [email protected] to get set up. - A domain you control, , such as yourcompany.com - Access to your domain’s DNS settings - A SendGrid account - Access to the Whitelabel page in Pictor White Label is an Enterprise-only feature. Contact [email protected] if you need help getting access. Setup Overview White Label setup has three main parts: 1. Set up your custom booth domain. 2. Set up SendGrid for branded email delivery. 3. Configure your branding in the Whitelabel page. Once White Label access is enabled on your account, you can complete the setup directly from the Whitelabel page in Pictor. image-20260520-132211.png The Whitelabel page is where you enter your custom domain, check SSL status, and configure branding options. Step 1 — Set Up Your Custom Domain (DNS) Log in to your domain/DNS provider e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare and add the following DNS record: | Type | Name / Host | Value / Points To | TTL | | ----- | ------------------------------------ | ----------------- | ------------ | | CNAME | Your chosen subdomain (e.g. booth) | app.pictor.pro | 3600 or Auto | For example, if you want your booth URL to be booth.yourcompany.com, set the Name field to booth. DNS propagation usually takes 15 minutes to 2 hours, but it can vary depending on your DNS provider. Already have Snappic or other services on your domain? No problem — just use a different subdomain prefix for Pictor (e.g. booth instead of photos). Step 2 — Enter Your Custom Domain in Pictor After adding the CNAME record, go to the Whitelabel page in Pictor and enter your custom domain. Example: booth.yourcompany.com Save your settings. The Whitelabel page will show the SSL provisioning status for your custom domain. If the SSL status shows as not valid, check that: - The CNAME record was added correctly. - The CNAME points to app.pictor.pro. - DNS propagation has completed. - The custom domain was entered correctly in the Whitelabel page. If the SSL status still does not validate after DNS has propagated, contact Pictor support for help. image-20260520-132938.png After entering the custom domain, the Whitelabel page displays the SSL provisioning status. Step 3 — Set Up SendGrid for Email Sending To have delivery emails come from your domain, you need a SendGrid account: 1. Go to sendgrid.com and create a free account 2. Follow SendGrid's Sender Authentication . 3. Add the DNS records SendGrid provides to your DNS provider. 4. Wait for SendGrid to verify your domain. 5. Go to Settings → API Keys → Create API Key, select Full Access, and copy the generated key 6. Enter your SendGrid details in the Whitelabel page in Pictor. SendGrid sender domain verification can take up to 24–48 hours. If you have a tight deadline, start this step as early as possible. image-20260520-133747.png SendGrid provides DNS records that need to be added in your DNS provider before email sending can be verified. Step 4 — Configure Branding in Pictor In the Whitelabel page, configure your branding options. You can set: - Title - Company logo - Primary color - Secondary color - Background color - Inner background color - Success color - Danger color - Other brand color settings available on the page Upload a logo that follows the recommended size and file type shown in the Whitelabel page. After updating your branding, save your settings. Step 5 — Final Testing Check that: - Your custom booth URL loads correctly. - The URL uses HTTPS. - The virtual booth opens without browser security warnings. - Camera access works. - Your logo and brand colors display correctly. - Delivery emails send successfully. - Emails show your sender name and sender email. - Email links open correctly. Troubleshooting My custom booth domain does not load Check that: - The CNAME record was added correctly. - The CNAME points to app.pictor.pro. - DNS propagation has completed. - The custom domain was entered correctly in the Whitelabel page. - The Whitelabel page was saved after entering the domain. SSL status shows as not valid Check that: - Your CNAME record points to app.pictor.pro. - DNS propagation has completed. - Your custom domain was entered without typos. - You entered the full subdomain, for example booth.yourcompany.com. If the SSL status still does not validate after DNS propagation, contact Pictor support. My browser blocks camera access Verify that your custom booth URL uses HTTPS. Camera access may be blocked if the domain is not secure. SendGrid DNS records are showing a conflict This usually means a similar DNS record already exists on your domain. This can happen if you already use another email provider, another SendGrid account, Snappic, or another white-label tool. Recommended approach: - Do not delete existing records unless you know what service uses them. - Try authenticating a subdomain in SendGrid, such as booth.yourcompany.com. - Copy the records exactly as SendGrid provides them. - Add them in the correct DNS provider for your domain. SendGrid verification is not completing Check that: - The DNS records were copied correctly. - The records were added to the correct DNS provider. - Your DNS provider did not duplicate the domain name. - Enough time has passed for DNS propagation. - Sender/domain authentication is verified in SendGrid. Need Help? Contact us at [email protected] and we'll walk you through the setup.

What are the prerequisites for using the AI trading card feature in Pictor.pro?

What are the prerequisites for using the AI trading card feature in Pictor.pro? The AI trading card feature in Pictor.pro allows users to create customized trading cards using AI-generated images. To access and use this feature, there are specific prerequisites that must be met. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand these requirements and how to fulfill them. Overview of the AI Trading Card Feature The trading card feature enables users to design and customize trading cards with AI-generated images. This feature is ideal for creating unique, personalized cards for various purposes, such as gaming, collectibles, or personal projects. Prerequisites for Using the Trading Card Feature To use the AI trading card feature, you need to meet the following requirements: 1. Tokens for AI Image Generation - Tokens are required to generate AI images for your trading cards. Each card you create will consume a certain number of tokens. Ensure you have enough tokens in your account to proceed with the customization process. 2. Plan Upgrade - Access to the trading card feature may require you to upgrade your current plan. If you are on a basic or free plan, you will need to switch to a plan that includes this feature. Steps to Meet These Prerequisites Follow these steps to ensure you can use the trading card feature: 1. Check Your Token Balance - Log in to your Pictor.pro account and navigate to the token management section to verify your token balance. Purchase additional tokens if necessary. 2. Upgrade Your Plan - Review the available plans on the Pictor.pro pricing page. Select a plan that includes the trading card feature and complete the upgrade process. By meeting these prerequisites, you can unlock the full potential of the AI trading card feature and start creating your customized designs. For further assistance, please refer to the Pictor.pro Help Center or contact our support team.

What is the process and time required to create trading cards on Pictor.pro?

What is the process and time required to create trading cards on Pictor.pro? Creating trading cards on Pictor.pro involves a streamlined process that leverages AI technology for efficiency and customization. Below is an overview of the process and the time required for each step. Overview of the Trading Card Creation Process 1. Photo Capture: A photo of the individual is taken using a photo booth or camera setup. 2. AI Processing: The captured photo is processed using Pictor.pro's AI technology to prepare it for the trading card template. 3. Customization and Finalization: The processed photo is integrated into the trading card template, and any additional customizations are applied. 4. Sharing or Printing: The final trading card is either shared digitally or printed using a connected printer. Time Estimates for Each Step - Photo Processing: Photos generally take 30-90 seconds to process using Pictor.pro's AI technology. - Overall Workflow: The entire process, including photo capture, AI processing, and finalization, takes approximately 45 seconds to 3 minutes per person. This results in an estimated output of 35-45 trading cards per hour when using one photo booth and one printer. Factors Affecting the Overall Time Required Several factors can influence the time required to create trading cards: - Setup Efficiency: The speed and efficiency of the photo booth and printer setup can impact the overall workflow. - Customization Complexity: Additional customizations or edits to the trading card template may increase the time required. - Volume of Requests: High demand or multiple users may affect the processing time per card. By understanding these steps and time estimates, users can better plan their trading card creation activities on Pictor.pro.

Can Pictor create baseball cards?

With a Pictor Pro account, you can turn ordinary photos into something extraordinary using the power of AI. In just a few clicks using our Discovery tab, you can transform your guests into professional baseball stars - complete with personalized jersey numbers, names and more! Note that this feature is available exclusively on the Pro plan. Our software will make them look like they just stepped onto the field. Whether you're running a photo booth at a sports event, hosting a themed party, or just looking to wow your guests with unique keepsakes, creating custom baseball cards has never been easier (or more fun!). Generating these cards requires tokens, with simple customizations using 2-5 tokens per image and larger events potentially requiring more. Check out this tutorial on how to create baseball cards with Pictor.

Choosing Your Experience: Simple Mode vs. Template Editor

📹 Watch the video tutorial When setting up an event in Pictor, you will choose how you want to configure the photo booth experience. This is done through the Choose Experience stage in your event workflow — and it is where you decide between two approaches: Simple Mode and Template Editor. Where to Find It Navigate to your event, then open the workflow and select the Choose Experience stage. This is the central place where your experience configuration is defined and saved. Whatever you set here determines exactly how your booth behaves when the event goes live. Path: Event → Workflow → Choose Experience Simple Mode Simple Mode is designed for fast, guided setup. Instead of building from scratch, you select from a set of predefined options that Pictor walks you through — great when you want to get up and running quickly without a lot of manual configuration. Best for: Quick setups, straightforward events, or when you want Pictor to handle the structure for you. When using Simple Mode, you must complete the following before saving: - Aspect Ratio — Select at least one. Available options: 1:1 (square), 4:3 (standard), 3:4 (portrait), 16:9 (widescreen), 9:16 (vertical), 2:3 (portrait print). - Output Type — Select at least one. Options: GIF, Boomerang, Video, AI Image, AI Video. Each output type changes what the booth captures and delivers to guests. - AI Prompts — Required if any AI output type (AI Image or AI Video) is enabled. Select at least one prompt to apply. Pictor validates these requirements at save-time — you will not be able to save until all required fields are filled in. Plan availability by output type: | Output Type | Plan Required | Notes | |---|---|---| | GIF / Boomerang | All plans | Basic, Pro, Premium | | Video | Premium | Live event video capture | | AI Image | All plans | Token costs apply (1 token/output) | | AI Video | Premium | Token costs apply (10 tokens/output) | Note: Video capture and AI Video require a Premium plan ($149/mo). GIF and Boomerang are available on all plans. AI token costs (per output): - AI Image preview generation — 1 token - AI Video generation — 10 tokens Template Editor Template Editor gives you full control over the experience. You build and manage templates directly, customizing the structure, behavior, and layout in detail — ideal for complex setups, branded experiences, or events with specific requirements. Best for: Advanced configurations, heavily customized events, or when you need precise control over how the experience looks and behaves. Each template in Template Editor includes the following fields: - Title — The name displayed for the template. - Subtitle — A short secondary label shown beneath the title. - Body HTML — Custom HTML content rendered inside the template. - Allow Search — Toggle that enables guests to search for this template by name at the booth. - Visibility toggles — Control where the template appears (e.g., in the booth kiosk, in sharing flows, etc.). - Preview Mode — Shows a live preview of how the template will render for guests. - Export Mode — Configures the export format and output behavior for this template. Template actions: Each template supports the following actions from its card in the Template Editor: - Set as Thumbnail — Sets this template as the visual thumbnail shown for the experience. - Use Prompt Settings — Applies the AI prompt configuration from this template across the experience. - Delete — Removes the template from the experience. Organizing templates: You can drag and drop templates to reorder them, and organize them into folders for easier management when you have a large number of templates. Switching Between Modes You can switch between Simple Mode and Template Editor at any time within the Choose Experience stage. When you switch, the interface updates to reflect the selected approach. Make sure to configure and save your settings after switching — only the saved configuration is what runs at your event. Note: Simple Mode and Template Editor are two ways of configuring the same experience. They do not create separate flows — whichever one you have saved is what runs. Pre-Registration Pre-registration uses the same configuration you set in the Choose Experience stage. There is nothing extra to configure — if you are using Simple Mode, your pre-registration flow follows Simple Mode behavior, and the same applies for Template Editor. The experience your guests see during pre-registration reflects whatever is currently saved in Choose Experience. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use both Simple Mode and Template Editor for the same event? No — only one approach can be active at a time. The configuration you save is what Pictor uses at runtime. What happens if I switch modes partway through setup? The interface will update, but your previous configuration will not carry over automatically. You will need to configure and save the new approach before it takes effect. Does the mode I choose affect pre-registration? Yes — pre-registration automatically follows whichever mode you have configured and saved in the Choose Experience stage. I saved my configuration but nothing seems to have changed — what should I check? Make sure you saved after making your selection in the Choose Experience stage. Unsaved changes are not applied at runtime. What aspect ratios are available in Simple Mode? 1:1 (square), 4:3 (standard), 3:4 (portrait), 16:9 (widescreen), 9:16 (vertical), and 2:3 (portrait print). You must select at least one before saving. Do I need AI prompts configured to use AI Image or AI Video? Yes — if you enable AI Image or AI Video as an output type in Simple Mode, you must also select at least one AI prompt. Pictor will block saving until this is set. What plans include Video capture? Video capture (including live event video) requires a Premium plan ($149/mo). GIF and Boomerang are available on all plans. What is AI Video and why cannot I enable it? AI Video is a Premium feature. It requires an active Premium plan. If you do not see it as an available output type or cannot enable it, check your plan level. How many tokens does AI Image or AI Video use? AI Image preview generation costs 1 token per output. AI Video generation costs 10 tokens per output. Can I reorder templates in Template Editor? Yes — templates can be dragged and dropped to reorder them. You can also organize them into folders if you have many templates to manage. What does "Set as Thumbnail" do in Template Editor? It sets that template as the visual thumbnail representing the experience — the image shown when browsing or selecting experiences.

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% |

Custom AI Prompts

The Custom AI Prompts section is where you create and manage the AI prompts that power your photo booth experiences. Access it from Side Navigation → Custom AI Prompts. Requires a Pro or higher license. For a quick video walkthrough: 🎥 Pictor Prompt Builder Tutorial Page Structure The Custom AI Prompts page has three sections: - Custom Prompts – create and manage your saved prompts - Generated Previews – review images and videos generated from your prompts - References – manage visual reference assets (logos, objects, styles) 1. Custom Prompts This section lists all your saved prompts and lets you create new ones. Available actions: search prompts, open Prompt Builder to create a new prompt, edit an existing prompt, delete an existing prompt. 2. Prompt Builder The Prompt Builder is a two-panel modal: left side for configuration, right side for generated previews. You can access it by clicking the Prompt Builder button, or by editing an existing prompt. Basic Setup - Prompt Name — identifies the prompt in the Custom Prompts list - Test Image — required to generate previews; used as the base input for testing - Aspect Ratio — appears after selecting a test image; controls how the generated result is framed (e.g. 1:1, 16:9, 9:16) - Thumbnail — represents the prompt after saving; can also be selected from a generated preview Prompt Text The main field used for image generation. It can combine: - Static text - Reference tokens (e.g. @4289032) — each token should be used only once - Survey tokens (e.g. ##{{answer}}, ##{{answer2}}) — dynamically replaced with user answers Video Prompt A separate field for video generation. Lets you define different instructions for video output compared to image generation, so both can be controlled independently within the same prompt. References Click the + icon to add references from your saved References library. Each selected reference appears as a token. Important: the token must be included in the Prompt Text — adding a reference in the builder alone is not enough for it to be applied. Survey Questions Enable using the toggle. Survey questions collect user input at the booth and inject it dynamically into the prompt. Each question includes: title, question text, a token, required option, answer options, and a default answer. Token mapping is automatic: - Question 1 → ##{{answer}} - Question 2 → ##{{answer2}} - Question 3 → ##{{answer3}} Tokens must be placed in the Prompt Text. Always set a default answer — it's used during preview generation and when no user input is provided. Generating Previews Click Generate Image (1 token) for the first generation. After that, quality options unlock: - Low — 1 token - High — 2 tokens For video generation, select token level: - 5 tokens / 10 tokens / 15 tokens Generation uses your test image, prompt text, references, and survey default values. Working with Generated Previews Each generated preview in the builder supports three actions: - Set as Thumbnail — uses the generated image as the prompt thumbnail - Use Prompt Settings — reapplies the configuration used for that result back into the builder, so you can recreate or refine it - Delete — removes the preview Saving the Prompt Click Save to store the prompt. It will appear in the Custom Prompts list and can be edited at any time. 3. Generated Previews This section displays all images and videos generated from your saved prompts, so you can review results across all prompts in one place. Key elements: - Prompt Selector — dropdown to filter by a specific prompt - Preview Grid — shows generated images and videos with quality level and generation time - Show Test Image — toggle to switch between the original test image and the AI output - Only Failed Toggle — filter to show only failed generations - Refresh Button — reload the previews list Clicking a preview opens the associated prompt directly. 4. References References are reusable visual assets (logos, objects, or styles) that can be added to prompts to guide AI generation. When creating a reference, you can add a title, description, and up to 4 images. Available actions: create, edit, or delete references. How It All Works Together - References are created here and then added inside prompts via tokens - Custom Prompts define how content is generated, combining text, video prompt, references, and survey questions - Generated Previews show results from those prompts so you can review and refine before going live Using a Custom Prompt in an Event 1. Open your event and press Edit (or create a new event). 2. Click Flow. 3. Navigate to AI Settings. 4. Click Choose a Prompt. 5. Select Custom at the top and choose your saved prompt. Prompt Writing Guide Use this framework to build rich, detailed prompts: | | | | --- | --- | | Category | Description & Examples | | Prompt Name | Theme title: "Game Day Glory", "Cyber Hero", "Festival Vibes" | | Test Image | Clear, well-lit photo of a person with visible face | | Adjectives | Stoic, joyful, fierce, mysterious, majestic, heroic, bold, elegant | | Subject | Football player, superhero, astronaut, fashion model, warrior, chef | | Action | Posing for a portrait, celebrating a victory, holding a trophy, walking through smoke | | Setting | Football stadium, city skyline at night, enchanted forest, sci-fi control room | | Lighting | Magic hour, cinematic glow, moody shadows, glowing neon, soft natural light | | Style | Hyper-real, cartoon, comic book, vintage photo, watercolor, pop art, Pixar-style | | Specific Details | Holding a football, wearing gold aviators, confetti falling, cape billowing in the wind | FAQ & Troubleshooting What's the difference between Prompt Text and Video Prompt? Prompt Text is used for image generation. Video Prompt is used for video generation with separate instructions. You can control how images and videos are generated independently within the same prompt. Do I need to use reference tokens in the prompt text? Yes — adding a reference in the builder is not enough. Its token must be included in the Prompt Text, otherwise it won't be applied to the generated result. Each reference token should be used only once. What happens if a survey question has no answer? The default answer is used. If no default is set, the prompt may generate incorrectly or produce incomplete results. Always set a default answer for every survey question. Preview is not generating - Make sure a test image is uploaded - Ensure Prompt Text is filled - Check that tokens are correctly written (@ref, ##{{answer}}) - Verify you have enough tokens available References are not appearing in the result - Check that the reference token is included in the Prompt Text - Make sure the token is not duplicated - Ensure the reference is selected in the References section Generated result is not as expected - Adjust the Prompt Text for more clarity - Reposition or refine reference tokens - Try a different quality level (Low/High for images, different token level for video) - Use Use Prompt Settings on a previous result to recreate that configuration and iterate from there

Using Pictor with a DSLR

The DSLR feature allows operators to connect a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera directly to Pictor, delivering high-quality images with full manual control over exposure, focus, and color. Requires a Pro or higher license. How It Works The DSLR feature has two independent configuration layers: - Preview Settings — control how the camera behaves during live view. Changes are visible in real time and optimized for responsiveness. - Capture Settings — control how the final photo is taken. Applied only at the moment of capture and may differ from what you see in preview. The system automatically switches between the two. This is why the preview can look different from the final image — they are intentionally separate. 1. Accessing DSLR Settings 1. Open the desired Event in your Pictor dashboard. 2. Navigate to the Devices section. 3. When a DSLR is connected via USB, it appears in the device list (e.g. Canon EOS 400D — Detected). At this stage the camera is detected but not yet active. 4. Toggle the camera ON to enable it. Initialization After enabling, the system initializes the camera and loads its supported settings. This may take a few seconds — wait until the camera is fully ready before adjusting settings. Settings become available progressively during this phase. 2. DSLR Settings Overview ⚠ Important: Available settings vary by camera manufacturer and model. Pictor dynamically shows only options supported by the connected camera. Recommended starting point: Set Exposure Mode → M (Manual). Manual mode unlocks full control of ISO, Shutter, Aperture, and more. Preview Settings (Live View) Control how the camera behaves during live preview. Adjustable settings include: - Exposure Mode — controls whether you or the camera manages exposure - ISO — sensor sensitivity; higher ISO = brighter but more noise - Aperture (f-stop) — depth of field and light entry; lower f-stop = more blur + brighter image - Shutter Speed — how long light hits the sensor; faster = sharper images - Exposure — overall image brightness - Image Quality — resolution and format (varies by model) - White Balance — corrects lighting color automatically or manually - Color Temp (Kelvin) — fine-tune white balance for warmer or cooler tones Autofocus controls (in Preview Settings): - Size of one focus step - Pause between focus steps - Focus Time — set to the lowest value for faster, smoother capture experience - Autofocus during countdown — enables continuous autofocus until capture; recommended when guests move frequently - Autofocus during capture Click Start Live View to see the camera feed in real time. Changes to Preview Settings are reflected immediately. Capture Settings Define how the camera behaves when the photo is actually taken. These settings are applied only during capture and control the final image output. They may differ from Preview Settings — always take a test photo to confirm the result before going live. 3. Assigning DSLR to Templates Each template must be told which camera source to use. 1. Open your template in the Capture Configure section. 2. Locate Camera Source and select DSLR Camera (e.g. Canon EOS 400D). 3. Save the template, then save the event. 4. Launching the Event When you start the event: - The DSLR automatically initializes and switches into Live View - Preview Settings control how the image appears during the guest experience - Capture Settings are applied when the photo is taken 5. Adjusting Settings During the Event Camera settings can be changed while the event is running without stopping it. Triple tap on the right side of the screen to open DSLR settings. Both Preview and Capture Settings can be updated and changes apply immediately. 6. Troubleshooting Camera stops responding after changing settings Usually caused by a dropped USB connection or camera freezing during Live View. Fix: Turn the camera off → wait 2 seconds → turn back on to reset the camera state. Live View not showing Check the following: - DSLR is toggled ON in Devices - USB cable is firmly connected - Camera is not in video mode - Camera is not switch-locked Some settings are greyed out or disabled Cause: Camera is not in Manual (M) mode, or the setting isn't supported by your camera model. Fix: Set Exposure Mode → M to unlock full control. The system only shows settings supported by the connected camera. Preview is dark when using flash Preview does not reflect flash output — the camera preview shows available ambient light only. External flash is applied only during capture. The final image will appear brighter than the preview. Autofocus is inconsistent Focus behavior depends on autofocus settings, focus timing configuration, and camera capabilities. Autofocus may behave differently between preview, countdown, and capture. Adjust focus step size, pause, and focus time in Preview Settings. 7. Best Practices - Wait for initialization — always wait until the camera is fully ready before adjusting settings - Start in Manual mode — set Exposure Mode → M for full control and more predictable results - Validate the final output — preview does not always match the final image; always take a test photo before going live - Test at the actual venue — lighting conditions vary significantly; adjust ISO, exposure, and white balance on location - Recommended baseline settings: ISO 400–800 · Aperture f/4 · Shutter 1/125s — then fine-tune from sample captures - Set Focus Time to the lowest value — reduces lag and speeds up guest flow - Use runtime adjustments if needed — triple tap the right side of the screen to update settings mid-event without stopping it - Keep spares ready — spare USB cables and battery/AC adapters prevent interruptions

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

Analytics

Pictor's built-in analytics give you a clear picture of how your event performed — from total sessions to sharing activity and content breakdowns. Whether you need a quick summary for yourself or a detailed report to share with a client, analytics has you covered. Note: Analytics is available on all plans, including Basic ($49/mo). Advanced Analytics and CSV Export are also included with all plans. Accessing Analytics To view analytics for an event: 1. Open your event from the Dashboard. 2. Click View Analytics (or navigate to the Analytics section from Event Settings). You'll see an overview of your event's activity, broken down into the sections below. [Screenshot: Analytics overview page] Session Counts The top of the analytics page shows your total session count, along with a breakdown by type: - Digital sessions — sessions completed through the photo booth experience (on-screen capture, AI generation, etc.) - Physical sessions — sessions involving printed outputs This gives you a quick sense of event volume and how your guests interacted with the booth. Content Type Breakdown Analytics breaks down the content your event produced by type: - Still images — standard photo captures and AI-generated stills - Motion content — videos, GIFs, boomerangs, and other animated outputs This helps you understand which experiences were most popular and plan accordingly for future events. Sharing Analytics One of the most valuable parts of analytics is seeing how guests shared their content. Pictor tracks sharing activity across all enabled sharing methods: - Email sends — how many guests emailed their photos to themselves - Text/SMS sends — how many guests texted their photos - QR code scans — how many guests scanned a QR code to access their content - Downloads — direct downloads from the sharing station or gallery These numbers help you demonstrate engagement to clients and evaluate which sharing methods work best for your audience. Filtering and Date Ranges You can filter analytics data using custom date ranges and other filters to narrow down the view. This is especially useful for multi-day events or when you want to compare activity across different time periods. Sharing Analytics with Clients Pictor generates a shareable analytics URL that you can send directly to your client. This link gives them a read-only view of the event's analytics — no Pictor login required. This is a great way to deliver post-event reports without needing to build a separate presentation. Just copy the shareable link and send it via email or include it in your event recap. [Screenshot: Shareable analytics URL] Using Analytics to Improve Future Events Beyond client reporting, analytics can help you refine your setup for the next event: - Low sharing numbers? Consider making the sharing station more visible or enabling additional sharing methods like QR codes. - Most content is stills? Try promoting video or GIF experiences at your next event to increase variety. - High session count but low shares? The sharing flow might need simplification — check your Output Delivery settings. Questions? If you have questions about your event analytics or need help interpreting the data, reach out to us: - Use the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of app.pictor.pro - Email us at [email protected]

How to Setup a Sharing Station

A Sharing Station is a standalone companion device that lets event guests browse, select, and share their photos, GIFs, and videos captured on Pictor. By moving sharing actions away from the main booth, events run faster, lines stay shorter, and guests enjoy a smoother experience. While the Sharing Station handles sharing, the main booth continues capturing sessions without interruption. Prerequisites Before enabling the Sharing Station you must have a Pro-level license or higher. Step-by-Step Setup Guide 1. Create an Event Create either a Simple or Advanced event: - Simple Mode: Supports one AI output. - Advanced Mode: Includes full workflow control and the Template Builder. 2. Enable the Sharing Station 1. Go to your event settings. 2. Navigate to the Output tab. 3. Toggle Sharing Station ON. 3. Choose Allowed Sharing Methods After enabling the station, you can activate one or multiple sharing options. You may enable any combination of these methods. 4. Customize the Sharing Station Appearance (Optional) - Open the Customize Styles modal. - Update colors, buttons, branding, and layout to match the event design. 5. Launch the Event - Start the main event on an iPad running the Pictor booth. - Launch the Sharing Station option that's located on the dashboard of Pictor on one or multiple devices, such as iPads or tablets. 6. Sessions Will Appear Automatically Once guests begin using the booth, their captured sessions immediately populate the Sharing Station gallery. 7. Guests Select & Share Their Images Guests can: 1. Find their photo or video 2. Tap to open it 3. Choose their preferred sharing method 4. Send it instantly If rendering is still in progress, they can still share and will automatically receive the final media once complete. Multi-Device & Multi-Booth Support - One Sharing Station license allows you to launch the station on multiple devices simultaneously. - Supports events with multiple photo booths, displaying all sessions in one unified gallery. Guest Sharing Features Guests can share using any method enabled in the Event Flow or Output Delivery. If cloud processing is required (ex: AI effects or video rendering), a temporary placeholder is shown so guests can share instantly. Final content is delivered automatically once rendering is complete. - Multi-select: Guests can choose one or many images and send them in a single action. UI/UX Customization The Sharing Station interface uses your Global Style Settings, maintaining brand consistency across all devices. You may customize elements such as colors, buttons, gallery layout, and loading screens.

Using AI Effects in the Template Editor

The AI Effects feature introduces a new way to enhance captures directly within the Template Editor. Located in the Effects dropdown, this option displays only prompts specifically tagged as effects. These effects appear as simple toggle switches, allowing you to enable one or multiple effects at the same time. Unlike AI Images or AI Videos - which generate multiple outputs - AI Effects always outputs a single, consistent result for a streamlined workflow. Getting Started Before using AI Effects: - AI Effects are available on all plans — Basic ($49/mo), Pro ($99/mo), and Premium ($149/mo). No upgrade required. - You need sufficient Tokens to take a capture, which is then used to generate the AI-enhanced result. - Even without a license, you can still preview AI Effects using Test Mode of an event (tokens will still be deducted). - Token balance can be viewed and topped up under Billing → Tokens. How to Use AI Effects Follow the steps below to add AI Effects to a template: 1. Log in and Create an Advanced Event Begin by logging into Pictor and creating an Advanced type event. 2. Configure the Flow Navigate to the Flow tab → Choose experience. 3. Add a Template Click Add template to open the Template Editor. 4. Select Photo Size & Add a Capture Choose a template size, then add a Capture element. 5. Open the Effects Menu With the capture selected, open the Effects menu on the left. Click the + icon to view all available options. 6. Choose "AI Effects" Select AI Effects from the list. 7. Enable Effects Click the capture itself to reveal the effect toggles in the sidebar. The following options are available: - Beautify - Retro - Black & White You may enable one, two, or all three effects at the same time. 8. Save the Template Name your template and press Save. It will now appear under Choose Experience in the event flow. Important: Make sure to also click Save in the top-right corner of the event to apply changes. Testing Your AI Effects You can test the setup in one of two ways: Option 1: Virtual Mode Requires Virtual Booth to be enabled under Output Settings. Option 2: Launch on iPad Start the event directly on your iPad. After taking a photo, wait a few seconds for processing. You can view the AI-generated output under the Sessions tab or the Internal Gallery. Final Notes This article covers the simplest configuration. You can further enhance the experience using: - Global Style settings - Custom workflow stages - Additional template elements AI Effects can be combined with any design or workflow to match your event's needs.

How to Create a GIF

Pictor makes it easy to create GIFs and boomerang-style animations directly inside your event templates. Whether you want a simple 3-frame GIF or a rapid-fire burst animation, the Template Editor gives you full control over timing, frame count, and playback style. 📹 Watch the video tutorial Good to know: GIF and Boomerang capture are available on every Pictor plan — Basic ($49/mo), Pro ($99/mo), and Premium ($149/mo). No upgrade required. 1. Open or Create a Template - Enter your event - Click Add Template or select Edit Template - Choose Create Template if building one from scratch 2. Enable GIF Capture Mode Inside the template, open the Capture settings. Screenshot of Capture settings Under Capture Type, you can choose: - Static Image - GIF - Video Select GIF. 3. Set Frame Count and Duration When GIF mode is enabled, you will see two key controls: - Number of Frames — defines how many images will make up the GIF (2 or 3 frames for example) - Overall Duration — controls how long the entire GIF will last (3 seconds, 8 seconds for example) 4. Preview in the Simulator Use the Simulator to test your GIF: - Frame 1 appears - Frame 2 - Frame 3 - Final GIF is displayed based on your timing This lets you confirm pacing, smoothness, and flow. Advanced GIF Options Pictor provides additional GIF modes to help you create more dynamic animations. Burst Mode Burst mode rapidly captures multiple frames in a short time. Example: - Duration: 2 seconds - Frames: 10 - Captures quickly without countdown between each frame - Only a single countdown appears before the burst starts Great for fast movement, action shots, or high-energy activations. Boomerang (Reverse Playback) Turn your GIF into a forward-and-back looping animation. Simply enable Reverse. This makes the GIF play: Forward → Backward → Loop Perfect for TikTok-style or Instagram-style motion effects. Summary You can create a GIF in Pictor in just a few steps: 1. Open or create a template 2. Switch Capture Type to GIF 3. Choose frame count and duration 4. Save the template and your flow 5. Preview in the simulator 6. (Optional) Use Burst or Reverse for advanced effects GIF and Boomerang are available on all Pictor plans. You are ready to start creating GIFs, burst animations, and boomerangs for your events!

Countdown Timer

📹 Watch the video tutorial Easily set the countdown timer within Pictor in a few clicks - here's how! Plan availability: The Countdown Timer is available on all Pictor plans — Basic ($49/mo), Pro ($99/mo), and Premium ($149/mo). No upgrade required. Looking for a feature that's only on certain plans? Check our Pricing page or the Licenses & Tokens article for the full feature breakdown. Where to Find the Countdown Setting The countdown setting lives inside your Template Editor. You’ll adjust it on the template itself, then save those changes through your workflow. Steps to Change the Countdown Timer 1. Open or Create a Template 1. Go to Templates under the Choose Experience within your Flow tab. 2. Select Create Template or choose an existing template to edit. 2. Locate the Countdown Timer 1. Click Layers, then select Capture to open the capture settings. 2. You’ll see the current countdown value (e.g., 3 seconds). 3. Enter your desired countdown time (e.g., 10 seconds). 4. Click Save Changes. Tip: - A 3-second countdown is standard. - Use longer countdowns (e.g., 10 seconds) for larger groups or events where guests need more prep time. 3. Save Your Template & Flow After adjusting the countdown: 1. Save the template. 2. Save your changes on the Workflow stage to ensure everything applies. 4. Preview in the Simulator 1. Open the Simulator. 2. Trigger a capture to test the new countdown. 3. You’ll see the updated timer begin (e.g., “10… 9… 8…”).

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 [email protected].

Slideshow

Pictor allows you to display a slideshow of the images that are processed quickly and easily. In order access slideshow features, you must have a Pro level account. Overview To enable the slideshow feature, navigate to your Pictor dashboard and click on Output. From there, enable the slideshow feature to pull up additional features and functions. To start the slideshow, press the Copy slideshow link button and paste it into a browser to view the slideshow you created. Adverts You can also display advertisements between photos that are shown from Pictor. You can set advertisements, durations, full screen advertisements, refresh time and more at the bottom of the slideshow option.

How can I request a custom filter?

As Pictor continues to expand its collection of custom filters, we may not yet have the exact one you're looking for. If you're interested in a custom AI filter, please contact us at [email protected] for more details and pricing.

Email and Text Message Sharing

Email and Text Message Sharing Did you know that Pictor has built in social media sharing options such as email and text messaging options? Login to your Pictor.Pro account and on the left navigation bar, click Output where you will see different sharing options. Simply toggle on or off to enable to customize your email or text message phrases. Email From name: The name that is displayed when a guest receives their photo ("Photo Booth Company LLC") From email: The email that is displayed when a guest receives their photo ("[email protected]") Reply to: When a guest replies to their email message, it will send it to the email you input here - this can be different than the displayed "from email", but they typically match ("[email protected]") Subject: Subject line of the email ("Here's your photo booth picture!") - you can also use hooks such as {{event_name}} for a more customized feel SMS (Text Messaging) Enter in your custom message the client will receive along with their photo from Pictor. Keep in mind, as best practice, avoid exceedingly long messages (less than 160 characters typically). Also, the use of hashtags and website links may trigger the cell phone carrier to flag messages as spam. Plan availability: Email and Text (SMS) Sharing are available on all Pictor plans — Basic ($49/mo), Pro ($99/mo), Premium ($149/mo), and Enterprise. No upgrade required. Looking for a feature that's only on certain plans? Check our Pricing page or the Licenses & Tokens article for the full feature breakdown.