Preparing the mural and the target image

Mode being rolled out. Depending on your version of BoothX, the names and limits of the mosaic settings may differ from this description.

A successful mosaic is decided before the event: a suitable target image and a well-sized grid make all the difference.

1. Choose the target image

The target image is the large image that will appear once all the tiles are in place. From a distance, the mural should make it readable; up close, you should be able to recognize the guests' faces.

What works well

• Simple, high-contrast shapes: a logo, initials, a heart, a silhouette.
• Few colors, clearly distinct: two or three bold hues.
• Large flat areas: each tile represents a uniform zone, and small details disappear.

What works less well

• Long text or small lettering: it becomes unreadable.
• A landscape photo full of detail.
• A portrait on a busy background: prefer a cut-out portrait on a plain background.

Format and quality

• A high-resolution image (JPEG or PNG).
• The image's proportions must match those of the grid; otherwise BoothX crops it and shows you the result.
• For a logo, ask your client for a version on a solid background, without transparency, or add a background yourself.

2. Size the grid

The grid is defined by a number of columns, rows and the tile size. Three questions guide your choice:

How to calculate

1. Estimate the expected photos: P = guests × participation rate × photos per guest.
2. Aim for a number of cells N slightly lower than P, so you finish the mural.
3. Choose columns C and rows L such that C × L ≈ N and C / L matches the proportions of the target image.
4. Mural size: width = C × tile size, height = L × tile size.
5. Check that this size fits on your board and on the venue's wall.

Example with variables: if you expect P photos and the image is square, a grid of √(0.9 × P) columns and as many rows is a good starting point. Round down to the nearest whole number.

3. Set the color blending

Each tile is the guest's photo, tinted with the color of the target image at that spot. The blending intensity setting balances two goals:

Start with a medium intensity and look at the mural preview, which simulates the result before the event.

4. Choose the fill order

Depending on your version, BoothX can fill the cells:

• randomly: the mural appears gradually everywhere, which is the most spectacular;
• in order: row by row, easier for guests to place.

Random looks better; in order is more practical for a booth without a host.

5. Prepare the board

• Have a grid printed or draw one to the exact dimensions of the mosaic grid, with each cell's label (letters for columns, numbers for rows, for example).
• You can print the target image very faintly on the board: placing tiles is easier and empty cells still look nice.
• Plan a sturdy stand (easel, wall, display grid) at an accessible height: guests must be able to reach the top row.
• Keep a few spare tiles and double-sided tape if the paper isn't self-adhesive.

6. Test

1. Launch the mosaic on a test event.
2. Take a few photos, print the tiles, and check the printed label and size.
3. Place them on a piece of the board and look from a distance.
4. Delete the test event or reset the grid before the real event.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the target image during the event? No: tiles already printed match the old image. Lock in the target image before opening.

My client wants a very large mural. Increase the tile size rather than the number of tiles, or finish the end of the evening with filler tiles.

Is the target image sent online? No, it stays on the booth, like the entire mosaic.

Next: Printing tiles and mounting them on the board.