Photobooth
Photo booth capture formats
Single photo, photo strip, GIF, boomerang, burst and filters: what each format produces and how to choose.
Formats being rolled out. GIF, boomerang, burst and filters are arriving gradually in BoothX releases. Depending on your version, some formats or settings described here may not be available yet.
The photo booth no longer just takes photos: it can produce animated images (GIF, boomerang) and bursts, and apply filters. All these formats are computed on the booth: they're free, need no account and work without internet.
Overview
| Format | What the guest gets | Printable | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single photo | One photo in a single-slot template. | Yes | Portraits, weddings, large-format prints. |
| Strip / layout | Two to four photos combined in a template (2 × 6 strip, 4 × 6 card…). | Yes | The classic photo booth formula. |
| GIF | A short animation made of several photos played in sequence. | A still image from the GIF, or a contact sheet | Sharing on phones, festive parties. |
| Boomerang | A very short sequence played forward then backward, on a loop. | A still image | Fun gestures: throwing confetti, clinking glasses. |
| Burst | A series of photos taken very quickly, from which the guest keeps their favorites. | Yes (the photos kept) | Jumps, movement, lively groups. |
| Filter | A look applied to the photos: black and white, sepia, warm tones… | Yes | Matching the photos to the decor or brand guidelines. |
A filter isn't a format of its own: it applies on top of the photo, strip, GIF or burst.
Where to choose the format
The format is set per event, along with the other photo booth settings. Depending on your version, it may be on the event page or in the shooting settings. Two ways to go:
- a single fixed format: all guests do the same thing. This is the simplest and fastest option;
- a choice left to the guest: the welcome screen offers, for example, “Photo” or “GIF”. Stick to two or three choices so you don't slow down the line.
The editor template remains the reference for the printed layout: number of slots, paper size. See Photo slots, formats and paper.
What happens to the files
Each format is saved in the event folder, like photos:
- photos and layouts as JPEG;
- GIFs as
.giffiles; - boomerangs in an animated format playable on phones (GIF or short video depending on the version).
The Storage page finds them by event and by type. The Dashboard counts them separately (Photos, GIF, Boomerangs). See The Storage page and Booth statistics and activity.
Sharing and printing
- Printing: only a still image can be printed. For a GIF or a boomerang, the booth prints the image chosen for the layout (depending on the template). A GIF only shows its full value on a screen.
- QR code: animated formats really come into their own in the online gallery, viewed on a phone. The online gallery is a pay-as-you-go service. See Sharing QR code and online gallery.
- Email and SMS: guests can receive their GIF or photo directly. See Sending photos by email or SMS.
Choosing the right format
| Your event | Recommended format |
|---|---|
| Wedding, guests of all ages | Printed photo strip + QR code. A GIF as an option for younger guests. |
| Corporate party, after-work event | GIF or boomerang + sharing, printing as an option. |
| Trade show, brand stand | Single photo with a template in the brand colors, matching filter. |
| Children's birthday party | Burst (kids move!) and printed photo. |
| Gala, upscale party | Single photo, black and white filter, high-quality print. |
Processing time
Animated formats require a bit of computing on the booth: a few seconds after the last photo, the time it takes to assemble the animation. On an old or heavily loaded computer, plan a pleasant waiting screen in the design. See Slowness, choppy preview and a computer running hot.
Frequently asked questions
Do animated formats cost extra? No. The processing happens on the booth: GIF, boomerang, burst and filters are free. Only online delivery (cloud gallery, email, SMS) falls under pay-as-you-go services.
Can my Canon camera make GIFs? Yes: BoothX takes a series of photos with the camera or webcam, then assembles the animation itself. With a webcam, the preview is smoother and the animation often looks more natural.
Can I combine several formats in the same event? Yes, by letting guests choose on the welcome screen. To also offer the guestbook or a game, see Multi-mode event.