ℹ️ New to layouts? Before creating your first layout, learn how photo boxes, transparency, layers, and Image Dimensions work.
🎥 Video Tutorial
Watch the walkthrough below for a complete overview of the layout creation process.
ℹ️ This video refers to the Layout Designer, which is now called the Image Editor. The workflow remains the same.
1. Open the Image Editor
Layouts are created in the Image Editor. Open it using one of the following methods.
Option 1: From an Event (Recommended)
Best when creating or editing an event.
On the Dashboard, create or edit an event.
Go to Page 3 and choose the Single/Multi Photo experience.
On Page 4, expand the experience settings and scroll to Layouts.
Click Create.
The Image Editor opens.
💡 After saving, the layout is automatically added to the current event and saved to Assets for future use.
⚠️ The Photo Layout experience is being deprecated. Create all new layouts using the Single/Multi Photo experience instead.
Option 2: From Assets
Best for reusable layouts.
Go to Assets.
Select Layouts from the dropdown menu.
Click Create Layouts.
The Image Editor opens.
💡 Layouts created from Assets are saved for future use and can be selected when creating or editing any event.
2. Choose How to Build Your Layout
Once the Image Editor opens, the remaining steps are the same regardless of how you opened it.
Choose one of the following options:
Upload a Finished Design | Create from Scratch |
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💡 Both options use the same editing tools and require photo boxes.
📖 See also: Using the Curator Live Image Editor
3. Set the Canvas Size
Select the canvas size that matches your final output.
💡 If you're uploading an existing design, choose the canvas size that matches the uploaded image.
4. Add and Edit Photo Boxes
Go to Layout Settings and click Add Photo.
You can add up to 30 photo boxes, but only add the number you need.
Resize and position each photo box to match your design.
Edit Photo Boxes
After adding a photo box, you can adjust its size, position, and other settings.
The numbered callouts in the screenshot correspond to the features below.
# | Description |
| Select & Move - Click a photo box to display its settings, then drag it to reposition it. |
 | Resize - Drag the corner handles to resize the photo box. |
| Rotate - Use the rotation handle to rotate the photo box. |
| Fine-tune - Enter X, Y, Width, Height, and Rotation values for precise positioning and sizing. |
| Duplicate - Duplicate a photo box to copy its size and rotation, along with its other settings. |
| Photo Number - Change the Photo Number after duplicating so each box displays the correct captured photo. |
5. Customize Your Layout
The final steps depend on whether you uploaded a design or created one from scratch.
If You Uploaded a Design
Use a transparent PNG and place photo boxes beneath the design so photos appear through the transparent areas without covering your graphics.
The examples below show the difference.
Photo Boxes Above | Photo Boxes Below |
Photo boxes cover the graphics beneath them | 
Photos appear through the transparent areas while the design remains visible |
In Layers, drag the uploaded design above the photo boxes.
If You're Creating from Scratch
Build your layout using the Image Editor tools.
Add backgrounds
Upload graphics
Add text
Insert shapes
Add photo boxes
Arrange layers
ℹ️ The Image Editor works like other drag-and-drop design tools. Upload graphics using the Upload tool in the left menu, or drag and drop files directly into the editor.
6. Save Your Layout
Click Save when you're finished.
Video Layouts
To display GIFs, boomerangs, videos, or animated backgrounds, select a photo box and enable Allow Video.
⚠️ Only enable Allow Video if every capture in the experience is video-based.
If a photo is captured instead, the experience may fail or crash.
💡 For GIFs, boomerangs, and videos, we generally recommend using overlays instead of multi-photo layouts.
These experiences produce a single animated capture, so every photo box displays the same animation.
Printing Photo Strips
For 2×6 photo strip layouts, enable Cut Middle under Size to ensure the strip is split correctly when printed.
💡 Best Practices
Match the canvas size to your final output.
Upload transparent PNG layouts whenever possible.
Match the Image Dimensions to your photo box orientation.
Duplicate photo boxes, then change the Photo Number.
Enable Allow Video only for video-based experiences.
Test your layout before your event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a layout?
When should I use a layout?
Layouts are commonly used for multi-photo designs, but they can also be used for single-photo designs.
Can I use overlays and layouts together?
Can I use overlays and layouts together?
Yes, but it's generally not recommended. Overlays are applied to every photo in the layout. Whenever possible, include branding directly in the layout instead.
Why are my photos cropped?
Why are my photos cropped?
Make sure the Image Dimensions matches the orientation of your photo boxes.
📖 See: Image Dimensions for Layouts
Why do all photo boxes show the same photo?
Why do all photo boxes show the same photo?
Duplicated photo boxes keep the same Photo Number. Assign a different Photo Number to each box to display different captured photos.
Can I create multiple layouts?
Can I create multiple layouts?
Yes. You can add up to four layouts to a single experience.
Can I use 4x6 and 2x6 in one experience?
Can I use 4x6 and 2x6 in one experience?
Yes. However, use the same photo box orientation across all layouts whenever possible for the best results.
Why aren't my GIFs, boomerangs, or videos working?
Why aren't my GIFs, boomerangs, or videos working?
If you're using a layout, make sure Allow Video is enabled for the photo box. Otherwise, the experience may fail or crash.
Why does my experience crash when taking photos?
Why does my experience crash when taking photos?
If you're using a layout and capturing photos, make sure Allow Video is disabled for your photo boxes. This setting should only be enabled for video-based experiences such as GIFs, boomerangs, videos, or animated backgrounds.
Still need help? Contact support via chat for assistance.