User Guide & Support

ZillaBooth is designed to be simple, intuitive, and ready to go the moment you open it. Whether you’re snapping strips with friends, setting up a photo booth at a wedding, or running a branded activation for a client — this guide covers everything you need to know to get the most out of the app.

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Getting Started

ZillaBooth is free to download and use — no account, no sign-up, no subscription required to get started. Simply open the app, grant camera access, and you’re ready to take your first photo strip.

How ZillaBooth Works

Every ZillaBooth session follows the same simple flow:

  1. Tap the shutter button — the countdown begins. Get into position!
  2. Four photos are taken automatically — each one separated by a brief interval so you have time to strike a new pose.
  3. Your collage is assembled instantly — four photos, beautifully composed into a 2×2 grid or classic 1×4 strip. Both layouts are free.
  4. Share or save — use the iOS share sheet to send your collage anywhere, or save it to your Camera Roll.

🎞 Collage Layouts

Choose how your four photos are arranged in the final collage. ZillaBooth includes both classic layouts at no cost — no upgrade required.

  • 2×2 Grid: Four photos in a square arrangement — the default layout. Uses a 2:3 aspect ratio, the standard for 4×6″ photo prints.
  • 1×4 Strip: Four photos stacked in a single vertical column — the iconic photo booth strip look. Designed to print “2-up” on a standard 4×6″ sheet and cut into two matching strips.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Photos → Collage Layouts. Select 2×2 Grid or 1×4 Strip. Your choice applies to the next session immediately.

Initial Setup Tips

  • Camera permission: ZillaBooth will request access to your camera the first time you open the app. This is required for the app to function.
  • Positioning your device: Use a tripod or phone stand for the best results. Make sure everyone who wants to be in the photo can see the screen — the countdown is displayed prominently so nobody misses the shot.
  • Lighting: Good lighting makes a huge difference. Natural light is ideal. For dimmer environments, ZillaBooth uses your screen as a flash by default — and ZillaBooth Pocket adds full flash control for the best results in any setting.
  • iPhone and iPad: ZillaBooth runs natively on both iPhone and iPad. ZillaBooth Pro includes a dedicated iPad Event Layout for kiosk-style event deployments.

Detailed Setup Guides

Some ZillaBooth Pro features have standalone setup guides with step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and downloadable resources:

  • USB External Camera Setup — connect UVC webcams and mirrorless/DSLR bodies on iPad, supported cameras, cables, troubleshooting, and event unplug/replug recovery.
  • Custom Graphic Overlay Setup — PNG requirements, dimension workflow, downloadable PSD/PNG templates, design tips, and troubleshooting.

About Your Photos

  • No color filters — by design: ZillaBooth intentionally omits built-in color filters in the free tier to keep things fast and give you maximum flexibility. Your photos are saved at the highest quality your device supports. ZillaBooth Pocket adds an optional black & white collage filter if you want a classic booth look without leaving the app.
  • High-quality individual saves: When auto-save is enabled (Pocket), individual frames are saved with full image metadata — including portrait depth-map data on supported devices. The individual frames are the same quality or better than what the native iPhone camera app captures with the front camera.
  • Private by default: ZillaBooth doesn’t store your photos in the cloud and doesn’t share them with anyone. Everything stays on your device. No account or internet connection is required to use the app.
  • Print-ready collages: The default 2×2 collage uses a 2:3 aspect ratio — the standard for 4×6″ photo prints. Your collages are print-ready at home or at any photo printing service right out of the app.

ZillaBooth Pocket — Features & Setup

ZillaBooth Pocket is a one-time in-app purchase that unlocks full creative control over your photo booth experience — customizable timers, manual capture, flash control, grid spacing and color, collage filter, camera selection, auto-save, geotagging, and more. Pay once, and all Pocket features are yours forever with no recurring fees and no subscriptions.

To upgrade, open ZillaBooth and tap the upgrade option in Settings, or look for the Pocket upgrade prompt after completing a photo session.


⏱ Timer & Timing Control

Take full control over the pacing of your photo session. Customize how long the initial countdown lasts and how much time you have between each of the four shots.

Setup & Details

Initial Countdown (Start Delay): Set how long the countdown timer runs before the first photo is taken. Useful for getting into position — especially with a group. Configurable from 1–10 seconds (default 4 seconds).

Between-Photo Interval: Set the delay between each successive photo in the four-photo sequence. A shorter interval keeps energy high; a longer interval gives everyone time to switch poses. Configurable from 1–10 seconds (default 2 seconds).

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Timer. Use the steppers to adjust Initial Countdown and Between-Photo Interval to your preferred values. Changes take effect immediately for the next session.

Tips:

  • For solo use, a 4-second countdown with a 2-second interval works great — quick and responsive.
  • For groups, a 5–8 second countdown gives everyone time to get in frame. A 3-second between-photo interval gives time for pose changes.

📸 Manual Capture Mode

Take complete control of when each photo is captured. Instead of the automatic countdown sequence, you tap the shutter for each of the four shots — on your own timing, no rush.

Setup & Details

How it works: When Manual Capture Mode is enabled, the automatic timer is replaced with a manual shutter. After tapping to start the session, you tap the shutter button once for each of the four photos. A progress indicator shows how many shots remain.

How to enable: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Timer → enable Manual Capture Mode.

Best for:

  • Group photos where you want to make sure everyone is ready before each shot
  • Capturing candid, spontaneous moments — tap when the laugh is happening, not when a timer says so
  • Assisted photo booth use, where an attendant controls the shutter for guests

Note: When Simplified Sharing is active (Pro), Manual Capture Mode works seamlessly alongside the full kiosk setup — guests take their photos at their own pace, and the delivery process kicks in automatically afterward.


💡 Advanced Flash Control

Choose exactly how your device’s flash behaves — auto, always on, or always off — to match any lighting environment and get consistently great results.

Setup & Details

Flash modes:

  • Auto: ZillaBooth intelligently decides when to fire the flash based on ambient light. Great for mixed-lighting environments.
  • On: Flash fires on every shot for consistent, pop-lit results. Ideal for dark rooms, evening events, or when you want that energetic photo booth look.
  • Off: No flash. Use natural or ambient light only — great for well-lit spaces or when you prefer a softer, more natural look.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Camera → Flash. Select your preferred mode. The setting is persistent between sessions.

Note: Flash availability depends on your device hardware. If flash is not available on your device, this control will indicate that. Without Pocket, ZillaBooth defaults to flash-on behavior when flash hardware is present.


🖼 Border Spacing & Grid Color

Fine-tune the look of your collage by adjusting the spacing between photos and choosing a grid color — either classic white or bold black — to give your strips a polished, finished look.

Setup & Details

Border Spacing: Adjusts the gap between individual photos in the collage. Tighter spacing creates a more modern, dense feel; more spacing gives each photo room to breathe and creates a more classic printed-strip look.

Grid Color: Choose between a white or black background/border for your collage. White gives a clean, bright, airy aesthetic. Black creates a bold, dramatic look that reads beautifully on screen and when printed.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Photos → Border Spacing and Grid Color. Adjustments are reflected in your next collage.

Note: Grid color options are only available when border spacing is set to a non-zero value — the color only applies to visible grid lines between photos.


🎨 Collage Filter

Apply a classic black & white look to your finished collage — or keep full color. A simple, in-app filter that gives your strips a timeless photo booth aesthetic without slowing down capture.

Setup & Details

Filter options:

  • Color: Full-color collages — the default. Your photos appear exactly as captured.
  • Black & White: Converts the assembled collage to monochrome for a classic booth look.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Photos → Collage Filter. Select Color or Black & White. The filter applies to the assembled collage only — individual frames remain in full color when saved separately.


💾 Auto-Save Options

Control exactly what gets saved after each photo session. Auto-save the final collage, individual frames, or both — automatically and immediately after each session, no manual action required.

Setup & Details

Auto-Save Individual Photos and Auto-Save Collages each offer three destination modes:

  • Off: Nothing is saved automatically — you share or save manually after each session.
  • Save to Photos: Automatically saves to your Camera Roll in dedicated ZillaBooth albums (ZillaBooth for collages, ZillaBooth – Individual Images for individual frames).
  • Custom Location (Pro): Save directly to a folder you choose in the Files app — ideal for event workflows, external drives, or operator-managed archives. Requires an active ZillaBooth Pro subscription.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Photos. Set Auto-Save Individual Photos and Auto-Save Collages independently using the destination menu on each row.

Why save individual photos? The individual frames are captured at the same or better quality than the native iPhone front camera — including portrait mode depth data on capable devices. If one of the four shots is that perfect, once-in-a-lifetime expression, it’ll be saved at full quality and ready for editing, printing, or framing.


📍 Geotagging

Automatically embed GPS location data into your photos so every collage remembers not just the moment, but exactly where it happened.

Setup & Details

How it works: When geotagging is enabled, ZillaBooth attaches GPS coordinates to the image metadata of your saved photos. These coordinates are readable by the iOS Photos app (which shows a map view of where photos were taken) and any other app or service that reads EXIF location data.

How to enable:

  1. Open ZillaBooth Settings → Photos → Geotagging and enable the toggle.
  2. ZillaBooth will prompt you to grant Location permission if you haven’t already. Tap “Allow While Using App” for geotagging to work.
  3. Location data will be embedded in all future saved photos while geotagging is enabled.

Privacy note: Location data is embedded only in the photos saved to your device. ZillaBooth never transmits location information to any server or third party.


📷 Camera Selection

Choose which camera lens ZillaBooth uses for preview and capture — front wide, back wide, or (on iPad with Pro) a connected USB external camera.

Setup & Details

How it works: The Camera Selection menu lists every lens available on your device. Pick the lens that best fits your setup — for example, the back wide camera on a tripod-mounted iPad, or the front camera for a handheld selfie booth.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Camera → Camera Selection. Choose your preferred lens. The selection persists between sessions.

USB external cameras (iPad + Pro): When a UVC-compatible webcam is connected via USB or USB-C, it appears in the same Camera Selection menu. See the USB External Camera section in the Pro guide for setup details.


💬 Custom Share Messages

Add a personal touch to every share — a custom message that appears automatically when you send your collage via the iOS share sheet. Perfect for event hashtags, a fun tagline, or a personal signature.

Setup & Details

How it works: When a custom share message is configured and enabled, ZillaBooth automatically prepends your message to the share payload when you tap Share. Recipients see your custom text alongside the collage image.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Sharing → Custom Message. Enable the toggle and type your message. It could be as simple as “Made with ZillaBooth at [Event Name] 🎉” or an event hashtag like “#SmithWedding2025”.

Note: Custom Share Messages are available via the standard iOS share sheet. When ZillaBooth Pro’s Simplified Sharing is enabled, the email delivery flow uses its own configurable message (set in Pro settings), and the standard custom share message is not applied through that path.

ZillaBooth Pro — Features & Setup

ZillaBooth Pro is a monthly subscription that includes every Pocket feature, plus a powerful set of event-focused tools designed for unattended or semi-attended photo booth deployments. Whether you’re running a DIY wedding photo booth, a corporate activation, a pop-up experience, or a permanent branded installation — Pro has everything you need to run a polished, hands-off booth that works all night.

ZillaBooth Pro includes all ZillaBooth Pocket features. An active Pro subscription covers Pocket capabilities — no separate Pocket purchase is required.


📱 iPad Event Layout

A purpose-built iPad interface for event and kiosk use. The camera preview expands to fill the screen with controls overlaid — creating an immersive, full-screen experience that’s easy for guests to understand and use on their own.

Setup & Details

How it works: When you’re using ZillaBooth on an iPad with a Pro subscription active, the app automatically switches to the iPad Event Layout. The camera preview expands to fill a larger portion of the screen, all controls are displayed as overlays on top of the camera feed, and the shutter button is always positioned at the bottom for easy, consistent access.

Setup: No configuration required. Subscribe to ZillaBooth Pro, open the app on your iPad, and the Event Layout activates automatically. All other Pro features (Simplified Sharing, Auto-Print, etc.) work seamlessly alongside this layout.

Best for: Any event deployment where iPad is your device of choice. The larger screen is ideal for groups, the immersive layout feels premium, and the prominent shutter button means guests need zero guidance to get started.


🔌 USB External Camera (iPad)

Connect a UVC-compatible USB or USB-C webcam to your iPad for professional booth capture — higher quality optics, better low-light performance, and flexible mounting options.

Full USB External Camera setup guide → — supported cameras, cables, troubleshooting, and event unplug/replug behavior.

Setup & Details

Requirements: iPad running iOS 26 or later, an active ZillaBooth Pro subscription, and a UVC-compatible external camera connected via USB or USB-C.

How it works: When a compatible USB camera is connected, ZillaBooth automatically detects it and adds it to the Camera Selection menu (Settings → Camera → Camera Selection). Select the USB camera to use it for preview and capture. If the camera is disconnected, ZillaBooth falls back to your built-in lens.

Configure External Camera: Tap Configure on the USB camera entry to adjust resolution, frame rate, and mirror settings for that specific device. Per-device preferences are saved automatically.

Best for: iPad kiosk deployments where a dedicated webcam delivers better image quality than the built-in front camera — trade shows, permanent installations, and professional event booths.


✨ Attention-Grabbing Shutter

Draw guests’ eyes to the shutter button with a subtle animated effect — no instruction needed. Choose from three styles to match your event vibe.

Setup & Details

Style options:

  • Off: Standard shutter button with no animation.
  • Particles: A soft particle halo pulses around the shutter button — elegant and eye-catching without being distracting.
  • Emoji: Your chosen emoji swirls around the shutter button. Tap Configure to pick any single emoji (default 🎉).

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Attention-Grabbing Shutter. Select Off, Particles, or Emoji. This feature is available when iPad Event Layout is active.


🎨 Custom Graphic Overlay

Brand every photo with your event, business, or client identity. Upload a custom graphic — a logo, event name, decorative frame, hashtag badge, or any design element — and it’ll be automatically composited onto every collage your booth produces.

Full Custom Graphic Overlay setup guide → — PNG requirements, dimension workflow, downloadable templates, design tips, and troubleshooting.

Setup & Details

How to set it up:

  1. Prepare your PNG overlay file. Use transparency (alpha channel) for areas you want to show the photo through — for example, a frame design or a logo badge in a corner.
  2. Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Graphic Overlay and tap “Select Graphic File.”
  3. Use the document picker to locate your PNG file on your device (Files app, iCloud Drive, etc.).
  4. Once selected, ZillaBooth copies the file to its own documents folder and displays a preview so you can confirm it looks correct.
  5. The overlay will now be composited onto every collage going forward.

Technical requirements:

  • File format: PNG only. PNG’s support for transparency (alpha channel) is essential for overlays to look correct over your photos.
  • Recommended dimensions: To get perfect results, match your overlay’s pixel dimensions to the final collage output size. The easiest way to determine this: take a test photo session, find the saved collage in your Camera Roll, check its dimensions (tap the photo in iOS Photos, swipe up for info), and design your overlay to match those exact dimensions.
  • Positioning: The overlay is stretched to fill the entire collage canvas. Design your overlay at the correct aspect ratio with transparent areas where the photos should show through.
  • File storage: Once selected, the PNG is copied into ZillaBooth’s documents folder. You can safely delete the source file from its original location.

Removing the overlay: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Graphic Overlay and deselect the file to clear the overlay from future collages.

Design tips:

  • A subtle frame or corner badge is the most popular approach — it brands the photo without covering faces.
  • For events, include the event name and date in the overlay so every print is a self-contained keepsake.
  • For branded installations, a logo in one corner with a hashtag in another works well and doesn’t interfere with the photos themselves.
  • Test your overlay before the event. Print a test collage, check how it looks printed, and adjust if needed.

📤 Simplified Sharing — Integrated Email Delivery

Replace the standard iOS share sheet with a streamlined, event-optimized email delivery flow. After their session, guests see a simple input box — they type their email address, tap Send, and their collage is delivered directly to their inbox. Fast, frictionless, and completely hands-off for the booth operator.

Setup & Details

Simplified Sharing uses your own SMTP email server to send collages directly from ZillaBooth — no Mail app, no share sheet, no additional steps. Emails arrive in guests’ inboxes from your own email address, giving the experience a professional, branded feel.

How to configure:

  1. Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Simplified Sharing and enable the toggle.
  2. Tap “Configure” to open the email setup view.
  3. Enter your SMTP server credentials (see below for details).
  4. Set your custom email Subject line and Message body — these are what guests will see when they receive their photo.
  5. Tap “Test Connection” to verify your SMTP settings work before the event.

SMTP settings to configure:

  • SMTP Server Address — e.g. smtp.gmail.com, smtp.office365.com, or your hosting provider’s SMTP server
  • Port — typically 587 for TLS (recommended) or 465 for SSL
  • Username — your full email address (e.g. photos@youreventbrand.com)
  • Password — your email password or app-specific password (see provider notes below)
  • BCC Address (optional) — add a BCC address to receive a copy of every outbound email. BCC is saved persistently and applied automatically to every send — useful for archiving guest deliveries or building a contact list

Provider-specific notes:

  • Gmail: Standard Gmail passwords don’t work with SMTP. You’ll need to generate an App Password in your Google Account security settings (requires 2-Step Verification enabled). Use that App Password in ZillaBooth instead of your regular Gmail password.
  • iCloud/Apple: Generate an App-Specific Password at appleid.apple.com under Security → App-Specific Passwords.
  • Microsoft 365 / Outlook: Use smtp.office365.com on port 587. If your org uses Modern Authentication, you may need to enable SMTP Auth in your Microsoft 365 admin settings.
  • Custom domain / hosting: Check with your email hosting provider for their SMTP server address and port. Most provide these in their help documentation.

How the guest experience works:

  1. Guest takes photos — the assembled collage appears on screen.
  2. Guest taps the Share button (or “Send & Print” if Auto-Print is enabled).
  3. A simple input box appears asking for their email address.
  4. Guest types their email and taps Send.
  5. ZillaBooth sends the collage directly via SMTP — no Mail app, no additional taps.
  6. A confirmation animation plays (if enabled) and the app prepares for the next guest.

Email queue & reliability: ZillaBooth includes a built-in email queue system. If a send fails (e.g. due to a momentary network hiccup), the email is queued for retry and processed in the background. You can view the queue status in Settings → Pro → Email Queue to check for any pending or failed messages after an event.

Important notes:

  • Simplified Sharing must be enabled for Auto-Print to function. Disabling Simplified Sharing will also disable Auto-Print.
  • Always test your SMTP connection before the event — tap “Test Connection” in the setup view and confirm a test email arrives in your inbox.
  • Ensure your device has a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is strongly recommended) for reliable email delivery during the event.

🖨️ Auto-Print

Every collage, automatically printed. After a guest shares their photo via Simplified Sharing, ZillaBooth silently sends the collage to your configured AirPrint printer — no additional steps required. Guests get a digital copy in their inbox and a physical print in their hands.

Setup & Details

Requirements:

  • Simplified Sharing must be enabled (Auto-Print won’t function without it)
  • An AirPrint-compatible printer on the same Wi-Fi network as your device

How to set it up:

  1. Make sure Simplified Sharing is enabled and configured (see above).
  2. Connect your AirPrint printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Auto-Print and enable the toggle.
  4. Tap “Configure Auto-Print” → “Select Printer.” ZillaBooth will display all AirPrint printers available on your network.
  5. Select your printer. ZillaBooth saves the printer name and URL for the session.
  6. Do a test print before the event — take a test session and confirm the collage prints correctly.

How it works at the event:

  1. Guest takes photos, sees the collage, taps “Send & Print.”
  2. Guest enters email and taps “Send & Print”.
  3. ZillaBooth automatically sends the print job to the configured printer — no further interaction needed.
  4. The print job processes in the background while the next guest can begin their session.

Printer monitoring & reliability:

  • ZillaBooth monitors your printer’s availability automatically during the event — checking approximately every 30 seconds.
  • If the printer becomes unavailable, you’ll be notified so you can address it quickly.
  • If a print job fails, ZillaBooth retries automatically — up to 3 attempts with increasing delays between each try.

Recommended printer setup tips:

  • Use a dedicated photo printer (e.g. Canon SELPHY) for best results — they’re fast, produce vibrant prints, and are designed for high-volume event use.
  • Load the printer with paper before the event and bring spare paper and ink/media packs.
  • Do a full end-to-end test before guests arrive: take a session, share it, confirm the print comes out correctly.
  • Keep the printer and your device on the same Wi-Fi network throughout the event. If possible, use a dedicated router for the booth to avoid network congestion.

🎉 Confirmation Animation

After a guest successfully sends their collage, ZillaBooth plays a fun celebratory animation — a burst of your chosen emoji dancing across the screen. It’s a small detail that makes a big impression: guests know their photo was sent, and the booth experience ends on a high note.

Setup & Details

How it works: Immediately after a successful send via Simplified Sharing, the confirmation animation plays on screen. The animation features your chosen emoji animating in a celebratory burst. It plays briefly, then the app transitions to its next state (sharing complete view or auto-restart, depending on settings).

How to configure:

  1. Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Confirmation Animation and enable the toggle.
  2. Tap “Configure Animation” to choose your emoji.
  3. Enter or select any single emoji. The default is 🎉.

Popular choices: 🎉 (party popper) · 🎊 (confetti ball) · ✨ (sparkles) · 🎈 (balloon) · ❤️ (heart) · 🌟 (star) · 💍 (ring — great for weddings) · 🥂 (champagne — great for celebrations)

Note: Confirmation Animation requires Simplified Sharing to be enabled and is triggered only when a share completes through that path.


📡 Bluetooth Remote Shutter

Trigger photo sessions from a Bluetooth remote, volume button, Camera Control button, or Action button — perfect for attendant-operated booths or hands-free kiosk setups.

Setup & Details

How it works: When enabled, ZillaBooth accepts hardware capture events from paired Bluetooth remotes and supported device buttons — the same triggers the native Camera app uses.

How to set up:

  1. Pair your Bluetooth remote in the iOS Settings app → Bluetooth (ZillaBooth cannot open Bluetooth settings directly).
  2. Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Bluetooth Remote Shutter and enable the toggle.
  3. Tap Configuration Instructions for pairing tips and troubleshooting.

Best for: Semi-attended booths where an operator triggers captures for guests, or kiosk setups where a physical button is more reliable than a touchscreen tap.


📁 Custom Save Location

Save collages and individual photos directly to a folder you choose in the Files app — external drives, event folders, or operator-managed archives — instead of (or in addition to) the Camera Roll.

Setup & Details

How it works: With an active Pro subscription, the Auto-Save Individual Photos and Auto-Save Collages rows in Settings → Photos gain a Custom Location option. Choose a folder in the Files app and ZillaBooth saves there automatically after every session.

How to configure: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Photos → Auto-Save Individual Photos (or Auto-Save Collages) → Custom Location. Use the folder picker to select your destination. A summary card shows the current folder path once configured.

Best for: Event operators who need photos on an external SSD, a shared iCloud Drive folder, or a structured per-event directory without manually exporting after each session.


🔔 Ambient Device Status Alerts

Stay informed during live events without alarming guests. Subtle, non-interactive alerts appear on the main camera screen when device health or event configuration needs attention.

Setup & Details

What triggers alerts: Degraded battery level, thermal throttling, low storage, printer unavailability, network issues, email queue problems, and related event conditions.

How it works: Alerts are designed to be almost unnoticeable to guests — small, non-interactive banners on the camera screen — while giving the operator enough information to act before a problem affects the guest experience.

How to enable: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Ambient System Monitoring Notifications. Tap Configuration Instructions for details on what each alert means and recommended responses.

Availability: Ambient alerts require an active Pro subscription and iPad Event Layout. They are not available on Core or Pocket tiers.


✅ Event Readiness Dashboard

A live pre-flight checklist that shows whether your device and event configuration are ready before guests arrive — and keeps updating while you review it.

Setup & Details

What it checks: Battery level and charging status, device temperature, available storage, AirPrint printer connectivity, network reachability, location services (when geotagging is enabled), and related event settings.

How to use: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Event Readiness Dashboard. Review each row before your event. Readings update live while the dashboard is open. With Pro active, degraded conditions during the event also surface as ambient alerts on the camera screen.

Best for: Pre-event setup on event day — confirm power, paper, Wi-Fi, SMTP, and storage are all green before opening the booth to guests.


🔄 Auto-Restart

Keep the line moving. After a guest’s session completes and the collage is displayed, Auto-Restart automatically returns the app to the camera view after a period of inactivity — so the booth is always ready for the next person without any manual intervention.

Setup & Details

How it works: After a collage is displayed, a 5-minute inactivity timer begins. If no interaction occurs — no tapping, no sharing, no navigation — the app automatically returns to the camera view and is ready for the next guest. Any user interaction (tapping the screen, viewing settings, etc.) resets the timer.

How to enable: Open ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Auto-Restart and enable the toggle. No additional configuration is needed.

Timeout duration: The inactivity timeout is set to 5 minutes (300 seconds). This gives guests adequate time to view and share their collage while ensuring the booth resets promptly if someone walks away.

Best for: Unattended or lightly attended photo booths. Combined with Keep Awake (Guided Access), Auto-Restart ensures your booth stays operational and ready throughout the entire event — even if a guest forgets to tap “Done” or walks away mid-session.


🔋 Keep Awake — Kiosk Mode via Guided Access

Prevent your device from going to sleep during an event — keeping the screen on, the app in the foreground, and the booth running continuously all night. This is achieved using iOS’s built-in Guided Access feature, which also locks the device to ZillaBooth so guests can’t accidentally exit the app or access other features.

Full Guided Access Setup Guide

Guided Access is a built-in iOS accessibility feature that locks your device to a single app and prevents sleep. It’s the most reliable way to run an unattended photo booth. Here’s the complete setup:

Step 1 — Enable Guided Access on Your Device

  1. Open the iOS Settings app.
  2. Go to Accessibility → Guided Access.
  3. Turn on the Guided Access toggle.

Step 2 — Set a Guided Access Passcode

  1. In Guided Access settings, tap Passcode Settings → Set Guided Access Passcode.
  2. Create a 4-digit passcode. This is what you’ll use to exit Guided Access at the end of the event — make sure you remember it.
  3. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID to exit Guided Access if your device supports it.

Step 3 — Set Display Auto-Lock to Never

  1. Still in Guided Access settings, tap Time Limits.
  2. Set Display Auto-Lock to Never. This prevents the screen from sleeping while Guided Access is running.

Step 4 — Add Guided Access to Accessibility Shortcut

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Shortcut (at the very bottom of Accessibility settings).
  2. Select Guided Access. This enables you to start and stop Guided Access by triple-clicking the Side button (iPhone X and later) or Home button (older devices and some iPads).

Step 5 — Configure ZillaBooth for Event Use

  1. In ZillaBooth Settings → Pro, enable Hide Settings Button (see the next section for details). This prevents guests from accessing the settings gear icon on the camera screen.
  2. Configure all other Pro features (Simplified Sharing, Auto-Print, Graphic Overlay, etc.) as desired.
  3. Navigate back to the main camera screen in ZillaBooth.

Step 6 — Start Guided Access

  1. With ZillaBooth open on the camera screen, triple-click the Side or Home button.
  2. The Guided Access configuration screen appears. Set the following options:
    • Sleep/Wake Button: Off (prevents guests from locking the screen)
    • Volume Buttons: Off (prevents accidental volume changes)
    • Motion: Off (disables rotation if you want a fixed orientation)
    • Software Keyboards: On (required for guests to enter their email address)
    • Touch: On
    • Time Limit: Off
  3. Tap Start in the top-right corner. Guided Access is now active.

Step 7 — Ending the Event / Exiting Guided Access

  1. Triple-click the Side or Home button.
  2. Enter your Guided Access passcode (or use Face ID/Touch ID if configured).
  3. Tap End to exit Guided Access and return to normal device operation.

Important notes for event operators:

  • Keep the device plugged in: Keeping the screen on all night uses significant battery. Use a charging cable and power bank or wall outlet during the event.
  • Heat management: Extended high-brightness use can cause the device to warm up. Ensure adequate airflow around the device and consider reducing screen brightness slightly to reduce heat.
  • Test before the event: Always run through the complete Guided Access setup — start it, use the app, and exit it — before your event day. Don’t discover problems with your setup when guests are already arriving.
  • Don’t forget your passcode: You’ll need the Guided Access passcode to exit at the end of the event. Write it down or store it somewhere accessible.

🔒 Hide Settings Button

Lock down the camera screen for event use by hiding the settings gear icon. Guests see only the camera view and shutter button — no access to app configuration, no accidental changes, no distractions.

Setup & Details

How it works: When enabled, the settings icon is completely removed from the camera screen. Guests using the booth have no way to access or change app settings — the booth experience is exactly what you configured it to be, start to finish.

How to enable: The Hide Settings Button toggle is located in the iOS Settings app under ZillaBooth, not in ZillaBooth’s in-app settings. ZillaBooth Settings → Pro → Hide Settings Button includes a direct link that will open the correct location in iOS Settings — just tap it and toggle the setting on.

How to access settings when this is enabled: With the in-app settings button hidden, you can unhide it by going to the iOS Settings app → ZillaBooth. Disable the Hide Settings toggle, make your adjustments in ZillaBooth, then re-enable it.

Recommended event workflow:

  1. Configure all Pro features and verify everything is working correctly.
  2. Enable Hide Settings Button.
  3. Run a full test session from start to finish — confirm all features work as expected.
  4. Start Guided Access (see Keep Awake section above).
  5. Your booth is fully locked down and ready for guests.

🎯 Complete Event Setup Workflow

Here’s a recommended end-to-end checklist for setting up ZillaBooth Pro for an event. Complete these steps before guests arrive for a smooth, professional experience.

Before the Event

  1. Subscribe to ZillaBooth Pro and confirm your subscription is active in ZillaBooth Settings → About.
  2. Configure your collage layout (2×2 or 1×4 Strip), grid spacing, grid color, and collage filter to match the event aesthetic.
  3. Set up your Graphic Overlay (if using): see the Custom Graphic Overlay setup guide for PNG requirements, templates, and dimension workflow. Load your file in Settings → Pro → Graphic Overlay and verify the preview looks correct.
  4. Configure Simplified Sharing:
    • Enter your SMTP server credentials in Settings → Pro → Simplified Sharing → Configure.
    • Write a friendly email subject and message body for the collage delivery email.
    • Tap “Test Connection” and confirm a test email arrives in your inbox.
    • Set a persistent BCC address if you want an archive copy of every outbound email.
  5. Set up Auto-Print (if using):
    • Connect your AirPrint printer to Wi-Fi.
    • Select the printer in Settings → Pro → Auto-Print → Configure Auto-Print.
    • Load 4×6″ media and test a print end-to-end.
  6. Review Event Readiness Dashboard in Settings → Pro — confirm battery, storage, network, and printer status before guests arrive.
  7. Configure USB external camera or Bluetooth remote (if using): for USB cameras, follow the USB External Camera setup guide; pair Bluetooth hardware and enable Bluetooth Remote Shutter in Settings → Pro.
  8. Set Custom Save Location (if using): choose event folders for auto-save in Settings → Photos.
  9. Enable Ambient Device Status Alerts in Settings → Pro for live operator notifications during the event.
  10. Enable Auto-Restart in Settings → Pro.
  11. Configure Confirmation Animation — choose an emoji that fits your event theme.
  12. Set up Guided Access (Keep Awake):
    • Follow the full setup in the Keep Awake section above.
    • Test: start Guided Access, run through a complete session, and exit. Confirm everything works.
  13. Enable Hide Settings Button via iOS Settings → ZillaBooth.
  14. Run a complete end-to-end test:
    • Take a full four-photo session.
    • Send the collage to yourself via Simplified Sharing — confirm it arrives with the correct message and image.
    • If using Auto-Print, confirm the collage prints correctly.
    • Confirm the Graphic Overlay appears correctly on the output (if enabled).
    • Confirm Auto-Restart returns to camera after a few minutes of inactivity.

At the Event

  1. Position your device in a stable, well-lit location — tripod or phone/tablet stand. Eye level or slightly above works best for groups.
  2. Plug the device into power. Don’t rely on battery alone for a long event.
  3. If using Auto-Print, confirm the printer is powered on, loaded with media, and on the correct Wi-Fi network.
  4. Open ZillaBooth and navigate to the main camera screen.
  5. Start Guided Access: triple-click Side/Home button → configure session options → tap Start.
  6. Your booth is live. Guests can take it from here.

After the Event

  1. Exit Guided Access: triple-click Side/Home → enter your passcode → tap End.
  2. Disable Hide Settings Button, Auto-Print, and other kiosk-mode settings if you’re returning to regular use.
  3. Check the Email Queue (Settings → Pro → Email Queue) for any failed or pending messages and retry them if needed.

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

  • Auto-Print not working: Confirm Simplified Sharing is enabled. Confirm your device and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that the printer is powered on and loaded with media.
  • Emails not sending: Test your SMTP connection in Settings → Pro → Simplified Sharing → Configure. Check your SMTP credentials (especially App Passwords for Gmail/iCloud). Check the Email Queue for error details.
  • Device going to sleep: Verify Guided Access is active and that Display Auto-Lock is set to “Never” in Guided Access Time Limits settings.
  • Overlay looks distorted or misaligned: Confirm your PNG overlay dimensions match the collage output size. Take a test collage, check its pixel dimensions in iOS Photos, and resize your overlay to match exactly.
  • Can’t access settings during event: Go to the iOS Settings app → ZillaBooth to unhide the settings button in the app, make adjustments. (You may need to exit Guided Access first if it’s active.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find the answer here? Reach out at Hello@ZillaBooth.com — we’re happy to help.

App Basics

What is ZillaBooth?

ZillaBooth is a free photo booth app for iPhone and iPad. It automatically captures four sequential photos and assembles them into a classic 2×2 photo grid — ready to share in seconds. ZillaBooth Pocket adds full creative control with customizable timers, flash modes, collage filter, camera selection, and more. ZillaBooth Pro adds event-grade features for professional photo booth deployments: integrated email delivery, auto-printing, graphic overlays, kiosk mode, and more.

Is ZillaBooth free?

Yes. ZillaBooth is free to download and use — the core photo booth experience costs nothing. ZillaBooth Pocket is an optional one-time in-app purchase that unlocks advanced customization features. ZillaBooth Pro is a monthly subscription for event-grade tools. No account or sign-up is ever required.

What devices does ZillaBooth work on?

ZillaBooth works on iPhone and iPad running iOS 26 or later. ZillaBooth Pro includes a dedicated iPad Event Layout for event use.

Do I need an internet connection?

No. ZillaBooth works completely offline for taking and saving photos. An internet connection is only needed for certain features: sharing via social or messaging apps, and ZillaBooth Pro’s Simplified Sharing (email delivery) and Auto-Print features. In-app purchases also require an internet connection.

Do I need to create an account?

No account or sign-up is required — ever. Just download ZillaBooth, grant camera access, and start taking photos. ZillaBooth doesn’t collect personal data, doesn’t store photos in the cloud, and doesn’t share anything with third parties.


Photos & Quality

What layouts does ZillaBooth support?

ZillaBooth includes both classic layouts for free: a 2×2 photo grid (four photos in a square arrangement — the default) and a 1×4 vertical photo strip (four photos stacked in a single column). Switch between them in Settings → Photos → Collage Layouts. ZillaBooth Pocket adds optional black & white collage filter, border spacing, and grid color customization.

What photo quality does ZillaBooth use?

ZillaBooth captures photos at the highest quality your device supports. Individual frames (when saved with Pocket’s auto-save feature) include full image metadata and portrait depth-map data on supported devices — making them the same quality or better than what the native iPhone camera app produces with the front camera. Your collage is also saved at high quality, optimized for print and sharing.

Are there filters or editing options?

ZillaBooth intentionally doesn’t include built-in color filters. This keeps the app fast and efficient, and ensures your photos are saved at maximum quality — giving you complete freedom to edit in the iOS Photos app or any editing app you choose. Think of ZillaBooth as the capture tool; edit wherever you like afterward.

Can I print my photos?

Yes. The default 2×2 grid uses a 2:3 aspect ratio — the standard for 4×6″ photo prints. You can print at home or at any photo printing service. ZillaBooth Pro’s Auto-Print feature can send collages automatically to an AirPrint printer after every session. The 1×4 strip is designed to be printed “2-up” on a 4×6″ sheet and cut into two matching strips.

Are my photos stored in the cloud?

No. All photos stay on your device. ZillaBooth doesn’t upload, store, or have access to your photos. Your Camera Roll is the only place your photos live.


ZillaBooth Pocket

What is ZillaBooth Pocket?

ZillaBooth Pocket is a one-time in-app purchase that unlocks full creative control over your photo booth experience. It includes: customizable countdown and between-photo timers (1–10 seconds), manual capture mode, advanced flash control (auto/on/off), border spacing and grid color, collage filter (color or black & white), camera selection, auto-save to Photos, geotagging, and custom share messages. Pay once — access forever.

How much does ZillaBooth Pocket cost?

ZillaBooth Pocket is a one-time in-app purchase — no subscription, no recurring fees. The exact price is set by the App Store and may vary by region. You’ll see the current price in the app before purchasing.

How do I upgrade to Pocket?

Open ZillaBooth and tap the Pocket upgrade prompt in Settings, or look for the upgrade option that appears after completing a photo session. The purchase is processed through the App Store and unlocks all Pocket features immediately.


ZillaBooth Pro

What is ZillaBooth Pro?

ZillaBooth Pro is a monthly subscription that includes all ZillaBooth Pocket features plus a suite of professional event tools: iPad Event Layout, attention-grabbing shutter effects, integrated SMTP email delivery with persistent BCC, AirPrint auto-printing, PNG graphic overlays, Bluetooth Remote Shutter, USB external camera support on iPad, custom save locations in Files, ambient device status alerts, Event Readiness Dashboard, auto-restart, kiosk lockdown via iOS Guided Access, and more. It’s designed for weddings, parties, corporate events, pop-ups, and permanent branded photo booth installations.

Do I need to also purchase Pocket if I subscribe to Pro?

No. An active ZillaBooth Pro subscription includes all Pocket features. You don’t need a separate Pocket purchase.

How do I cancel my Pro subscription?

ZillaBooth Pro subscriptions are managed through the App Store. To cancel, go to the iOS Settings app → your Apple ID → Subscriptions, find ZillaBooth Pro, and tap Cancel Subscription. Your Pro features remain active through the end of the current billing period.

What email providers work with Simplified Sharing?

Any email provider that supports secure SMTP access works with Simplified Sharing. Common providers include Gmail, iCloud, Microsoft 365/Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and any custom domain email hosted with providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace Email, etc. Gmail and iCloud require an App Password instead of your regular account password — see the Simplified Sharing setup section above for details.

What printers work with Auto-Print?

Auto-Print works with any AirPrint-compatible printer. AirPrint is supported by most modern printers from Canon, Epson, HP, Brother, and others. For event use, dedicated photo printers (like the Canon SELPHY series or dye-sublimation printers from DNP or Hiti) produce the best results — fast, vibrant, and designed for high-volume printing. Check your printer’s documentation to confirm AirPrint support.

What is the Collage Filter?

ZillaBooth Pocket includes an optional collage filter that converts your assembled collage to black & white — or keeps it in full color. It applies to the finished collage only, not individual saved frames. Configure it in Settings → Photos → Collage Filter.

Can I use a USB webcam with ZillaBooth?

Yes — on iPad with an active ZillaBooth Pro subscription. Connect a UVC-compatible USB or USB-C camera and select it in Settings → Camera → Camera Selection. ZillaBooth detects hot-plug connections and supports per-device configuration for resolution and mirror settings.

Does ZillaBooth support Bluetooth camera remotes?

Yes — with ZillaBooth Pro. Enable Bluetooth Remote Shutter in Settings → Pro, pair your remote in iOS Settings → Bluetooth, and ZillaBooth accepts hardware capture events from the remote, volume buttons, Camera Control, and Action button.

What is the Event Readiness Dashboard?

A live checklist in Settings → Pro that shows battery, temperature, storage, printer, network, and location status before and during your event. With Pro active, degraded conditions also appear as subtle ambient alerts on the camera screen during the event.


Troubleshooting

My photos are blurry. How do I fix it?

Blurry photos are almost always caused by one of three things: movement, poor lighting, or a dirty lens. Make sure your device is stable (use a tripod or stand), ensure you have adequate lighting in the space, and wipe the camera lens clean. If you’re in a dark environment, enabling flash (Pocket feature) can dramatically sharpen photos by freezing motion and improving exposure.

The app isn’t saving my photos. What should I do?

Check that ZillaBooth has Photos permission: go to iOS Settings → ZillaBooth → Photos and make sure it’s set to “Add Photos Only” or “Full Access.” Also confirm you have available storage space on your device.

Auto-Print isn’t working. What should I check?

First, confirm that Simplified Sharing is enabled — Auto-Print requires it. Then confirm your device and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that the printer is powered on and has paper/media loaded. In Settings → Pro → Auto-Print, verify the correct printer is selected. If issues persist, select the printer again — AirPrint printer URLs can change if the printer’s IP address changes on the network.

Emails aren’t delivering to guests. What should I do?

Start by testing your SMTP connection in Settings → Pro → Simplified Sharing → Configure → Test Connection. If the test fails, double-check your SMTP server address, port, username, and password. For Gmail, ensure you’re using an App Password (not your regular password). For iCloud, use an App-Specific Password generated at appleid.apple.com. Check Settings → Pro → Email Queue to see if messages are queued or have failed — you can retry failed messages from there.

The device keeps going to sleep during events. How do I prevent this?

Use iOS Guided Access to prevent sleep. Set up Guided Access as described in the Keep Awake section above, and make sure Display Auto-Lock is set to “Never” in Guided Access Time Limits. Also ensure the device is plugged into power, as low battery can trigger sleep behavior even with Guided Access active.

The app crashed. What should I do?

Force-quit the app and reopen it. If it happens repeatedly, restart your device. Make sure you’re running the latest version of ZillaBooth (check the App Store for updates) and that your device has enough free storage. If the issue persists, contact us at Hello@ZillaBooth.com with a description of what happened and your device model — we’ll get it sorted.