What it does: The iPad Party Layout provides a special overlay-style interface optimized for iPad devices. Instead of the standard layout, this mode displays buttons and controls overlaid on the camera preview, creating a more immersive experience with the shutter button always positioned at the bottom for easy access.

How it works: When you’re using an iPad with ZillaBooth Party enabled, the app automatically switches to this special layout. The camera preview expands to fill more of the screen, and all controls are positioned as overlays, ensuring buttons are always accessible regardless of device orientation.

Best for: Large events where you want maximum screen space for the camera preview, making it easier for guests to see themselves and position correctly for photos.

Implementation notes: This layout is automatically enabled on iPad when Party features are active. No additional configuration is needed – just subscribe to Party and use your iPad!

How to set it up:

1. Open ZillaBooth settings and navigate to the Party features section
2. Find “Graphic Overlay” and tap to open the setup view
3. Tap “Select Graphic File” to browse for a PNG file on your device
4. Choose a PNG image with transparency (supports alpha channel)
5. The app will automatically copy the file to ZillaBooth’s documents folder and display a preview
6. Once selected, the overlay will be automatically applied to all future collages

Important technical details:

• File format: Only PNG files are supported (required for transparency)
• Image dimensions: For best results, use an overlay image that matches the dimensions of your final collage output. To determine the exact size you need, take a test photo session and check the dimensions of the saved collage image
• Transparency: PNG files with alpha channels work best – the overlay will be stretched to fit the collage size
• File storage: Selected overlay files are automatically copied into ZillaBooth’s documents folder, so you can safely delete the original file
• Quality optimization: ZillaBooth automatically optimizes image quality based on your device’s capabilities

Best for: Branding events with logos, adding event hashtags, creating custom frames or borders, adding decorative elements to match your event theme.

Removing the overlay: To remove the overlay, return to the Graphic Overlay setup view and deselect the file. The overlay will be cleared from all future collages.

How to configure:

1. Open ZillaBooth settings and navigate to Party features
2. Enable “Simplified Sharing” toggle
3. Tap “Configure Sharing Method” to set up your preferred delivery method
4. Choose from three options:
   • Apple Messages: Send via iMessage (iPhone only – not available on iPad)
   • Email: Use the iOS Mail composer
   • Integrated Email: Send directly via SMTP without opening the Mail app
5. Customize the message content for your chosen method

Sharing Method Details:

Apple Messages (iPhone only):

• Create a custom message text that will be sent with each collage
• Guests enter their phone number in a simple input box
• The app composes an iMessage with the collage attached
• Note: Users must still tap “Send” to deliver the message (Apple limitation)
• Not available on iPad because iPad cannot send SMS messages

Email:

• Configure a custom email subject line (default: “Photo Collage”)
• Create a custom email message body
• Guests enter their email address in a simple input box
• The app opens the iOS Mail composer with the collage attached
• Note: Users must still tap “Send” to deliver the email (Apple limitation)

Integrated Email (SMTP):

• Configure your SMTP email server settings:
  • SMTP Server Address (e.g., smtp.gmail.com)
  • Port (typically 587 for TLS)
  • Username/Email address
  • Password
  • Optional BCC address for archiving
• Test the connection before using at events
• Configure custom email subject and message
• Emails are sent directly without opening the Mail app
• Includes an email queue system to manage pending and failed messages
• Background processing continues even when the app is in the background

How guests use it:

1. After taking photos, the collage is displayed
2. Guest taps the “Share” button (or “Send” if auto-print is enabled)
3. A simple input box appears
4. Guest enters their phone number (for Messages) or email address (for Email)
5. The message or email is composed with the collage attached
6. Guest taps “Send” to deliver

Best for: Events where you want fast, streamlined photo delivery without guests navigating through multiple screens or options. Perfect for busy weddings, corporate events, or parties where speed matters.

Important notes:

• Simplified Sharing must be enabled for Auto-Print to function
• If you disable Simplified Sharing, Auto-Print will also be automatically disabled
• For SMTP setup, ensure your email provider supports SMTP access and that you have the correct server credentials
• Gmail users may need to generate an “App Password” for SMTP authentication

Requirements:

• Simplified Sharing must be enabled
• An AirPrint-compatible printer must be configured
• Device must support AirPrint (check availability in settings)

How to set it up:

1. Ensure Simplified Sharing is enabled (see above)
2. Open ZillaBooth settings and navigate to Party features
3. Enable “Auto-Print” toggle
4. Tap “Configure Auto-Print Settings”
5. Tap “Select Printer” to choose your AirPrint printer
6. The printer picker will show all available AirPrint printers on your network
7. Select your printer and confirm the selection
8. The printer name and connection details will be saved

How it works:

• After a collage is created and shared via Simplified Sharing, the app automatically sends it to the configured printer
• The print job happens in the background – no additional user interaction is needed
• If the printer is unavailable, the app will retry up to 3 times with increasing delays
• Print status is logged for troubleshooting
• The app monitors printer availability and will alert if the printer becomes unavailable

Printer connection monitoring:

• The app automatically monitors your printer connection every 30 seconds
• If the printer becomes unavailable, you’ll be notified
• Print jobs will queue and retry when the printer comes back online

Guest experience:

1. Guest takes photos and sees their collage
2. Guest taps “Send & Print” (instead of just “Send”)
3. Guest enters their contact information
4. Guest sends the message/email
5. Collage automatically prints to the configured printer
6. Guest receives both digital and printed copies

Best for: Events where you want instant physical prints alongside digital delivery. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, or any gathering where guests expect to take home a printed photo.

Important notes:

• Auto-Print requires Simplified Sharing to be enabled
• Your device and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network
• Ensure your printer has paper and ink/toner before the event
• For best results, use a dedicated photo printer or high-quality color printer
• Print quality depends on your printer’s capabilities
• If AirPrint is not available on your device, auto-print functionality will be limited

How it works:

• After a collage is displayed, a 5-minute timer begins
• If no interaction occurs for 5 minutes, the app automatically returns to the camera view
• The timer resets if the user interacts with the collage (taps share, views settings, etc.)
• This ensures the photo booth is always ready for the next guest without manual intervention

How to enable:

1. Open ZillaBooth settings and navigate to Party features
2. Enable “Auto-Restart” toggle
3. The feature is immediately active – no additional configuration needed

Timeout settings:

• The timeout is fixed at 5 minutes (300 seconds)
• This duration gives guests enough time to view and share their photos while ensuring quick turnover
• The timer only counts idle time – any interaction resets it

Best for: Unattended or semi-attended photo booths where you want the app to automatically reset between guests. Perfect for events where guests are using the photo booth independently.

Important notes:

• The timer starts when the collage is first displayed
• Any user interaction (tapping buttons, viewing settings) resets the timer
• If a guest is actively using the app, the timer won’t trigger
• Works seamlessly with Auto-Print and Simplified Sharing

How it works:

ZillaBooth uses iOS Guided Access, a built-in accessibility feature, to keep your device awake and prevent accidental app switching. This is the most reliable method for ensuring uninterrupted photo booth operation during events.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Enable Guided Access:
   • Open Settings on your iOS device
   • Navigate to Accessibility > Guided Access
   • Turn on the Guided Access toggle
2. Set Your Passcode:
   • In Guided Access settings, tap “Set Guided Access Passcode”
   • Create a 4-digit passcode (or use Face ID/Touch ID if available)
   • This passcode allows you to exit Guided Access mode
3. Enable Accessibility Shortcut:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility
   • Scroll to the bottom and tap “Accessibility Shortcut”
   • Select “Guided Access” from the list
   • This allows you to quickly start/stop Guided Access by triple-clicking the Side or Home button
4. Configure Auto-Lock:
   • In Guided Access settings, tap “Time Limits”
   • Set “Display Auto-Lock” to “Never”
   • This prevents the screen from sleeping during Guided Access sessions
5. Configure ZillaBooth for events:
   • Open ZillaBooth settings and enable “Hide Settings Button” (see below)
   • Verify the settings button is hidden on the camera screen
6. Start Guided Access:
   • Open ZillaBooth and navigate to the camera screen
   • Triple-click the Side button (iPhone X and later) or Home button (older iPhones/iPads)
   • Guided Access will start – configure session settings:
     • Sleep/Wake Button: Off
     • Volume Buttons: Off
     • Motion: Off
     • Software Keyboards: On
     • Touch: On
     • Time Limit: Off
   • Tap “Start” in the top-right corner
7. Exit Guided Access:
   • Triple-click the Side/Home button
   • Enter your passcode (or use Face ID/Touch ID)
   • Tap “End” to exit Guided Access mode

Best for: Long events where you need the device to stay on continuously without manual intervention. Essential for unattended photo booths or events lasting several hours.

Important notes:

• Battery usage: Keeping the device awake will use more battery power. For best results, keep your device connected to a power source during events
• Heat management: Extended use may cause the device to warm up. Ensure adequate ventilation
• Screen brightness: Consider reducing screen brightness to save battery and reduce heat
• Testing: Always test Guided Access setup before your event to ensure everything works correctly
• Remember your passcode: You’ll need the Guided Access passcode to exit the mode

Troubleshooting:

• If Guided Access won’t start, ensure it’s enabled in Settings
• If the device still sleeps, check that Auto-Lock is set to “Never” in Guided Access Time Limits
• If you forget your passcode, you can reset it in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access
• For detailed Apple support, visit the official Guided Access documentation

How it works:

• When enabled, the settings button is completely hidden from the camera interface
• This prevents guests from accidentally changing settings or accessing app configuration
• The button is hidden only when the camera is active (not during countdown or when viewing collages)
• Settings can still be accessed from the iOS Settings app if needed

How to enable:

1. Open ZillaBooth settings and navigate to Party features
2. Enable “Hide Settings Button” toggle
3. Return to the camera screen and verify the settings button is hidden
4. For complete lock-down, also enable Guided Access (see Keep Awake section above)

Best for: Events where you want to prevent guests from accessing settings or making accidental changes. Essential for unattended photo booths or when using Guided Access for device lock-down.

Important notes:

• This feature is designed to work with Guided Access for complete event lock-down
• When enabled, guests cannot access settings, which helps maintain consistent event configuration
• To access settings yourself, you’ll need to disable this feature temporarily or use the iOS Settings app
• The settings button is automatically hidden during countdown and when viewing collages regardless of this setting

Event setup workflow:

1. Configure all Party features and settings before your event
2. Enable “Hide Settings Button”
3. Verify all settings are correct
4. Enable Guided Access (see Keep Awake section)
5. Start your event with confidence that settings won’t be changed

How it works:

• After a guest successfully sends their collage via Simplified Sharing, a fun animation appears
• The animation features a customizable emoji (default: 🎉) that animates on screen
• This provides clear visual confirmation that the sharing action completed successfully
• The animation only appears when Simplified Sharing is enabled and used

How to configure:

1. Ensure Simplified Sharing is enabled (required for this feature)
2. Open ZillaBooth settings and navigate to Party features
3. Find “Confirmation Animation” and enable the toggle
4. Tap “Configure Animation” to customize the emoji
5. Choose from a wide selection of emojis or enter a custom emoji
6. The selected emoji will be used in the animation

Customization options:

• Default emoji: 🎉 (party popper)
• Custom emoji: Choose any emoji that fits your event theme
• Popular choices: 🎊 (confetti), ✨ (sparkles), 🎈 (balloon), ❤️ (heart), 🌟 (star), 🎁 (gift)
• You can enter any single emoji character

Best for: Adding a fun, celebratory touch to your photo booth experience. The animation provides clear feedback and makes the sharing process feel more special and engaging for guests.

Important notes:

• Confirmation Animation requires Simplified Sharing to be enabled
• If you disable Simplified Sharing, the animation will also be disabled
• The animation appears after the share action completes, not during the sharing process
• You can disable the animation while keeping Simplified Sharing enabled if you prefer a more minimal experience

Here’s a recommended step-by-step workflow for setting up ZillaBooth Party for an event:

Before the event:

1. Subscribe to ZillaBooth Party (monthly or yearly subscription)
2. Configure Simplified Sharing:
   • Enable Simplified Sharing
   • Choose your sharing method (Messages, Email, or Integrated Email)
   • Customize message content
   • If using Integrated Email, configure SMTP settings and test the connection
3. Set up Auto-Print (if desired):
   • Enable Auto-Print
   • Select and configure your AirPrint printer
   • Test print a photo to ensure everything works
   • Ensure printer has paper and ink/toner
4. Configure Graphic Overlay (if desired):
   • Create or prepare your PNG overlay image
   • Ensure the image dimensions match your collage output size
   • Select the overlay file in settings
   • Verify the preview looks correct
5. Enable Auto-Restart:
   • Turn on Auto-Restart for hands-off operation
6. Configure Confirmation Animation:
   • Enable the animation
   • Choose a custom emoji if desired
7. Set up Keep Awake:
   • Follow the Guided Access setup instructions
   • Enable “Hide Settings Button” in ZillaBooth
   • Test Guided Access to ensure it works correctly
8. Final checks:
   • Test a complete photo session from start to finish
   • Verify sharing works correctly
   • Verify printing works (if enabled)
   • Check that the overlay appears correctly (if enabled)
   • Ensure device is charged or connected to power

At the event:

1. Position your device (iPhone or iPad) in a stable location
2. Ensure good lighting
3. Connect to power if needed
4. Connect printer to the same Wi-Fi network (if using Auto-Print)
5. Start Guided Access by triple-clicking the Side/Home button
6. Configure Guided Access session settings as recommended
7. Start the session
8. Your photo booth is now ready for guests!

After the event:

1. Exit Guided Access by triple-clicking and entering your passcode
2. Review any failed email messages in the Email Queue (if using Integrated Email)
3. Disable features you don’t need for regular use
4. Save your event settings for future use