How to use Dropbox to transfer new and updated events from the Event Editor 1.2 (on a Windows PC) to your iPads. This post includes a trouble shooting section.
June 2020: This post has been replaced by a website tutorial here
June 2019: Post updated to clarify that events can be saved straight to Dropbox
May 2019: Some images and text in this post have been updated to reflect the latest releases of the Breeze Booth App and Event Editor 1.2
Introduction
When you download Breeze Booth from the App Store, you are prompted to sync (ie download) sample events from Breeze servers at https://bb4ipad/com/sync
When you create your own events you also need to transfer them to your devices. The simplest way to do this is to use Dropbox. This post explains how to set up Dropbox on each iPad (or iPhone) and download events using Dropbox.
Note: Breeze Booth now supports both iPads and iPhones running iOS12. References to iPads in this post also refer to iPhones.
Setting up Dropbox on your iPad
Install the official Dropbox app on your iPad (this can be downloaded from the Apple App Store).
Select Sign in to Dropbox in Breeze Booth for iPad’s app settings and authorize the app. This will create a “Breeze Booth for iPad” folder in your Dropbox “Apps” folder.
1. Log into Dropbox on the iPad
Copy the events on your PC to your Dropbox folder
Once you have set up Dropbox for Breeze Booth you need to copy your folder of events into the correct Dropbox folder to transfer them to the iPad.
Copy the events folder fromC:\Users\yourname\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad
Copying the whole events folder
toC:\Users\yourname\Dropbox\Apps\Breeze Booth for iPad
Dropbox folder structure for events
Note: When you sync the events using Dropbox on your iPad, the program will look for this folder. You must name it correctly, or the App will not find your events.
Note to advanced users: You can use tokens including {eventName} in your Dropbox folder naming. This post does not cover this.
Saving events straight to Dropbox
Once the initial set of events have been copied to Dropbox, you can either save new and updated events directly into Dropbox, or continue using an intermediate folder and manually copy them. Saving events straight to Dropbox is simpler and faster.
To direct the Event Editor to load and save events in Dropbox, select File then Open, navigate to C:\Users\…\Dropbox\Apps\Breeze Booth for iPad\events and open events.xml
To point the Event Editor to your Dropbox events folder, click on File then Open, navigate to C:\Users\…\Dropbox\Apps\Breeze Booth for iPad\events and open events.xml
When you return to the main Event Editor screen note that the folder name at the top has changed:
Event Editor 1.2 main screen with folder highlighted
You will be prompted to save your changes before closing the Event Editor
Breeze Booth EventEditor prompts you to save any changes before closing the program
Tell Breeze Booth for iPad to sync events using Dropbox
As there are several ways to sync events, you need to tell your iPad which to choose. In Breeze Booth for iPad go to Settings and select the Sync via Dropbox.
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Import the latest version of your events into Breeze Booth for iPad from Dropbox
You can choose whether to update (‘sync’) all your events at the same time, or update a single event. Updating all events is the best way to check everything on the iPad is up to date, but may be slower than updating a single event (especially if you have a poor Internet connection).
You can also update the event list before updating individual events.
Get an updated list of events
Update list of events button (Breeze Booth Events screen)
Get the latest version of all your events
Update all events button (Breeze Booth Events screen)
Get the latest version of a single event
Once the event(s) have been updated, you are ready to run them
Concerned about guests getting access to your Dropbox files from the iPad?
Advanced users: Signing into the Dropbox App on an iPad and signing Breeze Booth for iPad into your Dropbox account are not the same. Once your events are set up correctly, you can secure your Dropbox account by:
either signing out from the Dropbox App and keeping Breeze Booth for iPad signed into Dropbox
orDeleting the Dropbox App from the iPad
Only delete the Dropbox App from the iPad when Breeze Booth for iPad is signed in to DropBox. If you sign Breeze Booth for iPad out from Dropbox, you will need to reinstall the official Dropbox app before signing back in again.
You can also set an exit password to keep guests from accessing the Breeze Booth for iPad settings page
Using an exit password to keep sticky fingered guests from the Breeze Booth for iPad settings page
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Keep life simple when syncing with Dropbox
Do name your folders correctly
Do not uninstall Breeze Booth for iPad from your iPads
Do not delete the Breeze Booth for iPad folder in Dropbox
Stuck? Getting out of trouble
iPad App can’t find my new/updated events
Path not found errors occur when the App cannot find the event files. Causes:
Dropbox has not finished syncing the files to the iPad
Dropbox folders or files are not named correctly
Path not found: Event cannot be synced because of a folder or file naming error
Motr
Error: not logged into Dropbox occurs if Breeze Booth for iPad is not signed into Dropbox
Unable to sync event because not logged into Dropbox
If you can’t find an answer in the help files, feel free to email support@breezesys.com or post in the Breeze User group on Facebook
Summary
This post explained how to transfer new and updated events from a PC to Breeze Booth for iPad using Dropbox. You will need a Dropbox account and an Internet connection for this to work.
This post explains how to create and edit your own events for Breeze Booth for iPad using the Breeze Booth Event Editor 1.1 on a Windows PC, and covers
what’s new in this release
first steps : how to download, install and run the Event Editor on your PC
loading events into the event editor
cloning an event as a start point for a custom design
Easier editing – you will find it much simpler to load events into the Editor, copy them and save your work.
Simpler cloning of events
Ability to import events from elsewhere
Improved event format
Simpler manifest regeneration
Chris has also added the ability to set up both initial and default profiles for an event, & load profiles from menu 1 or menu 2
Download and install Breeze Booth Event Editor & sample events
Event Editor runs on a Windows 10, 8 or 7 computer. Download it from here.
You will also automatically download Breeze Hub and the designs for nine sample events. When you install the event editor, these events will automatically be saved in your Documents folder C:\Users\…\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events
The Breeze Booth Event Editor installer has created this folder of sample events. C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events
There is a sub-folder for each sample event, and a file called events.xml which you need to open in the Event Editor:
Run Breeze Booth Event Editor
Start the Event Editor, and select Open.
Starting Breeze Booth Event Editor 1.1 for the first time
Load the list of existing events by selecting events.xml in C:\Users\…\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events
Select events.xml to load the list of events into Breeze Booth Event Editor
Initial list of sample events displayed in BBEE
List of sample events loaded into Breeze Booth Event Editor 1.1(This list was created from the events.xml file we opened)
The first event is called Designer and showcases many of the features included with Breeze Booth for iPad. You are welcome to use this design (or parts of it) with Breeze Booth for iPad at your own events.
The remaining 8 events are much simpler. They are intended to help you create your own designs.
This post will show you how to copy one of these simple events (Photos with virtual props) and edit it for your own use.
Photos with virtual props takes one photo and shares it on a custom background. Guests choose between 3 virtual props. They can also choose whether to shoot in color, B&W, sepia, comic effect or using a filter. The photo can be shared by email .
Cloning ‘Photos with virtual props’
Right click on Photos with virtual props and select Clone Event…
Right click on an event to clone it
You can change the name, description and folder name of the new event:
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Editing an event
Portrait, landscape or both?
Breeze Booth for iPad lets guests switch between portrait and landscape orientation on the fly (great for roaming booths like the Ring Roamer). My virtual props event can be used in both portrait and landscape orientation, so has designs for both.
If you will always run an event in the same orientation, you don’t need to create both designs.
Open My virtual props
Select My virtual props… and check Edit event…
We will just edit the portrait version of My virtual props event today. Click on the portrait Edit button:
This brings us to the Photo Booth Settings screen, where you can start to customize your design
Tabs on Photo Booth Settings screen (Breeze Both for iPad build 20)
The original Photos with virtual props takes one photo and shares it on a colored background with a custom logo. Guests choose between 3 virtual props. They can also choose whether to shoot in color, B&W, sepia, comic effect or using a filter. The photo can be shared by email .
We are going to change My virtual props event to
take 2 square photos
remove the branded background print layout
add a new background color, 2 logos* and a caption to the print layout
create a slideshow GIF from the 2 photos
customize the wording of the email
share the slideshow GIF instead of the print layout
*You can add up to 5 different png or jpg logos to each print layout in addition to the background and overlay. This is a simple way of branding a design for a particular event, and can also be used as a quick way to add an image of the bride and groom (taken earlier in the day) to wedding photo booths.
Photo Booth Settings Screen
The Photo Booth Settings Screen is displayed for the profile you selected. It has 5 tabs : General, Photos, Slideshow GIFs, Burst GIFs, and Share. You can access powerful editors to design your screens, prints and GIFs from these settings.
Photo Booth Settings – General tab
11) Change the aspect ratio of the photos to square
Changing the photo aspect ratio to square (Breeze booth Event Editor)
You can find a full list of Breeze Booth for iPad screens here
Photo Booth Settings – Photos tab
12) Change the number of photos to 2
13) Change the countdown text color to black
14) Open the Print Layout Editor
Changing the number of photos, color of countdown text and opening the Print Layout editor in Breeze Booth Event Editor
Print Layout Editor
Use the Print layout editor to customize your prints. In the slideshow below I will:
15) Remove the branded background
16) Add a new background color to the print
17) Change the printed photo to a square
18) Right click on the background to add the second photo
19) Resize and reposition the two photos
20) Add the two logos
21) Right click on the background to add a caption, then right click again to edit it
22) Save my changes
Note: You can add up to 5 different JPG or PNG logos to a print
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Photo Booth Settings – Slideshow GIFs tab
Check Create animated GIF,... to create an animated GIF from the two photos
Creating a slideshow GIF from the photos
Photo Booth Settings – Share tab
23) Check Share slideshow first to share the GIF instead of a print layout
24) Open the slideshow email editor to customize the message
Telling Breeze Booth for iPad to share the slideshow GIF
Breeze Booth Event Editor email editor for slideshow GIFs
Change the subject and email text. You can use Breeze tokens (25) in emails
Before you leave the event editor….
When you have finished editing the event, check OK to save all your changes.
Add an extra countdown GIF and sharing screen to the asset folder
The new event includes has two photos instead of one so we need a second countdown GIF 2.gif . We also need a screen called share_slideshow.jpg to share the new slideshow GIF.
I have copied the existing 1.gif and share.jpg screens to 2.gif and share_slideshow.jpg in C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events\My virtual props event\portrait
C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events\My virtual props event\portrait showing 2.gif and share_slideshow.jpg
When you make any changes to this folder you must also go back to the Breeze Booth Event Editor, open the event and regenerate the manifests
Closing the Event Editor
If you make any changes to your events, the Event Editor will prompt you to save changes to your events.xml folder. It is important that you select Yes to save the changes you have made and update the manifest.
Copying events from a PC to your iPads
There are currently 3 ways to copy events from your PC to an iPad:
Upload the events folder to a folder on a web server, then go the to the settings screen in Breeze Booth for Ipad and edit the URL for the sync server to point to this folder. Then use the events screen in Breeze Booth for iPad to sync the events. Important: This method can only be used with secure servers that have https e.g. https://breezesys.com. It will not work with http URLs. Sample events are available by setting the sync server to https://bb4ipad.com/sync in the iPad’s app settings.
Method 3: Copy the files via iCloud
Copy the event folder to a folder on iCloud that is visible on the iPad. Then use the Files app to copy the files to Breeze Booth for iPad’s assets folder.
Using AirPrint to print directly from Breeze Booth for iPad
25) To print directly from the iPad connect up your printer ( which must support AirPrint) and choose Print using Airprint on the Breeze Booth for iPad Settings screen
26) To print using a Windows PC you need Breeze Hub. Choose Connect to Breeze Hub on the Breeze Booth or iPad Settings screen
Summary
This post has taken you through downloading and installing both the Breeze Booth Event Editor and a set of sample events onto a Windows PC. I have also shown how to create your own event based on one of the samples provided by Breeze, and outlined ways to transfer new and updated events to your iPads. Finally there are short notes about printing using Airprint and a Windows PC.
If you found this post useful please share it with others.
Note: This post was updated in September 2019 for the latest releases of Hotfolder Prints 1.8, and Webcam Photobooth 1.5.
If you are new to DSLR Remote Pro or Webcam Photobooth, first run the Photo booth Setup Wizard. This creates all the screens for a basic working system. It also creates print layouts with a plain white background. The video demonstrates
How to change the background color of your prints
How to add logos and other graphic icons to your prints (DSLR Remote Pro 3.12, Hotfolder Prints 1.8 and Webcam Photobooth 1.5)
How to add simple captions
how to use Breeze tokens to show the correct date on prints
How to use Breeze tokens to automatically add the event name to prints (DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 andHotfolder Prints 1.8 only)
How to import pre-designed layouts
How to add a QR code
Notes
The video is intended to give you a taste of the Print Layout Editor. See the program help files for more details
Find a great video introduction to using tokens with Breeze here
There are minor differences in the way tokens work in these three programs:
{eventName} and {dateLess8h} are new in Hotfolder Prints 1.8
{eventName} is not yet supported in Webcam Photobooth
DSLR Remote Pro Print Layout Editor displays the current value of tokens
Hotfolder Prints and Webcam Photobooth Print Layout Editors display the token names in the print layout editor
Importing pre-designed layouts into Breeze
Learn more about using layouts I used in the video here .These free templates were kindly provided by SMOVE for use by Breeze customers.
NB: Logos are not saved in the Photobooth Print Layout (pblt file) in this release. To use both predesigned layout and logos, you need to import the layout before adding the logos to your design.
Try for yourself
Download copies of DSLR Remote Pro, Hotfolder Prints and Webcam Photobooth from our website
If you found this post useful please share it with others.
Breeze Booth Event Editor runs on a Windows 10, 8 or 7 computer. Download it from here.
You will also automatically download the designs for nine sample events we provide for Breeze Booth for iPad. When you install the event editor, these files will automatically be saved in your Documents folder as shown here
C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events
The Breeze Booth Event Editor installer will create this folder of sample events. C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events
The first event is called Designer and showcases many of the features included with Breeze Booth for iPad. You are welcome to use this design (or parts of it) with Breeze Booth for iPad at your own events.
The remaining 8 events are much simpler. They are intended to help you create your own designs.
This post will show you how to copy one of these simple events (Photos with virtual props) and edit it for your own use.
Photos with virtual props takes one photo and shares it on a custom background. Guests choose between 3 virtual props. They can also choose whether to shoot in color, B&W, sepia, comic effect or using a filter. The photo can be shared by email .
Copy the asset folders from Photos with virtual props
Start by copying the Photos with virtual props folder to a new folder called My virtual props event
Creating a new assets folder for a new event
Run Breeze Booth Event Editor
Start the Event Editor, and select Open.
Open the Breeze Booth Event Editor
Load the list of existing events by selecting events.xml
Select events.xml to load the list of events into Breeze Booth Event Editor
Initial list of sample events displayed in BBEE
Initial sample events folder (Breeze Booth Event Editor) Note: this list of events was created from the events.xml file we opened
Create a new event ‘My virtual props event‘
Select New event to create your new event..
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1) Give the new event a name
2) Add a description
3) Select the landscape version of ‘My virtual props event‘, by
4) finding the correct folder, opening it and
5) selecting settings.xml
6, 7, 8, ) Repeat for the portrait version of My virtual props event
9) Save your new event
Portrait, landscape or both?
Breeze Booth for iPad lets guests switch between portrait and landscape orientation on the fly (great for roaming booths like the Ring Roamer). My virtual props event can be used in both portrait and landscape orientation, so has designs for both.
If you will always run an event in the same orientation, you don’t need to create both designs.
Editing an event
Select an event and choose Edit event..
We will just edit the portrait version of My virtual props event(10) today. Click on the portrait Edit button:
Editing the portrait version of My virtual props event
This brings us to the Photo Booth Settings screen, where you can start to customize your design
Tabs on Photo Booth Settings screen (Breeze Both for iPad build 20)
The original Photos with virtual props takes one photo and shares it on a colored background with a custom logo. Guests choose between 3 virtual props. They can also choose whether to shoot in color, B&W, sepia, comic effect or using a filter. The photo can be shared by email .
We are going to change My virtual props event to
take 2 square photos
remove the branded background print layout
add a new background color, 2 logos* and a caption to the print layout
create a slideshow GIF from the 2 photos
customize the wording of the email
share the slideshow GIF instead of the print layout
*You can add up to 5 different png or jpg logos to each print layout in addition to the background and overlay. This is a simple way of branding a design for a particular event, and can also be used as a quick way to add an image of the bride and groom (taken earlier in the day) to wedding photo booths.
Photo Booth Settings Screen
The Photo Booth Settings Screen is displayed for the profile you selected. It has 5 tabs : General, Photos, Slideshow GIFs, Burst GIFs, and Share. You can access powerful editors to design your screens, prints and GIFs from these settings.
Photo Booth Settings – General tab
11) Change the aspect ratio of the photos to square
Changing the photo aspect ratio to square (Breeze booth Event Editor)
You can find a full list of Breeze Booth for iPad screens here
Photo Booth Settings – Photos tab
12) Change the number of photos to 2
13) Change the countdown text color to black
14) Open the Print Layout Editor
Changing the number of photos, color of countdown text and opening the Print Layout editor in Breeze Booth Event Editor
Print Layout Editor
Use the Print layout editor to customize your prints. In the slideshow below I will:
15) Remove the branded background
16) Add a new background color to the print
17) Change the printed photo to a square
18) Right click on the background to add the second photo
19) Resize and reposition the two photos
20) Add the two logos
21) Right click on the background to add a caption, then right click again to edit it
22) Save my changes
Note: You can add up to 5 different JPG or PNG logos to a print
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Photo Booth Settings – Slideshow GIFs tab
Check Create animated GIF,... to create an animated GIF from the two photos
Creating a slideshow GIF from the photos
Photo Booth Settings – Share tab
23) Check Share slideshow first to share the GIF instead of a print layout
24) Open the slideshow email editor to customize the message
Telling Breeze Booth for iPad to share the slideshow GIF
Breeze Booth Event Editor email editor for slideshow GIFs
Change the subject and email text. You can use Breeze tokens (25) in emails
Before you leave the event editor….
When you have finished editing the event, check OK to save all your changes. You will need to update the list of events (events.xml), the manifest for My virtual props event (manifest.xml) , and the settings file for the event (settings.xml)
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Add an extra countdown GIF and sharing screen to the asset folder
The new event includes has two photos instead of one so we need a second countdown GIF 2.gif . We also need a screen called share_slideshow.jpg to share the new slideshow GIF.
I have copied the existing 1.gif and share.jpg screens to 2.gif and share_slideshow.jpg in C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events\My virtual props event\portrait
C:\Users\sue\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad\events\My virtual props event\portrait showing 2.gif and share_slideshow.jpg
When you make any changes to this folder you must also go back to the Breeze Booth Event Editor and regenerate the manifests
Regenerating the manifests in Breeze Booth Event Editor
Copying events from a PC to your iPads
There are currently 3 ways to copy events from your PC to an iPad:
Method 1: Sync via Dropbox
Install the official DropBox app on your iPad (this can be downloaded from the Apple App Store).
Select Sign in to Dropbox in Breeze Booth for iPad’s app settings and authorize the app. This will create a “Breeze Booth for iPad” folder in your DropBox “Apps” folder.
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Now on your PCcopy the whole Breeze Booth for iPad folder
fromC:\Users\yourname\Documents\Breeze Booth for iPad
Copying the whole Breeze Booth for iPad folder
toC:\Users\yourname\Dropbox\Apps
Dropbox folder structure for events
Note: When you sync the events using Dropbox on your iPad, the program will look for this folder. You must name it correctly, or the App will not find your events.
As there are several ways to sync events, you need to tell your iPad which to choose. In Breeze Booth for iPad go to Settings and select the Sync via Dropbox.
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Method 2: Sync via a secure https web server
Upload the events folder to a folder on a web server, then go the to the settings screen in Breeze Booth for Ipad and edit the URL for the sync server to point to this folder. Then use the events screen in Breeze Booth for iPad to sync the events. Important: This method can only be used with secure servers that have https e.g. https://breezesys.com. It will not work with http URLs.
Sample events are available by setting the sync server to https://bb4ipad.com/sync in the iPad’s app settings.
Method 3: Copy the files via iCloud
Copy the event folder to a folder on iCloud that is visible on the iPad. Then use the Files app to copy the files to Breeze Booth for iPad’s assets folder.
Update Breeze Booth for iPad to use the new event
Before you can run a new event on an iPad, Breeze Booth for iPad needs to update it’s list of events. Once My virtual props event has been added to this list, sync the event to download the new assets and xml files
Using AirPrint to print directly from Breeze Booth for iPad
25) To print directly from the iPad connect up your printer ( which must support AirPrint) and choose Print using Airprint on the Breeze Booth for iPad Settings screen
26) To print using a Windows PC you need Breeze Hub. Choose Connect to Breeze Hub on the Breeze Booth or iPad Settings screen
Summary
This has been quite a marathon post. I have outlined the new features in Breeze Booth Event Editor, how to download and install this program on your PC, how to create your own event based on one of the samples provided by Breeze, and how to download the new event to use on your iPads.
If you found this post useful please share it with others.
This post explains how to add a custom attraction or standby screen to DSLR Remote Pro. Breeze calls this a welcome screen.
Use your welcome screen to attract people to your booth, as a quick method of branding, and to protect your camera*. The welcome screen can be a still image, animated GIF or video. You can add sound to attract people’s attention.
*Running live view for long periods drains battery power and can cause the camera’s sensor to heat up. If the photo booth is idle Breeze automatically cancels the live view and displays the welcome screen.
This post shows how to replace the standard welcome screen with a movie or your own still image. You can customize Webcam Photobooth in the same way.
Breeze Multi-Camera has a similar screen called standby.jpg which can be customized and animated in a similar way.
Note: This post was updated in September 2019 to make it clearer that you need to set the inactivity timeout value
Default screen set created by the photo booth setup wizard, showing the initial attraction screen welcome.jpg (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.4)
Add a custom welcome screen
Rename the original welcome.jpg in case you want to use it again. (Mine is called welcome-old.jpg.)
Copy your new image into the same folder, and call it welcome.jpg To fill the screen, make the new image the same size in pixels as the image it replaces.
Paste a new welcome.jpg into your PhotoBoothImages folder. This should be the same size (in pixels) as the original (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.4)
Inactivity timer
To control how long the booth waits before going into standby mode and displaying the welcome screen, adjust the inactivity timer. Go to Advanced Settings, and set the number of seconds you want to wait until the booth goes into standby mode:
Setting the inactivity time in DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.4
Run the booth, wait a while for it to go into idle mode and your welcome screen will be displayed.
Add a welcome screen with a movie
Add your movie to the PhotoBoothImages folder and name it welcome_loop.mp4 if you want the movie to loop, or welcome.mp4 to run it just once.
Note: You need both the background image ( welcome.jpg) as well as the animation in the PhotoboothImages folder. The background image is often plain black (mirror booths) or a copy of the first frame of your movie. It may appear briefly before the animation starts running.
Here a movie called welcome_loop.mp4 has been added to the PhotoBoothImages folder (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.4)
That’s it! Start DSLR Remote Pro and check everything is working. You will need to wait for the inactivity timer to kick in before you see your video.
Finer details
What happens if my video is smaller than the screen?
If your video is smaller than your screen, it will be displayed in the center of the screen with your welcome.jpg behind it:
Here the attraction video is smaller than the screen (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.4)
Yes, you can customize most other screens in the same way. Replace the original screen in your PhotoBoothImages folder with another still (.jpg), add a movie (.mp4 or .mov) or GIF file with the same name. For more details, see
Yes. To add animations and sound to magic mirrors include them in your PhotoBoothImages folder in the same way.
Where can I find animations for my booth/mirror?
There are lots of sources of animations on the web. These are some of the vendors who offer animations and complete Breeze themes for photo booths and mirrors
Guests can email photos, animated GIFs and Canon M50 slowmo videos and other videos* they create in DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3. If Internet access during the event is poor, you can send the emails later.
Update March 2021: This post has been replaced by a new tutorial
This post explains how to email images from a touchscreen photo booth running DSLR Remote Pro. You will also learn how to tell the program about your email server settings, brand and customize the emails you send.
Let’s run through this in more detail, starting with the setup wizard:
Run the Photobooth Setup Wizard
Start DSLR Remote Pro and run the Photobooth Setup Wizard (1). Choose which options to offer guests at Step 2 (2). In this example guests can choose between still photos and boomerang (aka burst) GIFs (3). You can offer video (or photos and video) instead at this point.
Check the option Email photos (4) .
Checking the box Email photos at Step 2 of the setup wizard ( DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3)
Select any other options you need before clicking on <Next> and completing Step 3 of the wizard.
You can set up your own booth with this sharing screen using just the 3 step wizard:
Email sharing screen created by the Photobooth Setup Wizard (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3)
Setup the email server settings
The first time you email from DSLR Remote Pro you need to set up the email server settings:
Select File (5) then Photobooth Settings(6) to access these settings
This will display the Photobooth Settings screen.
Go to the Output Settings(8) and check Email (9). You can then select Email Server Settings screen at (10)
To send an email you need to specify the host name and port number of your email server. Most email servers also require a username and a password. For additional security check Use SSL for secure email.
The values of Host, Username, Password, Email and Port(11) you enter on the Email Server Settings screen are specific to the email provider you are using.
Before you move on, check everything works by sending a test email to your own email address(12). DSLR Remote Pro displays Email sent successfully(13) when this message has been sent. Check that you receive the test email.
Remember to click OK(14) to save your settings as you leave this screen.
Including your name with the email address
To include the name of the sender with the email address enter the name followed by the email address enclosed in angle brackets e.g. Sue’s Blog <demo@breezesys.com>.
Here the sender name is ‘Sue’s Blog’ and the email address demo@breezesys.com (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3)
Logging guest email addresses & sending them after the event
You can keep a log of email addresses used by guests, providing valuable data for your own or corporate client’s use.
If an event Internet connection is flaky or non-existent you can save the email details and send them later.
The port number is usually 587 when using SSL secure email or 25 otherwise (but check the port numbers used by your ISP).
Emails look more professional when sent from your own domain.
Most free email services require the sender’s email address to the be the same as the email account specified by the username and password.
Gmail users should set access for less secure apps to Turn on in your Google account settings otherwise GMail will refuse to send the email.
Customize and brand your email messages
Use the standard email message
You do not have to customize the message sent with your photos and animated GIFS. If you use the standard settings in DSLR Remote Pro all emails will include the image(s) captured in the booth and the text Your photo booth photos taken on 14 August 2018 (or whatever date the images were taken).
Customizing the email subject and message
The emails guests send can be a powerful marketing tool for your business. Make them work for you by customizing the message sent with your image(s). Use Breeze tokens, your own text, images and html in the Email Settingsscreen.
Select File, then Output Settings, then Email settings to reach this screen:
Select File, then Output Settings, then Email settings to customize emails sent from DSLR Remote Pro
The first time you see the email settings screen it contains the default message DSLR Remote Pro sends with your emails. Edit this to meet your needs.
Default Email Settings screen in Breeze DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3
You can change the both the subject and content of the emails sent with guest images.
Reduce the time and bandwidth taken to send and receive emails by choosing a suitable maximum image size.
Creating a standard email template using the {eventName} token
{eventName} is a special Breeze token which can be shared between Breeze programs. You can use {eventName} in your emails and print layouts to save time customizing your booth for each event.
Here I have both changed the text and used {eventName} to customize the email subject (17), plain text (18) and html (19) versions of the content. I also changed the message seen by guests if they type an invalid email address (20).
When the email is sent Images from {eventName} will be replaced by Images from Sue & Chris’s Big Party. The text sent with the email will also say Having a great time at Sue & Chris’s Big Party. These are my images from the Breeze Booth on 14 August 2018.
{eventName} can also be used in print captions, and as part of folder and file names. For my next event I just need to change {eventName} to John & Jane’s Wedding ….
Note: %L is another Breeze token, which will be replaced by the date the images were taken.
How do I enter and change {eventName} for each event?
Start DSLR Remote Pro, click on File then Photobooth event info… to reach the Photo Booth Event Info screen
Photo Booth Event Info screen with {eventname} set to Sue & Chris’s big Party (DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3)
You may have spotted Event Strings on this screen. You can use {eventString1} to {eventString5} in the same way as {eventName} .
Why do I need to send both plain text and html?
The emails DSLR Remote Pro sends from your booth may be viewed on lots of different devices including Apple and Android smart phones, tablets and PCs. Most modern devices can read html emails; we also send a plain text version in case the html version cannot be read.
Thank you for reading this post. I have covered how to send emails from DSLR Remote Pro, outlined how to brand and customize the emails, create your own standard template which is automatically updated for different events, and tell the program about your email service provider.
If you are ready for more, Steve’s video is a great introduction to using tokens. You can also learn more about customizing emails in the program help files.
If this post is helpful to you, please share it with others in our industry.
* DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3 was released today 15 August 2018, and is a free upgrade for anyone whose license was issued in the last year. This release introduces the ability to share videos captured in video booth mode, including Canon M50 slow mo videos. Please note that emailing large attachments during events will slow the booth down.
Update 16 August: You can run this new script alongside DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.3to rotate and resize videos and add an optional overlay and soundtrack before videos are shared. We expect to include these features into DSLR Remote Pro in a future release.
February 2022:The information in this post has been replaced by a website page here
November 2021: Updated post to confirm support for Windows 11 as well as Windows 10 and Windows 8.
Breeze software is veryefficient. DSLR Remote Pro aka Breeze Booth ( Windows+DSLR) and Webcam Photobooth both run on low powered Windows computers running Windows 11, 10 and 8. The programs may run more quickly and print faster on a more powerful machine.
Breeze software is incredibly flexible. You can use it in many ways to produce and share photos, animated GIFs, slow motion and other videos. Some operators demand lightening fast results, others offer a more leisurely service. This short post is intended to help you choose the right computer to power your photo booth.
A budget laptop with an i3 processor and at least 4GB RAM should be fine for still photos. If you are planning to capture and playback boomerang GIFs, HD video, use AI background removal or green screen you may need a more powerful computer.
Touchscreens are flexible and an easy way to offer guests choices, share images and collect data. Laptops with built in touchscreens are popular, but not essential. Other ways to control the booth include contactless operation, buttons, coin operation, a wireless presenter and remote sensors.
Most photo booths need two USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports to connect the camera and printer. You can use a USB hub to increase the number of ports.
Background Removal, Green screen and burst GIFS
A more powerful PC will process background removal, green screen images and animated GIFs more quickly. A low powered PC is likely to take longer to produce the same result. Processing speed is affected by many other factors including the size of the image, background, overlay and print. Individual operators have different views about how fast their booth needs to work.
Try before you buy
If possible try the software either on the computer you plan to use, or a machine with a similar spec. You can download and try out DSLR Remote Pro and Webcam Photobooth for up to two weeks before buying the licenses.
The introduction of GDPR has focussed interest on the ability to obtain specific, granular consent from guests. Breeze Kiosk is ready to help.
Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4 allows you to present up to 10 consent boxes to guests when they email, or text images, upload them to Facebook or Twitter. Each check box can be opt-in or pre-checked, optional or mandatory.
(2)Select the folder you want Breeze Kiosk to watch for images
(3) Check the appropriate boxes to say whether you want to display still images(JPEG), animated GIFs and/or MP4and movies
(4) You will need to select a folder where the screen images used by Breeze Kiosk are stored.
(5) Check boxes to tell the program which print and sharing options you want to offer guests.
In this post I will show you how to add a consent check boxes when guests email photos.
(6) Go to the email server settings screen
Set Breeze Kiosk to log email addresses entered in a csv file
(If this is the first time you have sent emails from Breeze Kiosk on this computer, you will need to set up the settings for your email server)
(7)Check the box to log email addresses to a file, and tell the program what this file is called/where to find it.
If you need to send emails offline check the offline mode box at (8) before pressing OK.
Now we need to copy (or create your own) XML file and put in into the folder which holds your screen images. Don’t panic if you have never seen XML before! There are some examples you can copy in the program help files . All we need to do is make a few simple tweaks.
Defining the guest consent text and checkbox for emailed images. Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4 (a_
(9) This checkbox has value 0 (zero) for opt-in consent. For pre-checked consent change the value to 1
(10) The text for this check box has been highlighted in green. Change this to the wording you need.
(11) When you finish your changes, select File to save them. You need to call the file email_keyboard.xml and save it in the folderyou chose for your screen images. [As (4) above]
email_keyboard.xml is saved in the screens folder
While I am here, how do I change the background color of the email screen?
XML for email screen with white background and custom pre-checked consent box Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4
(12) To change the color of the background screen and of the text of your prompts (13), you need to add the text highlighted in green to your XML.
0xFFFFFF is the HEX notation for RGB white. 0x000000 is the HEX notation for RGB black. Hint: If you haven’t come across HEX notation for RGB colors before, use Photoshop or google RGB color checker to identify the color you want to use.
Now when my guest selects the email icon they see this white screen:
Email keyboard with custom consent Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4
How to I add two or more check boxes?
You need to add these three lines for the second check box
Example xml for email keyboard with two check boxes Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4
The second check box is opt-in, so the prompt value is 0 (zero). I have also changed the Y coordinate of the check box to place it below the first box. The final result is here:
This Email screen has two check boxes Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4
Shared images can have different format to those displayed
Privacy mode – access limited to own images
Custom messages
Breeze Kiosk email entry screen with check box for guest consent. Consent can be recorded in a csv file against the image and email address entered.
Printing
Guests browse and print images
Print friendly versions of animated GIFs
Print options include
Pay to print
Email collection
Opt-in checkbox for agreement to terms & conditions before sharing/printing
Privacy mode – access limited to own images
Print counter
Slideshow
Supports still images, animated GIFs and movies
Automatically updated with new images
Branding and customization
Slideshow options include
Operator controlled removal of unwanted images
Choice of transitions
Still adverts
Animated GIF and movie-based adverts
A selection of adverts may be displayed during the slideshow. These can be still images, movies or animated GIFs. Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4
What’s new in Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4?
Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4 introduced the following enhancements:
New “auto bleed” option when printing
Animated GIF and movie (MP4) adverts displayed in slideshow mode as well as JPEG still images
New option to save XML copies of emails and texts
What will Breeze Kiosk cost?
Each Breeze Kiosk license costs just US $150 for a lifetime license & one year’s free upgrades. For this great price you can run one kiosk and have a second backup/office copy of the program.
Breeze Kiosk 1.4.4 is a free upgrade for all registered users who purchased a license on or after 15th April 2017. Customers with an older Breeze Kiosk license can buy an upgrade license for just US $75 to use this release.
Prices quoted are correct at 25th May 2018, and are valid for online sales from our website. They exclude any tax due.
How to get your hands on it
Download Breeze Kiosk and try it for yourself for up to 14 days before buying a license.
We are often asked which camera is best for a photo booth. Canon cameras have very good live view quality, an important attribute for photo booths. The models below are not the only cameras you can use. Many older Canon DSLR cameras work very well. You can find a button linking to a list of the cameras you can use with Breeze DLSR Remote Pro here.
At the time of writing* (September 2021) we believe the ultimate photo booth cameras are ….. the mirrorless Canon EOS M50 Mark II and EOS M50 . For photo booth use there is no practical difference bewtween the two.
The standard kit lens ( EF-M 15-45mm STM ) has a flexible 15-45 mm zoom. For a super slim booth, try the EF-M 22mm STM lens
Best: Canon EOS M50 Mark II and EOS M50
Update: February 2019 Canon have released firmware version 1.0.2 for the M50 which fixes the issues with triggering external flash. The new firmware can be downloaded fromCanon’s UK site
A big thank you to Caroline Winata of Giggle and Riot Funbooth for sharing this example of slow motion video (EOS M50 with DSLR Remote Pro 3.10)
120FPS Slow motion video with no additional processing
Similar performance to the Canon EOS 200D/Rebel SL2 including Canon’s excellent dual pixel auto focus in live view.
Suitable for video with external microphone socket.
Compact, slim and light; the M50 will fit in a smaller housing than Canon’s DSLR cameras.
July 2018 This post has been updated to include cameras supported in DSLR Remote Pro 3.11.2 ie the Canon EOS 1500D (aka Canon EOS 2000D/Rebel T7/EOS Kiss X90) and Canon EOS 3000D (aka Canon EOS 4000D).
The photo below shows the different sizes of the EOS M50, EOS 200D/Rebel SL2 and new EOS 2000D/1500D/Rebel T7:
[top to bottom] EOS M50 with EF-M 22mm STM lens, EOS M50 with standard kit lens EF-M 15-45mm STM , EOS 200D/Rebel SL2 with 24mm pancake lens, EOS 2000D/1500D/Rebel T7with 18-55mm kit lens
Disadvantages
Access for external power is underneath the camera instead of at the side.
The external power cord connection for the M50 is on the camera base
Update February 2019
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.2 for the M50 which fixes the issues with triggering external flash. The new firmware can be downloaded from the Canon UK site (There was a bug in the original firmware of the Canon EOS M50 which meant that triggering an external flash or studio strobe via the hotshoe could be unreliable. We reported this bug to Canon, who have fixed it.)
Good for video: 200D/Rebel SL2, 850D/Rebel T8i/Kiss X 10i
These cameras do everything the M50 can do except slow motion video. They are larger and heavier than the M50.
Excellent auto focus in live view
Suitable for video & have an external microphone socket
The 2000D/T7 is an update of the popular Canon EOS 1300D/Rebel T6 with a higher resolution 24 mega pixel sensor. Unfortunately Canon initially removed the center contact on the hotshoe. This means early versions of this camera cannot trigger most external flashes or studio strobes so is not recommended for photo booth use.
Tuesday 25th February. Canon announced at Photo Booth Expo that the EOS Rebel T7/2000D camera has been updated to add a center contact (X sync) on the hotshoe, making this a great budget choice for photo booth users. More details.
Canon EOS 4000D/3000D
Similar to the Canon EOS 1300D/Rebel T6 with the same 18 mega pixel sensor but cheaper build quality (plastic lens mount, fewer buttons, no remote release socket and no cable access for external power). This camera has no center contact on the hotshoe. This means the camera cannot trigger most external flashes or studio strobes so is not recommended for photo booth use.
Web cameras & iPad booths
This post does not cover booths powered by web cameras or the built-in cameras provided with iPads, laptops and tablets. Breeze Booth (iPad + iPhone) uses either the device’s built in camera or Canon EOS DSLR cameras, some mirrorless and PowerShot models. Breeze Webcam Photobooth software will run a booth with either a webcam or built in camera in a Windows 11, 10 or 8 PC or laptop.
*This post has been updated in November 2021. As new cameras are introduced this post will inevitably become outdated.
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