The **Template Editor** is where you design what your guests' photos, GIFs, and videos will look like. You can add overlays, frames, text, logos, capture elements, and AI effects — all through a visual drag-and-drop editor.

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# Opening the Template Editor

You access the Template Editor when setting up an event workflow:

1. Create or open an event in **Advanced Mode**.
2. Go to the **Flow** tab and select **Choose Experience**.
3. Click **Add Template** — this opens the Template Editor.

You can also edit existing templates by clicking on them in the Choose Experience section.

*[Screenshot: Flow tab with Add Template button highlighted]*

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# Choosing a Template Size

When you create a new template, first choose a **size**. The size determines the output dimensions and aspect ratio.

Common sizes include:

- **4×6** — Standard photo print size. Great for printing and sharing.
- **2×6 Strip** — Classic photo strip layout (multiple shots stacked vertically).
- **Square** — Perfect for social media sharing.
- **Custom** — Set your own width and height.

**Tip:** Choose your size based on how guests will receive their photos. If you're printing, match the size to your printer's paper.

*[Screenshot: Template size selection screen]*

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# Template Selection Card Limitations

When guests (or operators) are presented with the "Choose your look" screen to pick a template, the appearance of the selection cards is partially fixed:

- **Card border radius** — hardcoded; cannot be changed via the flow editor
- **Template name text** (size and color on the card) — hardcoded; cannot be changed via the flow editor

These elements are not currently exposed as editable style properties. If you need to control this appearance, please upvote or follow [PD-4110](https://linear.app) — a fix has been scoped and will be released in a future update.

> **📝 Internal note (for support team):** When PD-4110 ships, update this section to document the new controls for card border radius and template name text styling.

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# The Editor Canvas

The editor workspace has three areas:

- **Canvas area** (center) — Where you position and preview your elements
- **Elements panel** (left sidebar) — Add new elements like captures, text, images, and effects
- **Properties panel** (right sidebar) — Adjust settings for the selected element

*[Screenshot: Template Editor workspace with labeled areas]*

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# Template Elements

## Capture

The **Capture** element is the most important part — it's where the guest's photo appears.

1. Click **Add Capture** from the elements panel.
2. Position and resize the capture area on the canvas.
3. With the capture selected, you can configure effects.

Every template needs at least one capture element. For photo strip layouts, you can add multiple captures.

## Text

Add text elements for branding, event names, dates, or messages.

1. Click **Add Text** from the elements panel.
2. Type your text and position it on the canvas.
3. Use the properties panel to adjust font, size, color, alignment, rotation, and positioning.

**Tip:** Choose from Pictor's built-in fonts or [upload your own custom fonts](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/11381256-how-to-upload-use-custom-fonts-in-pictor "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/11381256-how-to-upload-use-custom-fonts-in-pictor"). See [What fonts are available?](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/11392334-what-fonts-are-available-in-pictor-s-template-editor "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/11392334-what-fonts-are-available-in-pictor-s-template-editor") for the full list.

## Images and Logos

Upload images to use as overlays, borders, backgrounds, or logos.

1. Click **Add Image** from the elements panel.
2. Upload an image file (PNG recommended for transparency support).
3. Position, resize, and layer it on the canvas.

Use this for brand logos, decorative frames, or themed backgrounds.

## Overlays and Frames

Pictor supports different template types that change how elements layer:

- **Overlay** — Graphics placed on top of the captured photo
- **Layout** — A structured arrangement of multiple elements (e.g., photo strip)
- **Frame** — Decorative border around the capture area

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# Adding Effects

Effects enhance the captured photo with filters or AI processing. With a **Capture** element selected:

1. Open the **Effects** menu in the left sidebar.
2. Click the **+** icon to see available effects.
3. Select the effect type you want to apply.

## AI Effects

AI Effects use artificial intelligence to transform captured photos:

- **Beautify** — Subtle enhancement
- **Retro** — Vintage style filter
- **Black & White** — Classic monochrome

You can enable multiple AI Effects on the same capture. **AI Effects are available on all plans** — Basic ($49/mo), Pro ($99/mo), and Premium ($149/mo). No upgrade required. You also need sufficient tokens to use them.

**Note:** If you're using a prompt that includes a reference image (`@` tag), make sure it is only applied in the **image prompt** field. Do not include it in the video prompt section, as this can cause output issues. See [Creating an AI Video](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12889309-creating-an-ai-video "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12889309-creating-an-ai-video") for details.

For the complete walkthrough, see [Using AI Effects in the Template Editor](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12947234-using-ai-effects-in-the-template-editor "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12947234-using-ai-effects-in-the-template-editor").

## Background Removal

Remove or replace the background behind your guests automatically. Works great for green screen setups or custom themed backgrounds.

See [Background Removal Guide](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12865771-background-removal-guide "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12865771-background-removal-guide") for setup details.

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# Saving and Using Your Template

1. Give your template a **name** and click **Save**.
2. The template will appear under **Choose Experience** in your event's flow.
3. **Important:** Also click **Save** in the top-right corner of the event to apply your changes.

Saved templates are reusable — you can select them for future events without recreating them.

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# Tips for Great Templates

- **Keep it clean** — Don't overcrowd the template. Let the guest's photo be the star.
- **Match the event** — Use colors, fonts, and graphics that fit your client's brand or event theme.
- **Test before the event** — Use **Simulate** to check layout, then **Test** to verify AI effects.
- **Consider print vs. digital** — If printing, allow for print margins.
- **Use high-resolution images** — Blurry logos will show in the final output. Use PNG for transparency.

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# Related Articles

- [Using AI Effects in the Template Editor](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12947234-using-ai-effects-in-the-template-editor "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12947234-using-ai-effects-in-the-template-editor")
- [Background Removal Guide](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12865771-background-removal-guide "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12865771-background-removal-guide")
- [How to Upload & Use Custom Fonts](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/11381256-how-to-upload-use-custom-fonts-in-pictor "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/11381256-how-to-upload-use-custom-fonts-in-pictor")
- [How to Create a GIF](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12874578-how-to-create-a-gif "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12874578-how-to-create-a-gif")
- [Creating an AI Video](https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12889309-creating-an-ai-video "https://support.pictor.pro/en/articles/12889309-creating-an-ai-video")

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# Need Help?

Reach out through the chat widget on [pictor.pro](https://www.pictor.pro "https://www.pictor.pro") or email **support@pictor.pro**.