Using the Live Carousel

The Live Carousel is one of Fotify's most engaging features, displaying photos in real-time during your event. This guide explains how to set up, customize, and share this dynamic display.

Accessing the Carousel

You can access the Live Carousel in several ways:

1. From the Events Page:

   • Find your active event

   • Click the "Live" button or select "Live" from the dropdown menu

2. From the Photos Page:

   • Navigate to the "Photos" section

   • Find your event

   • Click the "Live" button

Carousel Controls

The carousel interface includes:

1. Speed Control:

   • Default setting is 3 seconds

2. Display Controls:

   • Fullscreen toggle

   • Share button for public viewing

3. Information Display:

   • Author name

   • Photo message/caption

   • Periodic QR code for uploads

Carousel Features

Real-time Updates

The carousel automatically:

1. Fetches new approved photos at regular intervals

2. Adds them to the display rotation

3. Shows the most recent content first

4. Maintains smooth transitions between photos

Matrix Background

The dynamic background displays:

1. Miniature versions of event photos

2. Animated movement for visual interest

3. Low-opacity overlay that doesn't distract from main photos

4. Automatic color matching with main images

QR Code Display

The system periodically shows:

1. A prominent QR code for easy uploads

2. Brief instructions for guests

3. Automatic timing based on event activity

4. Smart positioning that doesn't interfere with photos

Setting Up for Display

For optimal viewing experience:

1. Hardware Recommendations:

   • Large screen TV or projector

   • Stable internet connection (wired if possible)

   • Dedicated computer or tablet

   • Proper viewing angle for all guests

2. Browser Setup:

   • Use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge

   • Enable fullscreen mode (F11 or fullscreen button)

   • Test performance before the event

   • Consider disabling sleep/screensaver settings

Public Sharing

To share the carousel with remote viewers:

1. Click the Share button in the carousel controls

2. In the sharing modal:

   • Copy the generated public link

   • Optionally generate a new link (invalidates previous links)

   • Share via your preferred method

The public link:

• Doesn't require login

• Updates in real-time

• Works on mobile and desktop devices

• Expires when the event ends

Carousel Behavior

The carousel handles different scenarios intelligently:

1. No Photos Yet:

   • Displays welcome message

   • Shows prominent QR code

   • Provides upload instructions

   • Updates immediately when photos arrive

2. Few Photos:

   • Cycles through available images

   • Displays each photo longer

   • Shows QR code more frequently

   • Transitions smoothly between limited content

3. Many Photos:

   • Prioritizes recent uploads

   • Cycles through all approved content

   • Balances showing variety and new submissions

   • Optimizes loading for performance

Best Practices

1. Test Before the Event:

   • Upload test photos

   • Check display on actual equipment

   • Verify internet connectivity

   • Confirm QR code is scannable from viewing distance

2. Optimize Speed Settings:

   • Smaller events: 4-5 seconds per photo

   • Larger events: 2-3 seconds per photo

   • Adjust based on upload frequency

   • Consider audience engagement

3. Encourage Participation:

   • Announce the carousel to guests

   • Point out the QR code when it appears

   • Highlight interesting photos periodically

   • Create photo challenges or themes

4. Technical Management:

   • Monitor internet connectivity

   • Have backup display options

   • Check moderation queue regularly

   • Restart browser if performance decreases

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

1. Carousel Not Updating:

   • Check internet connection

   • Verify event is still in "Live" status

   • Confirm photos are being approved

   • Refresh the browser

2. Performance Issues:

   • Reduce transition speed

   • Close other browser tabs

   • Restart the browser

   • Check system resources

3. Display Problems:

   • Adjust screen resolution

   • Try different browsers

   • Check fullscreen mode

   • Verify compatible hardware

4. QR Code Not Appearing:

   • Wait longer (appears periodically)

   • Refresh the carousel

   • Check that uploads are enabled

   • Verify event status is "Live"