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Background Replacement Guide

Customize and optimize green screen

Emily Devlin avatar
Written by Emily Devlin
Updated over a month ago


Transport participants anywhere by replacing the background in your photos. Whether you use a physical backdrop or go fully virtual, proper lighting and test shots are essential for great results.

⚠️ Background Replacement is available on Core, Plus, Pro, and Select plans. ⚠️


1. Choose a Replacement Method

You can replace backgrounds with or without a physical backdrop.

Virtual Background Replacement

This method uses AI to remove and replace the background without any physical backdrop. It reduces your setup needs and eliminates the need for a large green or blue screen at your event.

📍 For the best experience, use an iPad with an A14 chip or newer. These devices show a live preview and allow participants to choose their background before taking a photo.

On older iPads, backgrounds will not appear during capture. The app will apply the first background in your settings after capture. Participants can choose between the other backgrounds after capture if you enable the editing tools.

Recommended Models:

  • iPad 10th gen

  • iPad Air 4th gen

  • iPad Pro 12.9" 5th gen

  • iPad Pro 11" 3rd gen

Green or Blue Screen

A physical backdrop is a great option if:

  • You're using an older iPad and want live preview functionality

  • Your event has a busy background or inconsistent lighting


2. Enable Background Replacement

This feature is managed from your Presets page in the online dashboard.

  1. Scroll past the Photo Design panel to find Background Replacement

  2. Check the box to enable background replacement

  3. Upload your background file (required)

📍 Background replacement will automatically disable if no background file is uploaded.

You’ll need to specify the type of backdrop you're using:

  • Green screen

  • Blue screen

  • Virtual (no physical backdrop)

💡 Upload multiple backgrounds, then enable backgrounds as an "Editing Tool" to let participants choose a different background after capture.


Background File Sizing

Sizing is straightforward and only depends on your layout's crop or orientation. Learn more in our design guide.

Landscape

Portrait

Square

1,280 x 960 px

960 x 1,280 px

960 x 960 px


3. Event Setup

📍 Proper lighting and backdrop setup are key to flawless background replacement.

Lighting Recommendations 

You need a strong, even light source:

  • Use HALO lighting for best results

  • DIY options can also work well

  • Consider adding fill lights on the sides if your environment is unevenly or dimly lit

Lighting Tips

  • Adjust your light brightness and app camera exposure together for optimal results. Aim to reduce shadows and avoid over- or underexposure.

  • Avoid overhead lighting and harsh shadows, which can disrupt background removal.

  • Monitor your gallery during the event to catch and correct any lighting issues early.


Virtual Replacement Setup Recommendations

  • Use a plain, uncluttered background

  • Avoid physical props or face coverings; the software is designed to detect people, not objects.

Green or Blue Screen Setup Recommendations

  • Use a smooth, wrinkle-resistant cloth backdrop

  • Clamp the backdrop securely to remove folds

  • Eliminate shadows and bright spots on the fabric

  • Keep participants a few feet in front of the backdrop. If guests stand too close, color spill from the backdrop can appear on clothing or hair

    💡 Mark a floor spot to guide where participants should stand.

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