This guide explains how to size your designs for HALO 4.x, which file types are supported, and where to upload each graphic.
Using HALO 5.0? Photo layouts are built in the Layout Designer on the online dashboard. See the Layout Designer Overview for design help.
Where each graphic goes
In HALO 4.x, graphics that are part of your photo layout are uploaded in the in-app Design Panel. All other graphics can be uploaded from your preset settings in the HALO app or on the online dashboard.
Graphic | Where to upload it |
Logos | In-app Design Panel |
Overlays | In-app Design Panel |
Margin backgrounds | In-app Design Panel |
Start screens | HALO app or online dashboard |
Background replacement images | HALO app or online dashboard |
Props and stickers | HALO app or online dashboard |
Your plan determines which graphics you can use. For details, see HALO App Picture Customizations and Booth Appearance Customizations.
How to design for the app
Review your available graphics. Check which graphic types your plan includes.
Set up your booth configuration. Decide on your iPad orientation, layout style (strip, single frame, and so on), crop type, margin thickness, and whether you'll combine graphics like logos and overlays.
Note the required size. Most design programs ask for canvas dimensions first. Use the sizing guidelines below. For layout graphics, the in-app Design Panel shows an exact size recommendation that accounts for your margins and any logos you've added.
Create your graphics. Use your preferred editing program. If you're new to design, see our graphics editing program recommendations for beginner-friendly options with templates, fonts, and drag-and-drop design elements.
Export your files. Choose PNG when you need transparency, such as for overlays, props, and stickers.
Upload and test.
Layout graphics (logos, overlays, margin backgrounds): save the files to your iPad's Photos app, then upload them in the in-app Design Panel.
Everything else: upload from your preset settings in the app or on the dashboard. If you use the dashboard, sync your settings on your iPad.
Then launch your booth and test how everything looks.
Layout graphics
The sizing guidelines below give great results in almost all cases. When you need an exact size, check the recommendation in the in-app Design Panel. It adjusts for:
Layout type
Crop type
iPad orientation
Logos paired with an overlay or margin background. Upload your logo first, then check the updated overlay or background size recommendation.
Logos, overlays, and margin backgrounds
Dimensions for all motion layouts (GIF, Live GIF, Rebound, and Video) match the 1 x 1 layout. Dimensions are listed as width x height.
Layout |  1 x 1 |  2 x 2 |  1 & 2 |  1 x 2 |  1 x 3 |  1 x 4 |
Logos | ||||||
Portrait | 960 x 213 | 1,920 x 427 | 960 x 213 | 960 x 274 | 960 x 274 | 960 x 274 |
Square or Circle Crop | 960 x 213 | 1,920 x 427 | 960 x 213 | 960 x 274 | 960 x 274 | 960 x 274 |
Landscape | 1,280 x 284 | 2,560 x 569 | 1,280 x 284 | 1,280 x 366 | 1,280 x 366 | 1,280 x 366 |
Backgrounds & Overlays | ||||||
Portrait | 960 x 1,280 | 1,920 x 2,560 | 1,440 x 1,280 | 960 x 2,650 | 960 x 3,840 | 960 x 5,120 |
Square or Circle Crop | 960 x 960 | 1,920 x 1,920 | 1,440 x 960 | 960 x 1,920 | 960 x 2,880 | 960 x 3,840 |
Landscape | 1,280 x 960 | 2,560 x 1,920 | 1,920 x 960 | 1,280 x 1,920 | 1,280 x 2,880 | 1,280 x 3,840 |
Logos
Max size: 4 MB
Format: JPEG or PNG
Overlays and margin backgrounds
Max size: 8 MB
Margin background format: JPEG or PNG
Overlay format: PNG with transparency
Background replacement (green screen)
Crop type is the only setting that affects background replacement specs.
Landscape: 1,280 x 960 px
Portrait: 960 x 1,280 px
Square: 960 x 960 px
Max size: 4 MB
Format: JPEG or PNG
Learn more in the Background Replacement Guide.
Props and stickers
Suggested size: about 800 x 800 px (resolution can vary for props)
Max size: 1 MB
Format: PNG with transparency
To configure props, see the Custom Prop Guide. Stickers don't need any configuration.
Print graphics
If you offer printed photos, you may need to reformat your overlay and background files so they line up correctly on the print. See Adding Graphics To Your Prints.
Start screen
To cover the iPad screen entirely, your start screen must match your iPad's exact screen resolution.
To add a custom start screen:
Find the correct size. Open the Start Screen settings in the HALO app to see the required dimensions for your iPad model. If you don't have your iPad with you, see the sizing steps below.
Create your design in a separate graphics program. Include text telling participants to tap the screen to start.
Import your design. Upload the finished graphic in your Start Screen settings.
Finding the size without your iPad:
Open Identify your iPad model in Apple's support center.
Find your iPad model and open its tech specs page.
In the Display section, find the pixel resolution.
Use the resolution that matches your orientation:
Landscape: long side x short side (for example, 2,752 x 2,064)
Portrait: short side x long side (for example, 2,064 x 2,752)
Still start screens
Max size: 10 MB
Format: JPEG or PNG. PNG with transparency is recommended.
Video start screens
Max size: 20 MB
Format: MP4
To convert a video to MP4 or reduce its file size, you can use a free tool like CloudConvert. When compressing, choose a constant rate factor. Lower values keep more quality, and higher values compress more.
Original file size | Constant rate factor | Compressed output |
~50 MB | 25 | ~18 MB |
~100 MB | 30 | ~20 MB |
~150 MB | 35 | ~17 MB |
Gallery and Live Feed design
You can customize the online gallery where participants receive their pictures so the look is consistent from start to finish. Learn more in Gallery Design.