What is Sort?
Sort is a tool available to studio memberships with the Smart Workflow add-on. The tool scans your images for QR codes and assigns image sets to subjects or groups accordingly.
Want a demo? Start a chat with us now or email sales@captura.io
How does the QR Code workflow work?
The "capture" part of the workflow is broken down into 3 pieces:
Export, print, and cut your QR codes.
Start picture day with your camera and QR codes.
Upload and sort your images with Workflow.
The first picture taken for each subject/group must be of their assigned QR Code slate card. You can take as many subsequent subject/group images as needed. We recommend for the subject to hold the card for the QR Code image to also become your reference image - an image showing data from the QR slate card and a subject.
The QR Code on the slate card can be scanned by mobile devices to access the gallery to view and order on images or sign-up for gallery availability notifications.*
Workflow will sort your uploaded images to the appropriate subjects/groups and automatically hide the QR Code image to prevent customers from accidentally viewing/ordering.
Creating QR Codes
Printing a single QR Code
Select a subject from a job and click Print > QR Code:
Batch exporting of QR Codes
In a job, click on Tools > Export > QR Codes:
Workflow will prompt you to set up the sorting, grouping, designing of your QR Codes before they can be exported. See Sorting, Grouping, and Designing the QR Code for more information.
Sorting, Grouping, and Designing the QR Code
How to Export QR Codes
This article will guide you through the process of exporting QR codes, including sorting, grouping, and customizing the content displayed on each card.
Step 1: Access the Export Tool
Navigate to the Tools menu inside the job.
Select Export from the dropdown options.
Choose QR codes from the export options.
Step 2: Configure Sorting and Grouping
The "Sorting and Grouping" section allows you to organize your QR code export based on your collected job data.
Primary Sort:
You have access to all data collected within the job.
You can restrict the export to specific groups by using the "group name" filter, ensuring only relevant QR codes are generated for those groups.
Number of QR Codes per Page:
Specify how many QR codes you wish to print on each page. This helps optimize printing and paper usage.
Stack Sort (for paper cutting):
Enter the number of sheets your paper cutter can efficiently cut at once. This helps in batch processing and preparing the printed QR codes for distribution.
Split Multiple PDFs by Group Name:
Check this option if you want to generate separate PDF files for each group. This can be useful for organizing and distributing QR codes to specific groups independently.
Click Next to proceed.
Step 3: Customize Card Content
In the "Card Configuration" section, you can define what information will be displayed on each QR code card. As you make selections, you will see a live preview of the QR code update, allowing you to visualize the final output.
QR Code Functionality:
Subject ID or Gallery Link: This is a crucial setting. If you select "Gallery Link," subjects will be able to scan their unique QR code to directly access their online photo gallery.
Content Customization:
Add Custom Text: You can include static text on the card for additional information.
Bring in Dynamic Data Fields: Leverage the data you've collected by adding dynamic fields (e.g., subject name, grade, etc.) that will pull specific information for each individual QR code. This allows for personalized cards.
Add Subject's Gallery Link: This option specifically allows you to embed the direct link to the subject's online gallery onto the card.
Step 4: Export Your QR Codes
Once you are satisfied with the card configuration, click Next.
In the "Export Destination" screen, choose a scan location on your computer where you want to save the generated QR code files.
Click Export to finalize the process and generate your QR codes.
Uploading images into a job
Click Tools > Sort. Once in, select +Add Images to add your images to the tool or drag and drop the images.
Once images are in place, click the Autosort button.
Workflow will now process and sort all images to their respective subjects:
QR Code images are automatically hidden from customer view.
If a QR Code does not match any subject, the images remain together "unsorted" for the studio to create a new subject or leave unassigned.
Click finish to exit the tool. Sync to upload the images and save your changes.
Multi-Job QR Import tool
The Multi-Job QR Import tool lets you sort and assign images to subjects/groups from multiple jobs in one motion. Copy all the images from multiple camera cards into one folder before starting.
From the Jobs tab, select Tools > Multi-Job QR Import:
Select a folder that contains QR workflow images and select Autosort.
Afterwards, the tool will let you:
Review and correct any image assignment as needed
Save a report of all images assigned/unassigned
Sync to upload images to cloud
Common FAQS
Why didn't my QR Code sort?
A. There can be a number of factors, but the most common we see are:
Subject the QR Code was made for was deleted/recreated after printing.
QR Code / Image is not in focus.
QR Code is bent or damaged.
QR Code was at least partially covered by fingertips
Double-checking to make sure no thumbs are covering up a portion of the QR code and that the image is in focus will go a long way to ensure a successful read.
How do I take a good QR Code photo?
We recommend a 3/4th body shot distance. Some common best practices are:
Attach QR Code card to clipboard or music stand for stability
Practice shooting QR Codes from e-reader/tablet devices in different light settings (if applicable)
Ensure you're at a 3/4th distance, the image is in focus, with the QR Code facing the camera
Can I prepare "blank" QR Codes for unexpected subjects?
Absolutely! Add and sync "blank" subjects in the job before exporting.
Studios typically update those "blanks" with subject data afterwards by:
Writing the data on the QR Card to key in later by examining the reference image.
An assistant captures that information into Workflow (or on paper) while on-site.
Can subjects use the QR Codes to access the gallery?
Yes! Make sure the card is configured with the QR Code type Gallery Link:
Do I have to print the QR Codes to use them?
Not necessarily.
Some studios have adapted to taking a picture of the QR Code while viewing the PDF Document from a digital screen (like TVs, Tablets, Projects).
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Overall, we recommend printing and cutting the QR Codes so that they can be given to your subjects as "tangible keys" to access their gallery.
Can I export QR Codes for a specific group/grade?
Yes!
Setting your primary sort to Group Name will allow you to specify which group(s) to use the export with. Just group your subjects in Captura Workflow before starting the export.