Feature Updates

Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!📸🎉

Candy

October 1, 2024

minute read

Hello, wonderful photographers!

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Candy here, bringing you the first edition of our Recap series! 🌟

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This blog post will cover alllllll of September's new features and changes worth mentioning! But going forward, we will be doing Weekly Recaps to keep you in the loop even faster.

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We've been busy bees these past few weeks, and I can't wait to share all the fantastic new features and improvements we've made to help you shine even brighter. ✨

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Psst... since this is our inaugural recap, we're covering updates from all of September, so grab a comfy seat—it's a bit longer than usual! Going forward, these recaps will be weekly and shorter, but just as sweet. 😉

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1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation 🛠️

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We're thrilled to announce that manual gallery assignment and participant creation are now live! This means you can:

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○ Assign images to someone's personal gallery manually—perfect for those shots where the subject wasn't facing the camera, and face recognition didn't pick them up.
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○ Create participants manually, either one at a time or by uploading a spreadsheet.
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○ Instantly trigger marketing campaigns to individuals when you assign images to them, ensuring they receive their photos promptly.

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We believe this will greatly enhance your workflow and support needs. Let us know how it helps you during your next event!

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2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience 🛍️

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We've made several improvements to our retail site to enhance the shopping experience for your clients:

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○ "Tap image to get started" text now shimmers on the initial gallery screen to guide users who aren't sure what to do next.
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○ Package creation improvements make it more intuitive for customers to customize their packages and select photos.
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○ Product renders in the cart: The view cart screen now displays product images next to every item, including items within multi-item packages, for increased clarity.
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○ Updated header and footer: Clear guidance on when to contact our retail support or reach out to you, the photographer, for assistance.

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These tweaks aim to make the purchasing process as seamless and enjoyable as possible for your clients!

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*Theme: Liquorice - Watermarking: Default*

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3. Default Price Levels Are Back! 💰

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Great news! The Default Price Levels from our previous NowCandid system are back and better than ever.

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While you can still create custom offers, these ready-made Price Levels are optimized to help you maximize sales in various situations.

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○ Optimized for success: Designed to boost your sales potential.
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○ Versatile options: Suitable for a wide range of events and client needs.
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○ Easy to access: Gives you good Offer options in a pinch or when entering a new market.

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For a detailed breakdown, click here.

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4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers 🛎️

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We've improved our marketing system to better serve your clients and help keep those sales up:

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○ If someone purchases on Day 1 and is photographed again on Day 2, they will now receive a notification about the new images added to their gallery.
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○ Enhances customer engagement: Keeps clients informed and encourages additional purchases.
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○ Prevents missed opportunities: Even early buyers stay in the loop for new content.

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This ensures your clients never miss out on their special moments!

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5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options 💳

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We're excited to introduce Google Pay as a new express checkout option!

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Our available payment methods now include:

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○ Traditional credit/debit card checkout
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○ Apple Pay
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○ Google Pay
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○ PayPal (and PayPal Pay Later)
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○ Venmo

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And guess what? We have one more express checkout option coming soon! Stay tuned. 📢

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6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows 📱💻

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The latest Capture App Version 4.4 is now available for both iOS and Windows, featuring:

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○ Keyboard support for Windows: Windows laptop users can now input phone numbers using the keyboard when using the Tap-A-Face Workflow.
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○ Performance improvements: Smoother and faster app experience.
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○ sRGB color checking: The app now ensures images are in sRGB format, preventing issues caused by Adobe RGB images.
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○ Event Selfie Check-In QR code display: Access the QR code directly from your device when needed.

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Upgrade now to enjoy these enhancements!

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7. Enhanced Folders Report 📊

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Our Folders Report (which you can find using the Graph button on an Event's Management Page) just got more powerful:

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○ Sortable columns: Organize by images, participants, sales, and more.
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○ Real-time insights: Works live during events, allowing you to identify your best-performing photographers, mid-event.
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○ Actionable data: Mid-event reporting helps you provide immediate feedback to your team to boost performance.
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○ Download button: This report is now downloadable via the green button in the screenshot below as well!

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Optimize your event management like never before!

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8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders 📁

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We've added a handy button in the Manage Images page, when you have a folder selected:

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○ Mark entire folders as visible or invisible with one click.
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○ Use cases: Quickly hide a batch of images that need reworking, such as a blurry set.
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○ Saves time: Streamlines the process of managing large numbers of images.

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Sometimes, mistakes happen! Now you can use this button to quickly hide images in bulk as you work to correct issues.

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9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings 🖼️

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You now have more control over the All Event Images gallery:

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○ Override default settings at the Offer level.
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○ Options:
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- Turn off the All Event Images gallery for Face Matching Events.
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- Turn on the All Event Images gallery for Positive ID Events.
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○ Recommendation: We suggest sticking with the defaults, but if you'd like to explore the pros and cons, click here to schedule a chat with us!

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Tailor the gallery experience to suit any event's needs!

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10. Simplified Selfie Check-In 📲

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We've made the Selfie Check-In process even more user-friendly:

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○ Only requires a cell number OR email address.
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○ Encourages participation: Even though neither field says "optional," most people still provide both.
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○ Addresses Fringe Issues: Every now and then, someone doesn't have (or refuses to provide) a cell or email address. This change will account for those individuals!

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Enhances guest engagement and reduces fringe support issues, with no changes on your part!

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11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

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We've introduced a new, fun way for clients to manage their marketing preferences:

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"NOPE": Clients can reply with this word to opt out of marketing for a specific event.
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Future communications: They will still receive messages for future events unless they opt out again.
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Accidental "STOP" replies: If someone replies "STOP" though, they'll need to send "START" to our marketing number to resume receiving texts.

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This gives your clients more control while still keeping communication lines open for future events.

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12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn 🍂🎃

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Get into the festive spirit with our new retail site themes:

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Apple Crumble:
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- Autumn colors: Warm and inviting hues.
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- Falling leaves: Adorable "leaves falling" animation upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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Candy Corn:
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- Halloween vibes: Shades of black and bright orange.
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- Candy corn confetti: Fun "candy corn toss" animation to celebrate the spooky season upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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- Haunted Retail Site: A few ghosts frequently fly across your customer's screens as they shop!

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Delight your clients with these charming themes!

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Note: the Leaves & Candy Corn only fall across the screen upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout - these GIFs are simply showing it in a loop :)

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*Theme: Apple Crumble - Watermarking: Off*

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We hope these updates make your experience with NowCandid even more enjoyable and efficient.

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Your success is our top priority, and we're always here to support you. 💖

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As always, if you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all ears! 👂

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Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

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Cheers and sparkles,

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Candy 🍬

GradPics

May 23, 2023

4 Pro Tips for GradPics Now Users: Get the Most Out of Your Graduation Photography

minutes read

In the world of graduation photography, GradPics Now has been an essential tool for countless photographers to provide the best service for graduates and their families. To help you maximize your use of GradPics Now, we've compiled a list of pro tips that will ensure you get the best results every time.

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Capture a Variety of Shots:
‍When it comes to graduation photography, variety is key. Don't limit yourself to the traditional portrait and handshake photos. Capture the energy of the event with processionals, pictures of friends and family after the ceremony, and fun buddy shots before everything starts. Consider recessionals and a second portrait as well. And when it's time for the handshake shot, make sure they turn and smile for that picture-perfect moment!
Prioritize Selfie Check-In:
‍Selfie Check-In is your ticket to comprehensive coverage and effective marketing. Encourage every graduate to participate. Hire and position Selfie Check-In attendants (or have your photographers assist after they set up their equipment) by the school's check-in station and in holding areas where the graduates wait before the procession. Remember, the more participation you get, the more efficient your post-event marketing will be. NOTE: Avoid relying solely on pre-registrations, as these can lead to confusion about who has and has not completed Selfie Check-In as grads arrive.
Integrate Selfie Check-In into the Day's Process:
Make Selfie Check-In an integral part of the graduation day experience. Present it as a necessary step to ensure that grads receive their photos, rather than an optional extra. Phrase it as "Have you completed your Selfie Check-In?" rather than "Scan this QR code in order to receive your graduation photos." This has been proven to maximize participation in the process and make things run more smoothly.
Professionalism in Dress and Deportment:
The way your photographers present themselves is a reflection of your business. Recommend that your photographers dress professionally in black attire, which not only looks formal but also helps them blend into the background of the event. Blazers for men and dresses for women are always a good choice. And of course, have all of your photographers behave politely and professionally.

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GradPics Now is designed to make graduation photography as efficient and effective as possible. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to both maximizing your sales and providing a top-notch service that keeps your schools coming back year after year. Happy shooting!

Meet Candy: The Newest Addition to the NowCandid Family

Feature Updates

May 22, 2023

Meet Candy: The Newest Addition to the NowCandid Family

minutes read

Hello NowCandid users!

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We're excited to announce that Candy, our AI Chatbot Assistant, is now officially in open beta! As part of our ongoing commitment to making NowCandid the best photo sales software platform, we are constantly seeking new ways to enhance your user experience and overall efficiency. Candy is our latest step in that direction.

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Candy is designed to be your personal assistant within NowCandid. She’s a dedicated, round-the-clock helper, designed to make your life easier. Whether you have a question about our workflows, need guidance on how to navigate our platform, or are looking for tips to maximize your photography sales, Candy is here to help.

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As an AI-powered chatbot, Candy is always learning and evolving. She's quick, responsive, and doesn’t need coffee breaks! With her at your side, you'll have more time to focus on what you love—capturing those perfect moments.

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But that's not all—Candy is in open beta because we want to make her the best she can be, and we need your help to do that. By interacting with Candy, you'll help us train her to become even more knowledgeable and efficient. Your questions, queries, and interactions will contribute to her learning process. It's a collaborative effort, and we're thrilled to have you be a part of it.

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We're committed to making your NowCandid experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, and we believe Candy is a significant step towards achieving that goal. We can't wait for you to meet her and see all the ways she can make your NowCandid journey easier.

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So, dive in and start chatting with Candy! Remember, every question you ask her helps make her smarter. Let's shape the future of NowCandid together! https://www.nowcandid.com/candy

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As always, we want to thank you for being a part of the NowCandid community. Your continued support and feedback are what drive us to keep innovating. We look forward to hearing about your experiences with Candy.

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Happy snapping!

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The NowCandid Team

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Assemble Your Photography A-Team: Tips for Hiring and Training Photographers

Photography Tips

May 16, 2023

Assemble Your Photography A-Team: Tips for Hiring and Training Photographers

minutes read

As the great philosopher Voltaire once said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Well, maybe it was actually Uncle Ben from Spider-Man, but the point still stands! As your photography business grows, you'll need to expand your team and delegate tasks. In this blog post, we'll share tips on hiring and training photographers to help you build your very own photography A-Team. And with the support of NowCandid, you'll be well on your way to a thriving photo business.

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1. Define Your Ideal Photographer:
Before you start hiring, take the time to define the qualities and skills you're looking for in a photographer. Consider the specific niches your business covers, your brand identity, and the type of work environment you aim to create.

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2. Scout for Talent:
Look for photographers through local photography clubs, online communities, social media, and job boards. Reach out to your network and ask for recommendations. When you can’t find photographers, find social, outgoing personalities, and train them to be photographers! Oftentimes, an outgoing person trained to be a photographer is an easier prospect than training a shy photographer to be outgoing.

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3. Conduct Thorough Interviews:
During the interview process, ask questions that allow candidates to showcase their skills, experience, and personality. Review their portfolios, ask for references, and consider conducting a trial shoot to see how they perform in action.

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4. Offer Competitive Compensation:
To attract top talent, offer competitive compensation packages that include fair wages, bonuses, and potential for growth within your company. If you compensate with base pay + a per image rate, be sure to paint the picture of what their pay would be if they were successful in taking a lot of pictures at an event!

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5. Invest in Training and Development:
Once you've hired your team of photographers, invest in their ongoing training and development. Encourage them to attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay updated with industry trends and techniques. Use some of NowCandid's training resources, as it can help streamline the training! And don’t forget to always keep them connected with your business's core values.

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6. Establish Clear Expectations:
Set clear expectations for your photographers regarding their roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics. Regularly review their progress and provide constructive feedback to help them grow and improve.

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7. Foster a Positive Work Environment:
Create a supportive, collaborative work environment where your photographers feel valued and motivated. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for team-building activities, and celebrate your team's successes.

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Hiring and training photographers for your business is a crucial step in scaling your operations and ensuring long-term success. By defining your ideal photographer, scouting for talent, and investing in their development, you can build a strong, capable team that will help your business soar to new heights. Embrace your role as a leader, and assemble your photography A-Team with confidence!

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Let’s get in touch

If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid services to your wheelhouse – set up a call by clicking the button below.

How to customize formatting for each rich text

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What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

List One
List Two
List Three
List Four
List Five

This is a link

This is bold text

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Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!📸🎉

Hello, wonderful photographers!

1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation 🛠️

2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience 🛍️

3. Default Price Levels Are Back! 💰

4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers 🛎️

5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options 💳

6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows 📱💻

7. Enhanced Folders Report 📊

8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders 📁

9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings 🖼️

10. Simplified Selfie Check-In 📲

11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn 🍂🎃

We hope these updates make your experience with NowCandid even more enjoyable and efficient.

Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

Related articles

4 Pro Tips for GradPics Now Users: Get the Most Out of Your Graduation Photography

Meet Candy: The Newest Addition to the NowCandid Family

Assemble Your Photography A-Team: Tips for Hiring and Training Photographers

Let’s get in touch

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text