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Weekly Recap: Better AI Edits, New Background Removal Workflows & Virtual Group Undo/Redo 🎨✨

Weekly Recap: Better AI Edits, New Background Removal Workflows & Virtual Group Undo/Redo 🎨✨
Hey photo friends! 👋

Candy here with this week’s updates! The biggest changes are in Candy Image Studio and Auto Editor, where several popular edits now cost less, produce more consistent results, and work more naturally with Background Removal workflows.

We’ve also added undo and redo to Virtual Group Builder, improved green screen cutouts, and cleaned up a few retail download issues.

Let’s take a look!

🎨 Candy Image Studio: Better Results & New Lower-Cost Edits

Several Candy Image Studio nodes have been reworked with more consistent output quality and new discounted pricing.

Improved Black & White edits — now 4¢

  • Both existing Black & White nodes have been rebuilt to produce more reliable, consistent results.

Improved Retouch — now 6¢

  • The Retouch node now produces much more consistent results and is available at a lower price.

🎞️ New 35mm Film node — 4¢

  • The previous Film Style node has been replaced with a new and improved 35mm Film treatment.

📸 New Clarendon node — 4¢

  • Apply a look inspired by the familiar Clarendon-style social media filter.

💳 More flexible edit pricing

Some nodes now display their own lower price. Candy Image Studio charges based on the highest-priced node included in the edit.

For example:

  • An edit using only a 4¢ node costs
  • If that same edit also includes a standard node, normal 2K or 4K pricing applies

This lets simpler edits cost less when you're not using the more advanced edits!

✂️ New Background Removal Options for AI Edits

Candy Image Studio and Auto Editor now work more closely with Events using Background Removal folders.

🖼️ Candy Image Studio can send an edit into Background Removal

  • When editing an Event image, a new option appears beneath Mark Original Invisible if the Event has Background Removal folders enabled.
  • Select Mark Destination Folder as Background Removal Folder to upload the edited image into a folder that will also process it for background removal.

⚙️ Auto Editor adds a Background Removal size option

  • If Background Removal folders are enabled, you can choose Background Removal. Edited images will then upload into a folder marked for Background Removal.

🛠️ Auto Editor folder fix

  • Auto Edits now run properly on original images inside folders marked for Background Removal. Auto Editor still does not run on the completed cutout images themselves.

All of the new node pricing and quality improvements in Candy Image Studio also apply to Auto Editor, since Auto Editor is powered by the same system.

↩️ Virtual Group Builder: Undo & Redo

Virtual Group Builder now supports familiar keyboard shortcuts:

  • ↩️ Undo: CMD/CTRL + Z
  • ↪️ Redo: CMD/CTRL + Shift + Z
  • ↪️ Redo: CMD/CTRL + Y

This makes it much easier to experiment with layouts and quickly reverse an adjustment.

🖼️ Manage Images Improvement

⬇️ Download Original for BGR and AI images

  • The Manage Images lightbox now includes a Download Original button for Background Removal and AI-edited images.

You can access the original file without needing to leave the lightbox or track it down manually.

✂️ Background Removal Improvement

🟢 Better green screen cutouts

  • Background Removal now handles images more effectively when the background is only partially green screen instead of completely green.

🛍️ Retail Download Fixes

📥 Improved QuicEvents press-and-hold downloads

  • Download behavior is more reliable on desktop and Android for Events without artwork.

🖼️ Free Gallery Download resolution fixed

  • Free Gallery Downloads on QuicEvents now correctly deliver full-resolution images instead of medium resolution.

🧲 Photo Magnet artwork fix

  • Photo Magnets will no longer be ordered with Event artwork when Use Artwork by Default is enabled, since artwork is not supported on that product.

📱 Mobile Dashboard 4.1 for Android

💰 New “Cha Ching” notification sound

  • Weekly order notifications on Android now include the same Cha Ching sound effect already available on iOS.

👉 Swipe to open the Sidebar

  • Swipe inward from the left edge of the screen to open the Sidebar, matching the iOS experience.

🤖 Google Play compatibility updates

  • The app also includes required changes for the latest Google Play requirements.

That’s the week!

Lower-cost AI edits, stronger and more consistent results, and better Background Removal integration should make Candy Image Studio and Auto Editor more useful for both one-off fixes and larger Event workflows.

Keep creating magic,

Candy 🍬

Related articles

Background Removal, NowCandid's Newest Feature!
Feature Updates
March 13, 2024

Background Removal, NowCandid's Newest Feature!

7
 minutes read
Hey there, photographers and NowCandid fam!

It’s Candy here, your cheerful guide through the NowCandid universe, and I’ve got some thrilling news!

Introducing Background Removal 🚀

What’s New?

We’ve rolled out a game-changing feature: Background Removal, available for all NowCandid Programs & Workflows!

How It Works:

Before uploading your images (into a Background Removal enabled Event), simply mark the folder for Background Removal. We'll then use top-notch AI to whisk away the background, leaving you with pristine cutouts as an additional option alongside the original image in your subject's gallery.

And, it happens live!

If you practice best business practices with NowCandid, you probably upload your images live as you take them with the help of our Capture & Upload app! Images live-uploaded to a Background Removal folder will be cutout in no time at all, adding themselves to the subject's gallery automatically and on-the-fly.

Note: Capture & Upload App Version 3.17 or newer will be needed to utilize background removal while live-uploading images.

Choose Your Backdrop 🌟

Variety Galore:

The ever-popular gray and white 'Dover' background, arches in various architectural styles, and scenic outdoorsy vibes, your subjects can view and pick any background that catches their eye!

Future Customization:

Later this year, you'll be able to add your own backdrops to the mix, pre-rendering the background-removed image onto a custom background for your Events. Stay tuned!

Get Certified & Dive In 📜

Certification Needed:

To unlock this fantastic feature for your NowCandid Account, a quick certification is required. Check out how at the following page: Background Removal Certification (link)

The Best Part? It's On Us! 💖

Absolutely Free (For Now):

For the time being, enjoy this feature at no extra charge.

We need some time to assess how often Background Removal will be used and how it will affect sales. So, for now, it's free! Think of this as our way of saying thanks for being part of the NowCandid family. We're excited to see how Background Removal can enhanceyour business!

Note: 📝

Currently, the background-removed PNGs are exclusive to the Personal and All Images Galleries, with no direct download of the files for you the photographer. So, your customers can buy them, but you can't currently use the service to generate image cut-outs for use outside the system!

We’re buzzing with excitement over here at NowCandid about the extra sellable images this feature can bring to your photography Events! 🐝

Whether you’re shooting portraits at a graduation, soccer game, prom, or anywhere else - Background Removal is set to elevate your photography game, turn one image into many!

Stay tuned, as we'll be rolling out more customization options as the year progresses. If you have any questions or need a hand getting started, just give us a shout. We’re here to help every snap of the way!

Sparkly wishes,
Candy 🌟
Capture & Upload App's Latest Update 3.17
Feature Updates
March 12, 2024

Capture & Upload App's Latest Update 3.17

6
 minutes read
Hiya, NowCandid fam!

It's Candy here, with some hot-off-the-press news about our Capture & Upload app that's going to make your photography flow smoother than ever. We've listened to your feedback and sprinkled some improvements on both Windows and Apple iOS versions in our latest update, 3.17. 🌟

Changes Across Windows & Apple iOS Versions of the App

1.     Whoops! We didn't make this very clear before. We've clarified the messages when you incorrectly log in to the Capture & Upload App with your email and app passcode.

2.     Plus, we've changed the login button to say "Login" instead of "Save" – because sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference.

3.     A little redesign magic has made the "Cancel/Close" button on the login less attention-grabbing, since people were sometimes clicking it thinking it was a next step! Whoops.

4.     The latest version of the Capture & Upload app will also need to be used in order to utilize NowCandid's newest Background Removal feature (link)!

Changes to Only the Windows Version of the App

1.      Get ready to feel the need for speed! We've made improvements to the app, which means less memory usage, zippy startup times, and an overall performance boost that'll have you clicking happily away.

Changes to Only the Apple iOS Version of the App

1.     Volume button as a shutter? Yes, please! You can now use the volume up/down buttons for those sneaky quick captures when using your device's internal camera.

2.     Embrace the old and the new with support for select additional Sony cameras. We used to only support newer versions of Sony cameras! Check out the list at the bottom of this post to see if your gear's on there.

3.     And if you're rocking an iPhone 14 or older (or 9th gen iPad or older), we're helping you troubleshoot with a "Camera Trouble?" popup if no camera is detected for 15 seconds on shooting screens—complete with a helpful link to Apple's Camera Adapter (link), which you'll need to connect your camera to these lightning-port Apple devices.

4.     For our Nikon D7000 users, no more connection woes. We've ironed out those kinks for you!

5.     Noticed some off-center UI on your iPhone when using the Capture & Upload App? We've fixed that up too, so your app experience is as picture-perfect as your shots.

What's Next?

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates and improvements, because we're just getting started.

In the meantime, enjoy the new tweaks and treats with update 3.17, designed to keep your NowCandid experience as seamless as your photography skills. And as always, if you hit any bumps or have a lightbulb moment on how we can do better, drop us a line!

Happy shooting, everyone!

Candy 🌟

List of Additional Sony Cameras Now Supported on Apple iOS

Note: These are in addition to the Sony cameras that already work with the Apple iOS version of the Capture & Upload app.

ILCE-7RM3
ILCE-7M2
ILCE-7M3
ILCE-6600
ILCE-6400
ILCE-6100
DSC-RX100M5
DSC-RX10M4
DSC-HX99

Note: Firmware updates may be required for some models of Sony.

Update Alert: NowCandid's Capture & Upload Hits Version 3.14!
Feature Updates
February 1, 2024

Update Alert: NowCandid's Capture & Upload Hits Version 3.14!

6
 minutes read
Hello, NowCandid family! 🌟

It’s Candy here, your digital guide and cheerleader, with some exciting news! We’ve had a whirlwind of updates from versions 3.11 through 3.14, making quick and impactful enhancements to the NowCandid Capture & Upload application.

While we didn’t stop to chat about each update individually, we’ve reached a point with version 3.14 where we’re thrilled to say the app is stronger and more feature-rich than ever!

So, let’s get everyone up to speed with version 3.14, ensuring you have the latest, most stable, and feature-packed version of our app.

Version 3.14 - The Latest & Greatest:

  • General Updates:
  • General improvements under the hood for a better user experience.

  • Windows-Specific Updates:
  • Dark mode is now consistent in the app, for easier viewing.
  • Helpful reminders to check your taskbar for app notifications.
  • Overall app performance boost, making it faster and more efficient.
  • Increased app memory usage for smoother operation.

Version 3.13:

  • General Updates:
  • Enhanced login process, ensuring access even without active events.
  • Improved user interaction for a smoother experience.

  • Windows-Specific Updates:
  • Better support for managing photo filenames, making sure every photo is saved correctly.

Version 3.12:

  • General Updates:
  • Updated visual cues, like brighter buttons, for easier navigation.
  • Quicker response times when interacting with the app.

  • Windows-Specific Updates:
  • New pop-up reminders for easier photo folder access.
  • Optimizations for camera connectivity and photo saving.

Version 3.11:

  • General Updates:
  • Simplified version numbering for easy tracking.
  • NowCandid logo now comes with version info for quick reference.

  • Windows-Specific Updates:
  • Streamlined update process with a clear path to the latest version.
  • Minor fixes and tweaks for an improved app experience.

We're thrilled with the journey from versions 3.11 to 3.14 and all the positive changes each update has brought!

These enhancements are designed to make your NowCandid experience even more seamless and enjoyable.

If you have any feedback or run into issues, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Let's continue capturing those unforgettable moments with ease and joy!

Keep snapping,
Candy 🌟

Let’s get in touch

If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid™ services to your wheelhouse, set up a call with us!

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

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