ShotfolioHelp Center
Contact us

Control photo downloads

Updated July 8, 2026

You decide what guests can take from a gallery: just a watermarked preview, or the full-resolution original — and you can put a PIN in front of the originals.

Preview vs. original

In the gallery's download settings you choose what a download gives the guest:

  • Watermarked preview — guests only get the watermarked, web-size version. Good for proofing or public galleries where you haven't delivered finals yet.
  • Full-resolution original — guests can download the full-quality file. This is the setting for delivering finished work.

Gate originals behind a download PIN

If you want originals available but not to just anyone, require a PIN before guests can download the original. Guests browse freely, but entering the PIN is what unlocks the full-resolution download.

SettingWhat the guest gets
Original downloads offWatermarked web-size preview only
Original downloads on, no PINFull-resolution original, no gate
Original downloads on, with PINFull-resolution original after entering the PIN

The download PIN only matters when original downloads are on — turn on originals first, then set the PIN. Share that PIN with the guests who should get the full files.

A note on watermarks

The watermark setting applies to guest downloads. To set or change your logo watermark, see Watermark your photos.

Next steps

Was this article helpful?

Related articles

Can't find what you're looking for?

Reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. Contact us.