FileFlow allows you to browse, search for, manage permissions, download and upload images with your iOS or Android device. This is especially useful for real-time workflows and accessing images on-the-go.
FileFlow is designed for people who have download access to files with a PhotoShelter account. This includes:
- Individual photographers with an active PhotoShelter subscription
- Clients or collaborators who work with a PhotoShelter photographer
- System Requirements
- Using FileFlow as a PhotoShelter Photographer
- Granting Access to Your Clients
- Using FileFlow as an Invited User
- FAQ
System Requirements
- FileFlow for iPhone and iPad supports iOS 12+.
- FileFlow for Android supports OS 8.0+.
- To use FileFlow you will need a PhotoShelter login (either as a photographer or a free client account). To create a free PhotoShelter client account, head to this link.
View Content
While navigating your Library in FileFlow, note the icon tray at the bottom of the screen. These icons correspond to the various actions you can take on content while working in FileFlow.
(L to R: Permissions, Filter, Upload, Select, Queue)
- Click the Permissions icon to manage permissions for a container
- Click the Filter icon to change the view options and sort options for a gallery
- Click the Upload icon to upload files to a gallery
- Click the Select icon to select multiple files in a gallery to take action on
- Click the Queue icon to view your recent uploads and downloads
While working with single files in FileFlow, you'll notice different options:
- Click Download to download a file to your device
- Click Share to share the file via another app
-
Click the Info icon to see the metadata associated with the image
Upload Content
- Login to FileFlow and choose your PhotoShelter Personal Account on the "Your Access" screen.
- Tap the upload icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter a title for the upload. A title is required as it becomes searchable metadata appended to the gallery. The title will serve as the name of your gallery.
- Tap Select Files to continue.
- Select assets from your Camera Roll to upload. Only image files are supported for upload.
- When your selection is complete, tap Add.
- To select more assets, tap Edit Selection to return to Camera Roll. Previously selected images will be noted, and you can deselect them if desired.
- After completing your selection, tap Upload. In-progress uploads are indicated on the queue icon. Tap the queue icon to check the status of your upload.
Managing Permissions
- Select a gallery or collection
- At the bottom of the screen, click the Permissions icon
- Adjust the visibility of the container using the drop-down menu
- Add download permissions by clicking +New Permission
- Choose the Permission Type (People/Group, Password or Public)
- Click the Recipient(s) field and a list of your Invited Users will appear. Search this list to find the Invited User(s) you'd like to grant permission to.
- Set the Download Permissions for users using the drop-down menus.
- You can copy a permission using the Copy icon, or delete a permission using the Trash icon.
- Save permissions by clicking Save.
Download Content
- To download a single file, tap the Download icon while in single file view.
- To download multiple files, tap the Select icon while in gallery view.
- When you download your first file, you’ll be prompted to grant access to the Photos app (or Files app) on your iOS device.
- Tap the Queue icon to see the progress of downloads or retry failed downloads.
- Depending on the file type, your files will download to the Photos and/or Files app on your iOS device.
App Settings
- On the “Your Access” screen, tap on your user avatar in the top-left corner.
- You can choose to download large files (>150 MB) via WiFi only, or turn this setting off if you want to download using cellular data.
- To log out of the app, click the "Log Out" link.
Using FileFlow as an Invited User
- To get started, download the app from the App Store.
- To use the app, you'll need to log into your free PhotoShelter account. If you have not yet set up your account, you may do so here. When creating your account, be sure to use the email address in which content was shared with you.
- Once logged into the app, the "Your Access" screen will show any PhotoShelter accounts whose content you can download.
- Tap on an account to view the structure of the content you can access.
- Tap on the name of the content you want to open up. When browsing, you'll only see photos that a photographer has given you permission to download. If you would like further permission to download more content, you will need to contact the photographer that originally sent you the invitation.
FAQ
Can I upload photos using FileFlow?
Yes. Currently uploading is limited to FileFlow v1.8 on iOS devices.
Can I use the app to view and download password-protected content?
No. Only content that the account owner has invited you to log in and download using your specific email address will display in the app.
Which Visibility & Access settings for collections & galleries will work in the app for my Invited Users?
Your Invited Users will only see content with these Visibility & Access settings:
- Visibility: Everyone or Those with Permission and
- Download: Those with Permission > People/Group
You must grant download access to files (e.g. original file or JPG) in order for users to see them within galleries in the app. Both native and inherited permissions will work.
When I try to share a photo, I don't see all my apps (e.g. Instagram). Why?
The share menu is controlled by your device. If you don't see the app you want to share to, first tap the "more" button and then "edit" to see what apps are available to add to your favorite list. If you don't see the app on that list, one thing to check is that your photos have proper filename extensions (e.g. JPG). The extension helps your device interpret the file type, so if it's missing a filename extension, your phone may not be able to read that it is an image file. Thus, photo-related apps (such as Instagram) would be left off the list.
What download features are not currently supported by the app?
At this time, watermarked low-res comp (500px) downloads and trusted client downloads are not supported.
Will my client be able to see and download ALL my images in FileFlow?
No, your client will only be to see and download photos that you've explicitly given them permission to download through the visibility & access settings.