How to Set Up Templates in Darkroom Booth (Step-by-Step)

There are two ways to get a SnapTemplate design running in Darkroom Booth: import the PNG overlay yourself, or open the ready-to-load XBDR file that comes with custom orders. Both put the same finished design on your photos — the XBDR just saves you the manual setup.

This guide walks through both methods and shows you how to get a template running in Darkroom with minimal friction. For a side-by-side comparison of Darkroom and DSLR Booth workflows, see DSLR Booth vs Darkroom Compared.

Two Ways to Load Templates in Darkroom

Method 1: PNG Overlay Import a single PNG file as an overlay. This is the same approach used by DSLR Booth and works identically — the PNG sits on top of the captured photo, with transparent areas showing the guest's image. You set the output size and photo boxes yourself, so it works with any SnapTemplate design.

Method 2: XBDR File (the Darkroom shortcut) Open the XBDR file — Darkroom's native template format — and the finished design loads with the overlay, sizing, and photo placement already configured. It's the same artwork as the PNG, just pre-packaged for Darkroom so you skip the manual setup. The text and graphics are baked into the design, so the XBDR is a time-saver, not an editor.

SnapTemplate custom orders include the print-ready PNG plus the ready-to-load XBDR file for Darkroom. Instant downloads include the PNG only.

Method 1: PNG Overlay Setup

Step 1: Choose Your Print Layout

Open Darkroom Booth and go to Event Settings > Print Layout. Select the output size that matches your template:

Darkroom also supports digital output sizes (Square, Portrait 9:16, Landscape 16:9) for sharing-only events. Set the output dimensions to match the template exactly.

Step 2: Import the Overlay

Go to Event Settings > Overlay and click Browse. Select your PNG file.

Darkroom will show a preview with the overlay composited on top of a sample photo. The transparent areas in the PNG are where guest photos will appear.

Step 3: Configure Photo Boxes

Navigate to Photo Layout and set the number of photo captures per print. For strip layouts (2×6), this is usually 3-4 photos. For postcard layouts (4×6), it's usually 1.

Darkroom lets you position and resize each photo box. For SnapTemplate files, the default photo box positions typically align correctly without manual adjustment.

Step 4: Test and Save as Preset

Take a test photo and verify the overlay renders correctly. Then save the entire event configuration as a Darkroom Preset.

Presets are Darkroom's killer feature — they save everything: overlay, layout, sharing settings, branding, and booth behavior. Name them clearly (SmithWedding-4x6-2026) so you can reload them instantly at the event.

Method 2: XBDR File Setup

This method requires a SnapTemplate custom order ($25), which includes the ready-to-load XBDR file alongside the PNG.

Step 1: Open the XBDR File

Go to Event Settings > Template and open your XBDR file. Because the XBDR is Darkroom's native format, the finished design loads as a ready-made template — you skip the manual overlay import that Method 1 requires.

The XBDR holds the same finished artwork as the PNG, with the text and graphics baked into the design. It's a load-and-go convenience, not a layer editor — for a different event, reorder the design for $15 and we'll send updated PNG and XBDR files.

Step 2: Confirm Photo Boxes, Then Save as Preset

Take a test photo to confirm the photo boxes line up with the design, adjusting them in Photo Layout if needed. Then save the event as a Darkroom Preset so you can reload the exact setup instantly at the event.

Darkroom-Specific Features Worth Using

Green Screen Compositing

Darkroom has strong green screen support. Your template overlay works on top of the composited background — the workflow is:

1. Guest stands in front of green screen
2. Darkroom replaces the green with your selected background
3. Your PNG overlay frames the composited image
4. Final output includes background + guest + template

This means you can use the same SnapTemplate overlay regardless of whether you're shooting against a backdrop or green screen.

GIF and Video Mode

Darkroom supports GIF/Boomerang output. Your overlay can be applied to GIF output too — each frame of the GIF gets the overlay composited on top. This works automatically with PNG overlays; no special setup needed.

Preset Sharing

If you run multiple Darkroom stations at large events, you can export a preset file and load it onto each station. This ensures every booth produces identical output.

Common Problems and Fixes

Template appears stretched or cropped

Cause: Output size in Darkroom doesn't match the template dimensions. Fix: Verify the print layout setting matches the template size table above. A 4×6 template (1200×1800) imported into a 6×4 setting (1800×1200) will be rotated or distorted.

Overlay renders behind the photo instead of on top

Cause: The layer order is inverted — the photo is rendering above the overlay. Fix: In Darkroom's layer panel, make sure the overlay is the topmost layer. Drag it above the photo layer if needed.

Fonts or text don't look right

Cause: With a manually built overlay, a missing font can cause Darkroom to substitute a different one. Fix: SnapTemplate bakes the text into both the PNG and the XBDR — the design is flattened artwork, so fonts always render exactly as designed and there's nothing to install. If you built your own overlay from scratch and see substitutions, install the required fonts on the Darkroom computer.

Print colors look different than on screen

Cause: Screen vs. print color difference. Bright, saturated colors on screen often print darker or more muted. Fix: Run a test print before the event. If colors are off, adjust your printer's color profile or use Darkroom's built-in color correction. SnapTemplate designs use colors that are tested for reliable print output, but printer calibration varies.

Preset won't load on a different computer

Cause: The preset references file paths that don't exist on the other machine (e.g., the overlay PNG is at a different location). Fix: Copy the template files to the same location on both machines, or re-link the overlay file after loading the preset.

Event-Day Workflow Tips

Use presets religiously. Darkroom's preset system is its biggest advantage over simpler software. Create and test your preset in advance. At the event, loading a preset takes under 10 seconds.

Keep the PNG handy as a backup. Even when you load the XBDR, keep the PNG overlay nearby as a fallback. If anything goes wrong with the XBDR on the booth computer, importing the PNG manually takes about 30 seconds.

Reorder instead of rebuilding. The design is baked into both files, so for a new event with different text, reorder the design for $15 rather than trying to rework it in the booth — you'll get fresh PNG and XBDR files.

Test with the actual printer. Darkroom supports dozens of printer models. Color output and alignment vary between printers. Always test-print at least one strip or postcard before the event starts.

Using SnapTemplate Files with Darkroom

Every SnapTemplate design works with Darkroom Booth out of the box:

• Instant downloads ($15): PNG file, ready to import as an overlay. Browse the template gallery and download.
• Custom designs ($25): Print-ready PNG plus a ready-to-load XBDR file included. Open the XBDR to drop the design into Darkroom with no setup, or import the PNG manually. Order a custom template with your client's branding.
• All 15 sizes: 5 print, 5 digital/social, 5 for 360/video. See the full size reference and compatibility guide.

For DSLR Booth users: the setup guide for that platform is available at How to Set Up Templates in DSLR Booth. Both platforms accept the same PNG format, so your SnapTemplate files work in either software without conversion.