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

Darkroom Booth gives you more flexibility than most booth software — you can import a flat PNG overlay (the fast way) or load a PSD with editable layers (the powerful way). That flexibility is great once you know the workflow, but it means more decision points during 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 (recommended for speed) 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. Best for operators who want fast, reliable setup.

Method 2: PSD Layers (recommended for on-site editing) Import a PSD file and Darkroom reads the individual layers. You can then edit text, toggle layers on/off, and adjust positioning directly in the software — no need to go back to Photoshop. Best for operators who make last-minute changes on-site.

SnapTemplate custom orders include both formats: the PNG for quick loading and the PSD for when you need flexibility. 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:

| Template Size | Darkroom Setting | Pixel Dimensions | |---------------|-----------------|-----------------| | 2×6 Strip | 2×6 | 600 × 1800 | | 4×6 Portrait | 4×6 | 1200 × 1800 | | 6×4 Landscape | 6×4 | 1800 × 1200 | | 5×7 Portrait | 5×7 | 1500 × 2100 | | 6×8 Portrait | 6×8 | 1800 × 2400 |

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: PSD Layer Setup

This method requires a SnapTemplate custom order ($25), which includes the PSD source file.

Step 1: Import the PSD

Go to Event Settings > Template and select Import PSD. Browse to your PSD file and select it.

Darkroom will read the layer structure and display each layer in a panel. Typical layers include:

• Background texture/color
• Border/frame elements
• Text layers (event name, date, hashtag)
• Logo placement
• Photo box placeholder

Step 2: Edit Layers (Optional)

This is where Darkroom's power comes through. You can:

• Edit text directly — change the event name, date, or hashtag without opening Photoshop
• Toggle layers on/off — hide a logo layer for one event, show it for another
• Adjust positioning — nudge elements if needed

This is especially useful for operators who run multiple similar events. Load one PSD, change the text layer on-site, and you have a new template in seconds.

Step 3: Set Photo Box Positions

With the PSD imported, configure the photo capture areas to align with the template's photo placement layer. Darkroom usually auto-detects photo box positions from the PSD, but verify the alignment.

Step 4: Save as Preset

Save the complete setup as a preset, including any text edits you've made. This lets you reload the exact configuration at any time.

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.

Text looks different in Darkroom than in the PSD

Cause: Darkroom may not have the exact font installed that the PSD uses. It substitutes a similar font. Fix: Install the required fonts on the Darkroom computer, or use the PNG overlay method instead (text is already rasterized into the image, so font availability doesn't matter).

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 PNG overlays as backup. Even if you plan to use the PSD method for on-site edits, have the PNG overlay ready as a fallback. If something goes wrong with the PSD layers, switching to the PNG takes 30 seconds.

Pre-flatten complex PSDs. If your PSD has many layers you won't be editing, flatten the decorative layers before importing. This reduces file size and speeds up Darkroom's rendering.

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): Both PSD and PNG included. Use the PSD for on-site flexibility or the PNG for quick setup. 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.