The essentials
A private QR photo album is an unlisted gallery reached through a code or link. That access information can be forwarded. Plan who may join, whether uploads need approval, when viewing opens, how downloads work, and how you will close the collection. Use the checklist below to verify the controls you actually need.
At a glance
- Discovery
- Unlisted event gallery
- Access information
- QR code or direct link; forwardable
- Host controls
- Approval, guest management and event settings
- Code changes
- Regeneration in the iPhone app
- Saved copies
- Cannot be recalled from recipients
- Browser photos
- Original files, no re-compression
Separate an unlisted gallery from an invitation list
An unlisted gallery is designed to stay out of public browsing and search indexing. Its QR code is a convenient way to distribute the link; it does not establish that the person holding it was invited.
Someone can forward the link or a picture of the printed code. Choose the distribution channel deliberately, tell guests the intended audience, and review membership if the collection contains sensitive moments.
Choose the controls for your event
In Capture, the host manages event settings in the iPhone app. Browser participation depends on settings such as uploads, approval, scheduled reveal, comments and guest downloads. Test each setting using a separate guest view.
| Decision | What to check | Limit to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Who can join | Where the code is shared and which guests have joined | Forwarded access information can reach others. |
| What appears in the gallery | Require Approval and the moderation queue | A reviewer still needs to check content. |
| When guests can view | The scheduled reveal and event availability | A reveal is a viewing choice, not permission for marketing reuse. |
| Whether guests may download | Download settings and a saved-file test | Screenshots and previously saved copies cannot be recalled. |
| Changing the code | Regeneration in the iPhone app and intended guest access afterward | Review guest membership as well as distributed signs and links. |
| Closing the collection | Files saved, requests addressed, access and retention plan | Do not promise immediate deletion of all backups or recipient copies. |
Test the guest journey before inviting people
Step 1: Create the event on iPhone and choose approval, reveal, upload and download settings. Record who will moderate and respond to questions.
Step 2: Open the code or direct link on a second phone. Enter a guest display name and check what is visible before uploading.
Step 3: Upload a harmless test photo. Check the pending queue when approval is required, then verify what the guest sees after approval or reveal.
Step 4: Try saving a photo when downloads are enabled. Check that the saved file opens and that its dimensions fit your intended use.
Step 5: Confirm how you will update access, handle removal requests, save the intended files, and close the event. Explain these choices in the invitation.
Compare actual sharing controls across services
Google Photos supports album-sharing and collaboration controls. iCloud Shared Albums offers invitations and a Public Website option for web viewing. Check contribution separately from viewing on each device; do not assume a browser viewer can also add files.
Choose a service by your audience, permissions and final delivery needs. An event QR code, a shared album link and a group invitation can all be forwarded or shown to someone else; the controls behind them matter.
File quality also depends on the service and upload mode. Capture keeps every upload as the original file and shows a 2,048-pixel copy only in the gallery view; downloads and the host’s ZIP export use the originals.
Plan removal, saving and reuse
Tell guests how to request removal and who will respond. A host can manage gallery content, but a removal action cannot take back screenshots or files recipients already copied.
Capture keeps every upload as the original file; the gallery shows a 2,048-pixel copy, but downloads and exports use the original. The host gets the complete collection from Export Album in the iPhone app: Create ZIP builds an archive of every original that is emailed as a link and opens on any computer, and Save to Photos puts everything into an album in the Photos app. Verify the files you actually saved before relying on a handoff.
For a work event or promotional reuse, review the purpose, appropriate lawful basis or permissions, retention and provider arrangements. A private gallery is one operational tool in that process. Use the GDPR guide and privacy policy for further context.
Questions & answers
Can a guest forward the QR code?
Yes. A screenshot of the code or the direct link can be forwarded. Keep distribution within intended channels and review guests if access concerns arise.
Can I regenerate the QR code?
Yes, in the Capture iPhone app. Update the materials you distribute and check guest access after changing it. Previously saved copies cannot be recalled.
Can I delete the event?
Hosts can delete an event in the iPhone app. Save files you are entitled to keep first and consult the privacy policy for data handling and retention; do not assume deletion removes copies on other devices.
Do guests register for an account?
Browser guests enter a display name without an email/password registration flow. Capture still uses guest identifiers and membership information to operate access and uploads.
Does using a private album make an event GDPR compliant?
No platform choice alone establishes compliance. Assess the event’s scope, purpose, lawful basis, notices, rights handling, retention and proposed reuse.
Sources
Keep the moments close
Every guest’s perspective.
One shared collection.
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