FMX for iPad: Features and Platform Differences
FMX for iPadOS delivers the core photo booth experience as a native iOS app. While it shares the same Cloud platform and workflow system as Windows, there are important differences. This guide covers what's unique to iPad and what differs from Windows.
Camera
Built-In Camera Only
- Front camera (TrueDepth) -- Primary choice for guest-facing booths with face detection
- Rear camera -- Higher resolution for specific booth designs
- Camera device selection -- Wide-angle or telephoto on supported models
- Screen flash -- Uses the iPad screen as a flash in low-light (iPad-exclusive)
- No external camera support -- Cannot use DSLR/mirrorless cameras
Camera Settings
- Camera position (front/rear), aspect ratio, fill mode, mirror settings
- High-resolution capture toggle, JPEG quality adjustment
- Test mode: cycle test photos instead of the live camera
AI Features
All 14+ cloud AI features work identically on iPad:
- AI Headshots, Face Swap, Style Pop, Cartoons, Background Removal, Oldify, Line2Life, Draw Me, Modify, Combine, Image to Video, Sharpener, Face Cutout
AI processing happens in the cloud -- performance is identical to Windows.
Workflow System
The iPad uses the same JSON-driven workflow system as Windows with sequential steps, branching logic, edge navigation, and nested workflows.
iPad Workflow Step Types
Feature Steps:
- Take Photo, Selection Screen, Live View, Preview, Disclaimer, Print Copies, Save Final Photo, Record Video, Video from Photos, Sign & Draw, Games, Access Code, Survey, LED Light (Bluetooth)
Cloud Steps:
- Email, SMS, QR Code, and all AI features
Animation Steps:
- Video/image display between feature steps
Platform-Specific Steps
When building workflows in the Cloud Workflow Builder, steps are marked with platform indicators:
| Step | Windows | iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Take Photo | Yes | Yes |
| Selection Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Preview | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimer | Yes | Yes |
| Print Copies | Yes | Yes |
| Save Final Photo | Yes | Yes |
| Record Video | Yes | Yes |
| Video from Photos | Yes | Yes |
| Sign & Draw | Yes | Yes |
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Access Code | Yes | Yes |
| Survey | Yes | Yes |
| LED Light (Bluetooth) | No | Yes |
| Screen Flash | No | Yes |
| External Script | Yes | No |
| Screen Recording | Yes | No |
| Screen Capture | Yes | No |
| Scan (barcode/QR) | Yes | No |
Tip: The Workflow Builder in Cloud shows which steps support which platforms. Always check platform compatibility when building workflows intended for iPad.
Sharing & Communication
- Email -- On-screen keyboard for email collection
- SMS -- Numeric keypad for phone number collection
- QR Code -- Display QR linking to gallery, media page, or custom URL
- Print -- Via PrintPal (network) or FMPrint (cloud print service)
Printing
iPad printing differs significantly from Windows:
- No direct USB printer -- iPad cannot connect to USB printers
- PrintPal -- Network-based print delivery via the PrintPal accessory
- FMPrint -- Cloud-based printing (FMPrint on a Windows PC handles the actual printing)
- AirPrint -- Standard iOS printing
- Auto-print and copy selection -- Workflow-configurable print options
External Display & Slideshow
Via USB-C or Lightning adapter:
- Mirroring -- Duplicate iPad screen
- Slideshow -- Automated photo/video presentation
- Display modes -- Ascending, descending, random, show latest
- Content filtering -- Photos only, videos only, or both
Data Collection
- Surveys -- Open-ended, single/multi-choice, rating scale, Likert scale with randomization
- Disclaimer -- Customizable text with checkboxes and branching logic
- Access codes -- Multiple codes, reuse settings, masked input
Unique iPad Features
Features available only on iPad:
- Screen Flash -- Uses the screen as a light source for low-light capture
- Bluetooth LED Ring -- Control the LED ring lighting wirelessly
- PrintPal integration -- Network-based wireless printing
- Touch-optimized UI -- Interface designed for direct touch interaction
Windows vs iPad Quick Reference
| Capability | Windows | iPad |
|---|---|---|
| DSLR/Mirrorless camera | Yes | No |
| USB printer | Yes | No |
| Payment devices (Nayax, etc.) | Yes | No |
| External Script | Yes | No |
| Screen Recording/Capture | Yes | No |
| Barcode/QR Scan | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth LED ring | No | Yes |
| Screen Flash | No | Yes |
| PrintPal | No | Yes |
| All AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Workflow system | Yes | Yes |
| Online Galleries | Yes | Yes |
| Email/SMS/QR | Yes | Yes |
| External display | Yes | Yes |
Tip: Choose iPad for maximum portability and simplicity. Choose Windows for DSLR cameras, USB printers, payment integration, or screen capture features.
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