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 and External Cameras
- 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)
- External Canon, Nikon, and Sony -- Compatible DSLR/mirrorless cameras connect by USB
- External GoPro -- Supported GoPro cameras connect by USB-C in GoPro Connect mode
Camera Settings
- Capture Source selection for the built-in camera or External Camera
- Camera position (front/rear), aspect ratio, fill mode, mirror settings for built-in capture
- External Camera picker, Refresh External Cameras, connection status, rotation, and capability-based controls
- High-resolution capture toggle and JPEG quality adjustment for built-in capture
- 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, Drag & Drop Layout, Disclaimer, Print Copies, Save Final Photo, Record Video, Video from Photos, Video to Flipbook, 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 |
| Drag & Drop Layout | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimer | Yes | Yes |
| Print Copies | Yes | Yes |
| Save Final Photo | Yes | Yes |
| Record Video | Yes | Yes |
| Video from Photos | Yes | Yes |
| Video to Flipbook | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Canon/Nikon/Sony external camera | Yes | Yes, on compatible bodies |
| GoPro camera | Yes | Yes, on supported models |
| Generic UVC webcam | 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 portability, built-in capture, or a tested USB setup with compatible Canon, Nikon, Sony, or GoPro equipment. Choose Windows when you need generic webcams, Windows printer drivers, payment integration, or screen capture features.
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