Preset vs. Template: What's the Difference

Both presets and templates help you set up events faster, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the distinction will help you choose the right approach for each situation and build an efficient library of reusable configurations.

Presets: Ready to Use

A preset is a complete, ready-to-use event configuration. When you load a preset, it applies a fully configured setup to your event with no further customization required (though you can always adjust settings afterward).

A preset includes:

• A fully defined workflow with all steps configured.
• A complete layout with overlays, backgrounds, and positioning.
• Specific settings such as AI features, output formats, and processing options.

When to Use Presets

• You have a proven configuration that works well and you want to reuse it exactly.
• You're running similar events repeatedly (e.g., the same corporate photo booth setup for different clients).
• You want to get up and running as fast as possible without customization.
• You're assigning booth setups to team members and want to ensure consistency.

Example

A preset called "Wedding - Elegant Portrait" might include:

• A workflow with single-capture mode, AI background replacement (garden scene), and face enhancement.
• A layout with a decorative frame overlay and the couple's monogram positioning.
• Settings for email and QR code sharing, with a specific email template.

Load this preset, update the event name and date, and you're ready to go.

Templates: A Starting Point

A template is a structural starting point that you customize for each event. It provides the framework and general setup, but expects you to fill in event-specific details and creative content.

A template includes:

• A workflow structure defining the general flow (e.g., capture > process > output) without specific creative choices.
• A layout structure with placeholder areas for overlays, backgrounds, and text -- but without the actual creative assets applied.
• General settings that establish the baseline configuration, with clearly marked areas where you should make event-specific choices.

When to Use Templates

• You have a general event format that needs different creative assets for each client.
• Your workflow structure is consistent but the visual design changes every time.
• You want to provide your team with a standardized starting point while allowing creative flexibility.
• You're building configurations for event types that share a structure but differ in details.

Example

A template called "Corporate Event - Base" might include:

• A workflow structure with single-capture, AI processing step (feature to be selected), and multi-channel sharing.
• A layout structure with placeholder areas marked for client logo, event branding, and background.
• Settings framework with sharing options enabled but email template to be selected.

Load this template, plug in the client's branding assets and specific AI features, and finalize.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	Preset	Template
Completeness	Fully configured, ready to use	Partially configured, requires customization
Creative assets	Included (specific overlays, backgrounds)	Placeholders (you add your own assets)
Workflow	Fully defined with specific steps	Structure defined, details to be filled in
Best for	Repeated, identical setups	Similar structure, different content
Customization needed	Optional (tweak if desired)	Required (fill in blanks)
Time to event-ready	Immediate	Some setup time required

How to Create and Share Both

Creating a Preset

1. Configure your event exactly how you want it.
2. Go to Event Settings > Preset > Save as Preset.
3. Name it descriptively and save.

Creating a Template

1. Configure your event with the structural elements you want to standardize.
2. Leave creative assets as placeholders or generic defaults.
3. Go to Event Settings > Template > Save as Template.
4. Name it to indicate it's a starting point (e.g., "Wedding - Base Template").

Sharing

Both presets and templates can be shared with team members through your Cloud account. See Sharing FMX Workflows and Presets for details on exporting and sharing.