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Photo Management

RTC Collector includes comprehensive photo management for collection items and marketplace listings. The system handles image upload, compression, editing, reordering, and optimization automatically.

Overview​

Photos work differently depending on context:

Collection Items (Product Images):

  • Image limits based on subscription tier
  • Stored permanently with your items
  • Optimized automatically for web viewing
  • Auto-filled from the master database when available

User Photos (Personal Gallery):

  • Upload your own photos to each item's Photos tab
  • Separate from shared product images
  • Add captions (up to 200 characters) to describe what each photo shows
  • Take photos directly with your device camera on mobile
  • Full-screen viewer with keyboard navigation between images

Marketplace Listings:

  • Up to 10 photos per listing (all tiers)
  • First photo becomes listing cover
  • Reorder via drag and drop
  • Photo editing tools (crop, rotate, zoom)
  • Mobile camera support

Photo Requirements​

File Format Support​

Accepted Formats:

  • JPEG / JPG
  • PNG
  • WebP
  • GIF (upload only, converted to WebP)
  • BMP (upload only, converted to WebP)
  • TIFF (upload only, converted to WebP)

All uploaded images convert to WebP format on the server for optimal web performance.

File Size Limits​

Upload Limits:

  • Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
  • Platform automatically compresses images before upload
  • Client-side compression targets 1 MB per image
  • No limit on total upload size (within reasonable use)

Storage:

  • Server stores images as WebP format
  • Compression quality: 80% (excellent quality, good size)
  • Maximum dimensions: 1920 x 1920 pixels
  • Images larger than max dimensions resize automatically (preserves aspect ratio)

Quality and Optimization​

Images process automatically on both client and server:

Client-Side Processing:

  • Compression to 1 MB target size
  • Maximum dimension: 1920 pixels
  • Quality: 95% (before server processing)
  • EXIF data removed (privacy protection)
  • Uses web workers for faster compression

Server-Side Processing:

  • Conversion to WebP format
  • Additional compression (80% quality)
  • Resizing if needed (fit inside 1920x1920)
  • Final output optimized for web viewing

Subscription Tier Limits​

Photo limits vary by subscription tier:

Hobbyist (Free)​

  • 3 images per item
  • Sufficient for basic cataloging
  • Shows item condition and key features

Collector (£5/month)​

  • 10 images per item
  • Capture all angles and details
  • Include closeups of serial numbers, ports, labels

Enthusiast (£15/month)​

  • Unlimited images per item
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Every detail, angle, and accessory
  • Perfect for high-value collections

Marketplace Listings: All tiers can upload 10 photos per listing regardless of collection tier.

Uploading Photos​

Desktop Upload​

Drag and Drop:

  1. Drag image files from your computer
  2. Drop onto the upload area
  3. Multiple files supported
  4. Automatic compression and upload

File Picker:

  1. Click Choose Files button
  2. Select one or more images
  3. Click Open
  4. Upload begins automatically

Mobile Upload​

From Gallery:

  1. Tap upload area or Choose Files
  2. Select Photo Library or Gallery
  3. Choose one or more photos
  4. Tap Done

Take Photo:

  1. Tap Camera button (mobile only)
  2. Camera opens automatically
  3. Take photo
  4. Accept or retake
  5. Photo uploads automatically

Mobile Camera Features:

  • Direct camera access
  • Multiple photo capture
  • Automatic compression
  • Works on iOS Safari and Android Chrome

Upload Progress​

While photos upload:

  • Uploading Indicator: Spinner shows on each photo
  • Error Display: Red overlay if upload fails
  • Validation: File type and size checked before upload
  • Retry: Failed uploads can be removed and re-added

Photo Editor​

Edit photos before publishing with built-in editing tools.

Accessing the Editor​

From Photo Grid:

  1. Hover over photo
  2. Click Edit button (pencil icon)
  3. Editor opens in modal

Editor Modes​

Move Mode:

  • Pan the image
  • Reposition within frame
  • Drag with mouse or touch

Crop Mode:

  • Drag crop handles to resize
  • Move crop area
  • Dark overlay shows what will be removed
  • Minimum crop size: 50x50 pixels

Editing Tools​

Rotation:

  • Rotate left (counter-clockwise): -90°
  • Rotate right (clockwise): +90°
  • Rotates in 90° increments only
  • Can rotate multiple times (360° support)

Zoom:

  • Zoom in: +10% per click
  • Zoom out: -10% per click
  • Range: 10% to 500%
  • Current zoom shows as percentage

Reset:

  • Returns to original state
  • Clears all rotations
  • Resets zoom to 100%
  • Resets crop area to center

Saving Edits​

Save Process:

  1. Make your edits (rotate, zoom, crop)
  2. Click Save button
  3. Edited image uploads to server
  4. Original photo replaced with edited version

Technical Details:

  • Edited image exports as JPEG (95% quality)
  • Dimensions based on crop and rotation
  • Upload happens automatically
  • No need to manually upload edited image

Canceling:

  • Click Cancel to discard changes
  • Original photo remains unchanged
  • Editor closes without saving

Photo Organization​

Primary Photo​

The first photo in your listing becomes the primary photo:

  • Shows in search results
  • Appears in listing previews
  • Acts as the "cover" for your listing
  • Has a star badge

Setting Primary Photo:

  1. Hover over any photo
  2. Click Star icon
  3. Photo moves to first position automatically
  4. Previous primary photo loses badge

Photo Reordering​

Reorder photos via drag and drop:

Desktop:

  1. Click and hold photo
  2. Drag to desired position
  3. Drop between other photos
  4. Order updates automatically

Mobile:

  1. Touch and hold photo
  2. Drag to new position
  3. Release to drop
  4. Order saves immediately

Visual Indicators:

  • Dragged photo appears slightly transparent
  • Drop zone shows dashed border
  • Other photos shift to make space

Photo Captions​

Add captions to photos for additional context:

Adding Caption:

  1. Hover over photo
  2. Caption input appears at bottom
  3. Type caption (up to 200 characters)
  4. Caption saves automatically

Caption Uses:

  • Describe what photo shows
  • Note condition details
  • Highlight specific features
  • Explain any flaws visible

Display:

  • Captions show on hover (desktop)
  • Captions show in fullscreen view
  • Captions included in listing view

Removing Photos​

Single Photo Deletion​

From Photo Grid:

  1. Hover over photo to delete
  2. Click X button (top right)
  3. Photo removes immediately
  4. Server deletes file automatically

Effects:

  • If removed photo was primary, first remaining photo becomes primary
  • Photos reorder automatically
  • Photo numbers update

Bulk Deletion​

Not supported. Delete photos one at a time.

Workaround for Multiple Deletions:

  • Remove photos individually
  • Each removal is immediate
  • No undo function

Photo Tips and Best Practices​

Lighting and Clarity​

Good Lighting:

  • Natural daylight preferred
  • Avoid direct flash (causes glare)
  • Soft, diffused lighting best
  • Eliminate shadows when possible

Clear Focus:

  • Hold camera steady
  • Tap screen to focus (mobile)
  • Avoid blurry or out-of-focus shots
  • Retake if image isn't sharp

Composition​

Angles:

  • Front view
  • Back view
  • Top view
  • Side views (both left and right)
  • Bottom view (if relevant)

Details:

  • Serial numbers and labels
  • Ports and connectors
  • Any damage or wear
  • Included accessories
  • Original packaging (if available)

What to Photograph​

For Computers/Consoles:

  • Full unit from multiple angles
  • Power supply and cables
  • Controller ports
  • Expansion slots
  • Rear ports and connections
  • Any damage or yellowing
  • Serial number labels

For Handhelds:

  • Screen (on and off)
  • Controls and buttons
  • Back of device
  • Battery compartment
  • Any scratches or wear
  • Screen protectors if applied

For Games:

  • Front cover
  • Back cover
  • Spine
  • Disc or cartridge
  • Manual and inserts
  • Any damage or marks
  • Label condition (cartridges)

For Accessories:

  • Full item view
  • Connector closeup
  • Cable condition
  • Any included parts
  • Packaging if available

Avoid Common Mistakes​

Don't:

  • Upload blurry photos
  • Use extreme angles
  • Hide flaws or damage
  • Include irrelevant background items
  • Upload photos with watermarks (copyright issues)
  • Use stock photos (platform detects and removes)

Do:

  • Show actual item condition
  • Include all accessories in frame
  • Use consistent lighting across photos
  • Take photos on neutral background
  • Show scale (compare to common object if needed)

Photo Management Features​

Compression​

All photos compress automatically:

Why Compression?

  • Faster page loading
  • Reduces storage costs
  • Better user experience
  • Mobile data savings

How It Works:

  1. You upload original photo
  2. Browser compresses to 1 MB target
  3. Server receives compressed image
  4. Server converts to WebP (80% quality)
  5. Server resizes if over 1920px
  6. Final image stores on server

Result:

  • Original 5 MB photo becomes ~200 KB WebP
  • Quality remains excellent
  • No visible quality loss for web viewing

Image Formats​

Supported Upload Formats:

  • JPEG (most common)
  • PNG (transparency not preserved)
  • WebP (already optimized)
  • GIF (animation not preserved)
  • BMP (large files, will compress significantly)
  • TIFF (high quality, converts to WebP)

Server Output Format:

  • All images convert to WebP
  • WebP provides best compression with minimal quality loss
  • Widely supported by modern browsers
  • Significantly smaller than JPEG/PNG

EXIF Data​

EXIF data (metadata) is automatically removed from all uploaded images.

What Gets Removed:

  • GPS location
  • Camera model
  • Date/time photo taken
  • Camera settings
  • Device information

Why Remove EXIF:

  • Privacy protection
  • Prevents location tracking
  • Reduces file size
  • Standard web practice

Note: You can't preserve EXIF data. This is intentional for user privacy.

Image Storage​

Server Storage:

  • Images store in organized directories
  • Collection items: /uploads/images/
  • Marketplace listings: /uploads/images/marketplace/
  • Profile pictures: /uploads/images/profiles/

Cloud Storage (Optional):

  • Platform may use Google Cloud Storage
  • Provides faster loading worldwide
  • Automatic backups
  • No user action required

Troubleshooting​

Upload Failures​

"Invalid file type" Error:

  • Only image files allowed
  • Check file extension (should be .jpg, .png, .webp)
  • Rename file if extension is wrong
  • Don't upload PDFs, videos, or documents

"File size exceeds limit" Error:

  • File larger than 10 MB
  • Compress image before upload using photo editing software
  • Reduce image resolution
  • Convert TIFF/BMP to JPEG first

"Upload failed" Error:

  • Check internet connection
  • Try uploading one image at a time
  • Refresh page and try again
  • Clear browser cache

Image Quality Issues​

Photos appear blurry:

  • Original photo was low quality
  • Upload higher resolution images
  • Ensure focus before taking photo
  • Avoid digital zoom when photographing

Colors look different:

  • Color space conversion (normal)
  • WebP format may slightly alter colors
  • Usually imperceptible difference
  • Upload in sRGB color space for best results

Image too dark:

  • Insufficient lighting when photographing
  • Increase brightness before upload
  • Use photo editor to brighten
  • Retake in better lighting

Editor Problems​

Editor won't open:

  • Browser compatibility issue
  • Try different browser (Chrome or Edge recommended)
  • Disable browser extensions temporarily
  • Check JavaScript is enabled

Can't save edited image:

  • Network connection lost
  • Photo exceeds size limit after editing
  • Server temporarily unavailable
  • Refresh and try again

Edits not showing:

  • Browser caching old image
  • Hard refresh page (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
  • Clear browser cache
  • Wait a few seconds for propagation

Mobile-Specific Issues​

Camera button doesn't work:

  • Browser doesn't support camera access
  • Use iOS Safari or Android Chrome
  • Grant camera permissions when prompted
  • Check device settings allow camera access

Photos rotated incorrectly:

  • Some phones store rotation in EXIF
  • EXIF removed during upload
  • Use photo editor to rotate after upload
  • Take photos in correct orientation

Upload slow on mobile:

  • Large image files
  • Slow cellular connection
  • Switch to WiFi for faster uploads
  • Wait for compression to finish before uploading

FAQ​

How many photos can I upload?​

Collection Items: 3 (Hobbyist), 10 (Collector), or Unlimited (Enthusiast)

Marketplace Listings: 10 photos per listing (all tiers)

Do photos count toward my storage limit?​

No. Photo storage is unlimited and doesn't count toward any storage quota. Only the number of photos per item is limited by subscription tier.

Can I upload photos from my phone?​

Yes. Use the file picker to select from gallery, or use the camera button to take photos directly.

What happens to original photos?​

Original photos are not stored. The platform processes and optimizes images, then stores the optimized version. You cannot retrieve the original file after upload.

Can I download photos I've uploaded?​

Yes. Right-click any photo and select "Save image as..." to download the WebP version. This is the optimized version, not your original.

Do I need to compress images before uploading?​

No. The platform compresses automatically. Upload your best quality images and let the system optimize them.

Can I replace a photo after uploading?​

Yes, but not directly. Delete the photo and upload a new one. Photos reorder automatically. If replacing the primary photo, set a different photo as primary first.

What if I exceed my photo limit?​

If you reach your tier's photo limit per item, you must either:

  • Delete existing photos to make room
  • Upgrade to a higher tier
  • Create multiple items (not recommended)

Do marketplace photos count toward my collection limit?​

No. Marketplace listings have separate photo limits (10 per listing) that don't count toward your collection item limits.

Can I reuse collection photos in marketplace listings?​

No. Marketplace listings require separate photo uploads. You can upload the same photos again, but they're stored separately.

Are photos visible to others?​

Collection Photos: Only visible if you share your collection publicly or with specific friends.

Marketplace Photos: Visible to anyone browsing marketplace listings.

Can I add watermarks to my photos?​

You can add watermarks before uploading, but the platform doesn't add them automatically. Watermarks reduce photo quality and may deter buyers.

Do photos slow down page loading?​

No. WebP format and compression ensure fast loading. The platform uses lazy loading (images load as you scroll).

Can I edit photos after publishing a listing?​

Yes, but you must unpublish the listing, edit photos, then republish. Active listings cannot have photos edited to prevent bait-and-switch.

What if my photo contains personal information?​

Crop or edit photos before upload to remove personal information. Once uploaded, EXIF data is removed, but visible content in the photo remains.

Can I upload screenshots?​

Yes, but quality may be poor after compression. Take photos of physical items directly rather than screenshots of other photos.