Choosing your download settings
Each gallery has its own download settings, so you can hand over full-resolution files for a wedding and keep a proofing gallery view-only. Everything lives in one place: open the gallery and go to Settings → Downloads.
On Free, clients can download web sizes only. Full-resolution originals need Plus or Pro. See CoreHue plans.
How a new gallery starts
You don't need to touch anything for a typical delivery. Every new gallery starts with:
| Setting | Starts as |
|---|---|
| Allow downloads | On |
| Download sizes | Original and Web Size (2048px) |
| Download PIN | On, with a 4-digit PIN already made |
| Enable downloads for | Every chapter on |
The one thing to remember is the PIN. If your client doesn't have it, they can't download. Tick Download PIN under Include in email when you share the gallery by email, or turn the PIN off.
Allow downloads
The main switch, described as "Let viewers download photos from this gallery". It covers photos and videos. Turn it off and every download button disappears, from single photos, videos and the whole-gallery download. The other settings hide until you turn it back on.
Turn it off for proofing galleries, sneak peeks, or work you'd rather sell than give away.
Download sizes
Two switches:
- Original ("Full resolution") is the file exactly as you uploaded it.
- Optimized ("Resized for faster delivery") is a smaller copy. Pick one of Web Size (2048px), Standard (1024px) or Small (640px).
Your client is offered at most two sizes, Original and the optimized size you picked. At least one has to stay on. If you try to turn off both, you'll see "At least one download size must be enabled."
Which to offer when is covered in Download sizes explained. Download sizes apply to photos only. Videos always download as an MP4 at your plan's best quality.
Download PIN
"Require visitors to enter a pin for gallery downloads." A 4-digit code your client enters before their first download. It's handy when a gallery might be forwarded around: anyone can look, but only people with the PIN can take the files. See Using a download PIN.
Enable downloads for
Shows once a gallery has more than one chapter. Each chapter gets its own switch, so you can let your client download the ceremony and keep the getting-ready shots view-only. See Allowing downloads for some chapters only.
Saving your changes
Allow downloads, the sizes and the PIN are saved with the Save bar at the bottom of the settings. The chapter switches under Enable downloads for save the moment you flip them.
What your client sees
When downloads are on, your client gets a download button on each photo and video, and a Download gallery button for everything at once. Before their first download they're asked for their email (if they haven't given it already) and the PIN (if you've set one). Nothing is asked twice. See What your client sees when they download.
Frequently asked questions
Can clients download without giving their email?
No. Every client gives an email before their first download, even if you haven't turned on email registration for viewing. That's how Activity can tell you who downloaded what.
Do these settings affect my own downloads?
No. Gallery download settings don't affect your own downloads. You can always download your own photos from the editor, on any plan. Videos are the exception: they can't be downloaded from your dashboard.
Why is Original switched off in my gallery?
Original shows as off when your account is on the Free plan, which offers web sizes only. Your choice is kept, and Original comes back for clients as soon as you're on Plus or Pro.
Is there a way to stop downloads but still let clients pick favorites?
Yes. To stop downloads but keep favorites, turn off Allow downloads and leave Allow collections on. Your client can still star photos and send you their selection. See How client favorites work.