Entagged with Barcode Scanning Photo Job Workflow

Table of contents

• Overview
• First time setup
• Planning phase
• Picture day phase
  • Using the entagged app method
  • Using a bluetooth scanner method
• Review phase
• Make-up day
• FAQs
• The takeaway

Overview

Entagged is a revolutionary camera attachment that cuts down on your admin time by eliminating the need for QR cards. It links your photos to your subjects' data by inserting a unique barcode into each photo's metadata, making the sorting process a breeze. There are multiple options for running your shoot using an Entagged device. In this article, we'll review the process for running a photo shoot using the Entagged device together with a barcode scanner or the Entagged app. If you were looking for the names list workflow, please review this article instead. 

First time setup

Before you begin, make sure your camera is ready to use with the Entagged device.

1. If you do not already own an Entagged device, you can order the right model for your camera here.
2. Follow the instructions linked here to connect your Entagged device to your camera and pair your Entagged device with your phone.

Planning phase

This phase covers the steps to prepare your GotPhoto job before the shoot.

1. Decide whether you would like to scan your barcodes using the Entagged app on your phone or with a Bluetooth scanner. The Bluetooth scanner will likely be more convenient, but it is an additional expense. The choice is yours!
   • [Optional] See which Bluetooth scanners are supported.
   • [Optional] If you opt for a Bluetooth scanner, ensure to pair your scanner with your Entagged device and app.
   • You can always revert to the app during Picture Day, even if you've started with a scanner. This is a great backup option, just in case.
2. Within your GotPhoto account, create a new job and set the tagging method to QR Tagging with List of Names.
3. Create your names list CSV file:
   • For a school job: Enter the grade information in the group column, and the teacher or homeroom information in the teacher column.
   • For a sports job: Enter the team name in the group column and add the coach's name as well in cases of multiple teams within a division (e.g., U12-14 Fernandez or Wildcats).
   • [Advanced] If you are using batch shipping, we recommend adding both the grade and teacher/team and coach information into the group column. Only the information listed in the group column will be transferred to your lab, which will facilitate the distribution of the orders later.
4. 
5. Upload and import the name list into your GotPhoto Job.
6. Export the name list as a PDF with barcodes by clicking on the Export dropdown and then selecting PDF with barcodes.

   This will create a condensed list of subject names and their corresponding barcodes for scanning.

   
7. Print or transfer your barcode list to a tablet to take with you on the shoot.

7. Create the QR cards and tick the box next to show barcode (Under Advanced Settings). 
8. Generate the cards. If you plan to hand them out to your subjects, make sure to print them to take with you on the shoot.

Picture day phase

Before photographing a subject, scan their barcode from either your barcode list or their QR card.

Using the Entagged app method

1. With the Entagged device plugged in, turn on your camera.
2. Open the Entagged app. Your phone will automatically reconnect to your paired Entagged, indicated by a small turquoise dot in the top-left corner of the app.
3. In the app menu, tap Scan Code.
4. Hold your phone over a barcode or QR code to scan it.
5. When a code is identified and successfully scanned, the frame of the scanning area will turn yellow, and the code will appear at the top of the screen.
6. When the code is successfully saved to the camera, the frame of the scanning area will turn turquoise as a confirmation. The currently saved code is always shown at the top above the scanning area. You can clear the code by tapping the (x) next to the code.
   If an error occurs, a red frame will appear, and an error message will indicate the issue. The previous code will remain saved and displayed at the top. Follow the instructions in the error message to resolve the issue, and scan again.
7. You are now ready to take the subject's photos. Every subsequent photo taken will have the subject's barcode saved in its metadata until you scan the next barcode.

Using a bluetooth scanner method

1. With the Entagged device plugged in, turn on your camera.
2. Turn on your scanner by pressing and holding its button for five seconds. The scanner will now automatically reconnect to the Entagged and emit a single high-pitched beep when connected.
3. Scan the subject's code by pressing the scanner’s main button. Align the scanner so the red laser line spans over the entire barcode.
4. The scanner will emit a high-pitched duotone beep, and the laser will dim when scanning is successful.

   If scanning is unsuccessful, the scanner will emit a single low-pitched beep. This means the previously-scanned code is still saved; please scan again. If the error persists, open the Entagged app, as it will show an error message with a suggested solution to the issue. Once resolved, please scan the code again.

5. Once the barcode is transmitted to the Entagged device and saved successfully to the camera, the scanner will emit a higher-pitched duotone beep.
6. You are now ready to take the subject's photos. Every subsequent photo taken will have the subject's barcode saved in its metadata until you scan the next barcode.

7. Photograph the subject.
8. If applicable, give the subject their QR card for easy photo access and ordering.
9. Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining subjects.

Review phase

After your shoot, follow these steps to upload your photos and prepare them for your customers.

1. Clear the code that is currently saved in your camera by tapping the (x) next to the code in your Entagged app, or manually deleting the barcode from the appropriate field in your camera settings.
2. Upload your photos using the method of your choice. If you are using the Web Upload, create a new album first.
3. All of your images will be uploaded to a single album. The system will automatically activate the access codes and sort them by filename in each subject's gallery. A note will indicate the activation process and let you know that it will take a moment.
4. Open the album, click Resort photos to albums under Individuals Actions, and select your preferred scheme (teacher or group).
   
5. The system will then sort the images based on your name list: Folders for each teacher or group will be created so that each gallery goes into the correct folder. New albums will be created for each group or teacher from the name list. Note: Group photos must be manually moved into the correct albums afterward.
6. You may now delete the empty folder.
   Please note: The "Resort photos to all albums" option will not work if the access codes have been activated in earlier albums or jobs. We are working on an improvement for this.
7. If you have accidentally used both barcode tagging and QR tagging in your account:
   Entagged changes the copyright information in the camera you use, and the camera will store the last scanned code in all following photos, even if you don't use the Entagged.

Make-up day

For retakes, follow make-up day workflow option 2.

FAQs

Q: Can I take photos without tagging?
A: Yes, clear the saved code in the app and untagged images will follow.

Q: Can I scan multiple barcodes for sibling photos?
A: Yes, you can scan up to three codes. See device field limits in the table below.

Q: How do I check metadata?
A: Open the image properties in your editor. Look under the User Comment or Copyright field.

Q: My scanner blinks blue or beeps low-pitched.
A: It lost its connection. Ensure the camera is on and reconnect.

The takeaway

Entagged streamlines photography sessions by embedding barcodes directly into photo metadata. Whether you use the app or a scanner, this workflow reduces admin time, simplifies sorting, and ensures accurate gallery creation.