Pixieset provides photographers with a professional and organized way to deliver images through attractive online client galleries. Instead of sending large files through email or complicated transfer services, users can share complete collections using email invitations, direct links, QR codes, folders, or Quick Share. Each method supports different needs, from delivering private wedding photographs to sending selected images to vendors and collaborators.
Photographers can also control passwords, client-only access, download permissions, resolution, favorites, and gallery visibility. Understanding how to share a Pixieset gallery correctly helps protect client privacy, prevent access problems, simplify photo delivery, and create a smooth, polished experience on desktop and mobile devices for every valued photography client.
What to Check Before Sharing a Pixieset Gallery
Before sending a gallery to a client, confirm that the collection is complete and ready for viewing. Sharing an unfinished gallery or an incorrect download PIN can create unnecessary confusion.
Review the following items:
- Confirm that all intended photographs have been uploaded.
- Remove duplicates, test images, and unintended files.
- Organize photographs into clearly named sets.
- Select an appropriate gallery cover image.
- Check the collection title and event date.
- Review the gallery design on desktop and mobile.
- Confirm that the collection is published.
- Decide whether visitors need a gallery password.
- Enable or disable downloads.
- Confirm the download resolution.
- Create or verify the download PIN.
- Review watermark settings.
- Test favorites, store, and proofing options.
- Confirm whether the collection appears on your homepage.
- Open the gallery as a visitor before sending it.
Testing is particularly important. A photographer signed into Pixieset may see controls or photographs that are not available to an ordinary visitor. Open the gallery link in a private or incognito browser to see what the client will actually experience.
How to Share a Pixieset Gallery with a Client
The exact interface may change as Pixieset updates its platform, but the standard gallery-sharing workflow is straightforward.
Sign In to Pixieset
Sign in to your Pixieset account and open the Client Gallery dashboard. The dashboard contains the collections and folders associated with your account.
Open the Required Collection
Locate the collection you want to deliver and open it. Make sure you have selected the correct client, especially when several collections have similar names.
Review the Gallery
Check the photographs, sets, cover, collection name, privacy controls, and download permissions. If the collection is still unpublished, publish it before attempting to share it with the client.
Select the Share Option
Open the collection’s sharing menu. Pixieset may present options such as sending an email invitation, copying a direct link, downloading a QR code, or sharing selected photographs.
Add the Client’s Information
When using email delivery, enter the client’s correct email address. Add an informative subject line and a personalized message explaining what the gallery contains.
If the gallery requires a password or download PIN, provide those details clearly. Label each credential so that the client understands its purpose.
For example:
- Gallery password: Required to open and view the collection
- Download PIN: Required when downloading permitted photographs
Send or Copy the Gallery Link
Send the email through Pixieset or copy the direct collection link and paste it into your preferred communication platform.
Test the Delivered Link
After sharing, open the exact link you sent. Enter the password and try downloading a photograph if downloads are enabled. This final check helps prevent delivery errors.
Pixieset Gallery Sharing Methods Compared
Pixieset offers multiple sharing options. The following table can help you select the most suitable method.
| Sharing method | Best for | Main advantage | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email invitation | Professional client delivery | Allows a personalized message | Confirm the client’s address and spam folder |
| Direct link | WhatsApp, SMS, Messenger, or CRM messages | Quick and flexible | Passwords or PINs may need to be included |
| QR code | Events, printed cards, and in-person delivery | Easy to open on mobile devices | Test the code before printing it |
| Quick Share | Vendors, publications, and collaborators | Shares selected images without exposing the full gallery | Review high-resolution download permission |
| Folder sharing | Repeat clients and multi-session projects | Places several collections behind one link | Check folder and collection passwords |
| Bulk sharing | Schools, sports, events, and mini sessions | Sends many collections efficiently | Recipient information must be accurate |
| Website gallery block | Public portfolios or event collections | Integrates collections with a Pixieset website | Private galleries still require access credentials |
According to Pixieset’s current documentation, photographers can share a collection through email, a direct URL, a downloadable QR code, or a Quick Share link for selected photographs.
How to Share a Pixieset Gallery by Email
Email is one of the best options for formal client delivery. It allows the photographer to create a polished message instead of sending an unexplained URL.
Open the gallery’s sharing interface and enter the recipient’s email address. Customize the message so that it reflects your brand and relationship with the client.
A useful delivery email should include:
- A friendly greeting
- The name of the photography session
- A direct gallery link
- The collection password, if required
- The download PIN, if enabled
- Simple downloading instructions
- The gallery expiration date, if applicable
- Print-ordering information
- Your contact information
Avoid writing only “Here are your photos.” Clients may not know whether they can download, share, print, or purchase the images.
How to Share a Pixieset Gallery Using a Direct Link
A direct link is useful when you communicate with clients through WhatsApp, text messages, Facebook Messenger, Slack, a customer relationship management system, or another application.
To obtain a direct link:
- Open the required collection.
- Select the arrow or menu beside the Share button.
- Choose Get direct link.
- Copy the collection URL.
- Paste it into your chosen message.
Pixieset may also allow you to copy the collection password and download PIN from the same area. Always verify that you are sending the correct credentials for that collection.
How to Share a Pixieset Gallery with a QR Code
A QR code gives clients a convenient way to open a gallery by scanning a printed or digital code with a mobile device. From the collection’s sharing options, select Get QR code and download the generated image. The QR code can then be added to:
- Wedding reception cards
- Thank-you cards
- Event signs
- School photography notices
- Sports event posters
- Photography packages
- Studio displays
- Client presentation documents
- Printed proofing sheets
Before publishing or printing the code, scan it with more than one mobile device. Make sure it opens the correct gallery and does not lead to an unpublished or expired collection.
How to Share Selected Photos with Quick Share
You may not always want to share an entire gallery. A wedding photographer, for example, may want to send ten venue photographs to an event planner without providing access to private client images. Pixieset’s Quick Share feature allows selected photographs to be shared through a dedicated link.
The general process is:
- Open the collection.
- Select the photographs you want to share.
- Choose the Quick Share icon from the action bar.
- Review the selected images.
- Decide whether high-resolution downloads should be available.
- Copy the generated Quick Share link.
- Send it to the intended recipient.
Quick Share is useful for:
- Wedding vendors
- Makeup artists
- Event planners
- Publications
- Social media managers
- Commercial collaborators
- Potential clients
- Photography assistants
Review the selected photographs carefully before creating the link. Also consider whether the recipient needs web-size files or high-resolution originals.
Collection Password vs. Client Exclusive Access
A collection password and Client Exclusive Access are related but different features. A collection password controls general entry to a gallery. Client Exclusive Access creates a separate client-level password and can restrict particular photo sets to the client.
For example, a wedding gallery might contain:
- Public reception images for guests
- General ceremony photographs
- Private preparation photographs
- Personal family photographs available only to the couple
Guests can see the approved sets, while the client password provides access to the complete collection. Client Exclusive Access may also allow clients to mark individual photographs as private. Those photographs become hidden from guest visitors while remaining visible to the photographer and authorized client.
This is more flexible than applying one password to the entire collection. Pixieset’s privacy documentation explains that collection passwords, homepage visibility, and client-only access can be managed independently.
How to Share a Pixieset Gallery with Download Access
If clients should receive digital files, enable downloads before sharing the collection. Depending on the available settings and account plan, you may be able to control:
- Individual photo downloads
- Full-gallery downloads
- Which photo sets can be downloaded
- High-resolution files
- Web-size files
- Download PIN requirements
- Email tracking or download activity
High-resolution downloads are suitable when the client needs full-quality delivered files. Web-size downloads are smaller and better suited to social media, email, or online use. A download PIN adds a separate layer of control. Visitors may be able to view the gallery but cannot download enabled files unless they enter the correct PIN.
Do not confuse the download PIN with the collection password:
- The collection password controls gallery viewing.
- The download PIN controls permitted downloading.
Include both in your delivery email if both are enabled. Label them clearly to avoid support messages from clients entering the PIN into the gallery password field.
How to Share a Gallery Without Allowing Downloads
Not every gallery should provide downloadable images. Proofing galleries, previews, commercial selections, and unpaid projects may need view-only access. Disable downloads in the collection settings before sharing the link. Clients may still be able to view photographs, create favorite lists, submit selections, or order approved products.
Consider adding watermarks if images should not be used before payment or final approval. A watermark is not absolute protection against misuse, but it can discourage unauthorized screenshots and publication. Before sending a view-only gallery, explain why downloads are unavailable and what the client should do next. For example, ask them to select 20 favorites for final editing.
Recommended Gallery Settings for Different Photography Projects
Wedding Photography
Use a collection password if the couple wants privacy. Enable Client Exclusive Access for personal images, organize the day into sets, and provide clearly labeled download instructions. Ask the couple before allowing broad guest access.
Family and Portrait Sessions
Use a private gallery, enable favorites for image selection, and provide downloads only for purchased or included photographs. Consider disabling public homepage visibility.
Commercial Photography
Use Client Exclusive Access or a private collection. Disable public sharing until usage rights and approvals are finalized. Quick Share can be useful for sending approved selections to designers or marketing teams.
School and Sports Photography
Use well-organized folders, clear collection names, bulk sharing, and appropriate passwords. Carefully verify recipient information to prevent one family from receiving another family’s photographs.
Public Events
A QR code may provide convenient access. However, determine whether participants have consented to public gallery visibility. Use separate sets or private access where necessary.
Common Pixieset Gallery Sharing Problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Recommended solution |
|---|---|---|
| The gallery link does not open | The collection is unpublished or the link is incomplete | Publish the collection and copy a fresh direct link |
| The client cannot enter the gallery | An incorrect password is being used | Verify and resend the collection password |
| The download button is missing | Downloads are disabled for the collection or set | Review download permissions in collection settings |
| The download PIN does not work | The client entered a gallery password or outdated PIN | Confirm the active download PIN |
| The client did not receive the email | Incorrect address or email filtering | Verify the address and check spam or promotions |
| Guests can see private images | Client-only sets were not configured correctly | Enable Client Exclusive Access and review set visibility |
| Images download in the wrong size | Incorrect resolution option is enabled | Review high-resolution and web-size settings |
| A QR code opens the wrong gallery | The wrong code was downloaded or printed | Generate and test a new QR code |
| The gallery appears publicly | “Show on Homepage” is enabled | Disable homepage visibility in privacy settings |
| A selected-image link contains unwanted photos | Incorrect images were selected | Create a new Quick Share link with the correct selection |
Conclusion
Pixieset makes sharing professional photo galleries simple, secure, and convenient for photographers and their clients. By choosing the right sharing method, setting suitable privacy controls, and confirming download permissions, photographers can deliver images without confusion. Email invitations, direct links, QR codes, Quick Share, and folders support different client needs. Before sending a gallery, always test its link, password, download PIN, image quality, and mobile display. A well-prepared gallery improves client satisfaction, protects private photographs, and creates a polished delivery experience.