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Uploading Images

Learn how to upload images to Faces R Us for processing and editing.

Upload Process

1. Select Image

Drag & Drop or Browse:

  • Click "Choose File" button or drag & drop your image
  • Select an image file (up to 20MB)
  • Supported formats: JPG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF, WebP

Multi-File Selection

You can select both an image and its .xmp sidecar file at once using Ctrl+Click or Shift+Click

2. Optional: XMP Sidecar File

What is an XMP Sidecar?

An XMP sidecar is a separate .xmp file that contains metadata for your image. It's particularly useful for:

  • PNG files - PNG has unreliable embedded metadata support
  • Preserving existing metadata - If your image already has XMP metadata
  • Professional workflows - Integration with tools like Lightroom or Photo Mechanic

How to Include XMP Sidecar:

  1. Multi-file selection - Select both image and .xmp file together
  2. System automatically detects and pairs XMP with image
  3. Success message confirms XMP sidecar was detected

XMP Precedence

When both embedded metadata and XMP sidecar exist, the sidecar takes precedence over embedded data.

3. Upload

  • Click "Upload" button
  • Wait for processing confirmation
  • Format Conversion - TIFF/HEIC automatically converted to JPG for browser preview
  • Original Preserved - Your original file is kept for download
  • Automatic Redirect - You'll be taken to the editor

Upload Features

Metadata Preservation

  • Original EXIF/XMP data is preserved
  • All metadata fields remain intact
  • Face regions are automatically loaded if present

Orientation Handling

  • Images displayed with correct orientation
  • EXIF orientation metadata respected
  • No manual rotation needed before upload

Existing Face Regions

  • Automatically detected and loaded
  • Multiple standards supported: MWG, Microsoft Photo, IPTC
  • Ready for editing immediately

XMP Auto-Detection

When uploading multiple files:

  • XMP sidecars automatically detected
  • Paired with corresponding images
  • Confirmation message shown
  • Metadata merged intelligently

Original Format Tracking

  • System remembers your original format
  • Proper handling during save/export
  • Format conversion options available

Supported Image Formats

Format Extension Max Size Notes
JPEG .jpg, .jpeg 20MB ✅ RECOMMENDED - Excellent metadata support
HEIC/HEIF .heic, .heif 20MB ✅ Full support - Converted to JPG for editing
TIFF .tiff, .tif 20MB ✅ Full support - Converted to JPG for editing
PNG .png 20MB ⚠️ Unreliable metadata - XMP sidecar recommended
WebP .webp 20MB ✅ Full support

PNG Metadata

PNG has weak embedded metadata support. For PNG files with metadata:

  • Best: Upload with XMP sidecar
  • Alternative: Convert to JPEG during save

File Size Guidelines

Maximum: 20MB per image

Recommended:

  • Under 10MB for faster processing
  • Large images take longer to upload and process
  • Face detection is faster on smaller files

If Your File is Too Large:

  • Compress the image
  • Use a smaller version
  • Convert to JPEG (smaller than TIFF/PNG)

Upload Tips

For Best Results

  1. Use JPEG format for most reliable metadata support
  2. Upload high-quality images for better face detection
  3. Include XMP sidecars for PNG files with metadata
  4. Check file size before uploading (under 10MB ideal)

Multi-File Upload

Select multiple files at once:

  • Image + XMP sidecar (recommended)
  • System pairs them automatically
  • Saves time and ensures correct association

Format Conversion

HEIC/TIFF to JPG:

  • Automatically converted for browser editing
  • Original format preserved
  • Can save in original format or convert to JPG

Troubleshooting Upload Issues

"File too large" error

  • Maximum size is 20MB
  • Compress image or use smaller version
  • Consider JPEG format for smaller file size

"Unsupported format" error

  • Check file extension
  • Ensure file isn't corrupted
  • Try converting to JPEG

Upload fails or hangs

  • Check internet connection
  • Refresh page and try again
  • Verify file isn't corrupted
  • Check browser console for errors

XMP sidecar not detected

  • Ensure .xmp extension (lowercase)
  • XMP filename should match image base name
  • Select both files together
  • Check XMP file is valid XML

After Upload

Once upload completes successfully:

  1. Redirected to Editor - Image opens automatically
  2. Face Regions Loaded - Existing metadata displayed
  3. Ready to Edit - Start detecting faces or editing metadata

Next Steps