Images: How do I add/edit/crop/delete Puzzle Images?

Note: To prevent copyright issues, please only upload your own, personal puzzle photos instead of photos copied from a website.

In IPDb, images play a crucial role in catching users’ attention. While it’s absolutely fine to upload older photos of puzzles you’ve previously completed, there are a few techniques to enhance the quality of new images—making them look better for both PC and mobile viewing.

Tips for taking great puzzle photos:

1. Use natural daylight whenever possible to prevent dark shadows or glare from artificial lighting

2. Position the puzzle box squarely within the frame, rather than at an angle. Placing it on a low table or the floor may help achieve this

3. Avoid holding the box while taking the photo, and minimize excess background. A clean, neutral backdrop makes it easier for others to appreciate and add the record to their collections.

4. Capture additional details by photographing the sides and/or back of the box, especially barcodes or other identifiers. This helps users verify if they have the same puzzle version.

5. Edit before uploading if your phone has built-in tools for cropping or rotating images. If not, IPDb allows image adjustments after upload (see below).

New Records  

If the puzzle isn’t already listed in IPDb, you’ll need to create a new record before uploading images and puzzle details. See here for instructions on adding a puzzle. 

Once you’ve reached the Add New screen, you can proceed with uploading images as outlined below.

Existing Records

If the puzzle record already exists in IPDb, you can still add your own images—whether to document your collection or improve the record with higher-quality photos (such as completed puzzle images or clearer box shots).

To access the record:

1. Search for the puzzle within IPDb.
2. Click/tap on the puzzle summary to view its details.
3. At the top of the details screen, select the pencil icon to enter edit mode.
4. You may now ADD images to the record.
        * Note: You cannot delete photos unless you originally created the record.
5. Follow the steps below to upload, tag, and save your images.

Many of the hints are also in this knowledge-based article.

3 - Capturing or selecting photos

Add images from your files or take a new photo using your device camera

4 - Delete or rotate an image
The bin icon allows you to delete a selected photo, whilst the rotate icon will rotate the image by 90 degrees clockwise every time it is pressed.  You need to select an image first prior to pressing either icon. 

• Puzzle icon - for completed puzzle images
• Box icon - for the FRONT of box image only (for other box pics see misc)
• Picture icon - for poster images
• Camera/Misc icon - for any other images that don't fall in the above categories
• Picture Lock icon - used for mystery puzzles. It blurs the image intially, so that it can only be seen by tapping on it to unlock.  Help keep the mystery alive! :-)

6 - Adult Content
The 18+ icon is similar to the Picture Lock icon, in that it will blur the image if not appropriate for a younger audience, such as nudity and violence. 
In addition to blurring the image, it will also put the 18+ icon on the image.

7 - Image Submit
The final Tick icon is to confirm your puzzle images and upload them to the puzzle record.

• Mobile Device
• Click the Camera icon (#3)
• Take the photo and it will be added to the image upload screen

• Desktop PC
• You can click the Camera icon to take the picture with your desktop-connected camera/webcam if that is your preference.
• However, you will also be given the option to use your mobile device camera to take photos when using your desktop PC. Mobile phone cameras are often more user-friendly and convenient than those connected to a desktop computer.
• You need to have IPDb installed on your mobile device as well, and be logged in (same login details as desktop).
• Once you have selected the Camera Icon on the desktop, to use your phone’s camera, simply open IPDb on your mobile device, and it will be ready to capture the image.
• The camera on that device will be activated to take your photo.
• The photo will then automatically be added to your desktop photo upload window.

Click on the image file button next to the camera button, in the image upload screen.

If you are using a desktop computer, and have also installed IPDb on your mobile phone, you will be presented with the option to choose a file directly from your mobile device.

This feature is available because many images are captured on mobile phones these days. 

If you don't see this option but believe you should, check your account settings - the feature may be disabled.

Preer selecting images form a folder on your desktop?  Simply click the large button in the above "loading images" screen.

On a desktop computer, the file selection is done through a standard file open dialog, allowing you to choose multiple image files at once.

Regardless of whether your images come from a camera or a file, they will be displayed in the selection area.

• Selecting an Image: The first image shown will have a thick border, indicating it is selected. Any functions / categories applied will affect this image.
• Editing Before Upload: Select each image one by one to apply rotation, choose the image type, and, if needed, set an 18+ option before clicking the checkmark to add them to the puzzle.

• Uploading: Once you hit the checkmark, the images will be uploaded and transferred to the add/edit form you originally accessed.

• Saving Changes: Ensure you click the Save button to retain the uploaded images.

Sometimes, a photo contains unnecessary background details. Cropping ensures the image focuses only on the puzzle or box itself. IPDb has the option to modify your photo to do just that - by cropping it.

Access Crop Mode:

• In Edit Mode (Pencil icon at the top of the screen), click/tap the image you wish to crop and select Edit from the menu.

• This will open the full-screen viewer, which includes the cropping tool.

Using the Crop Tool:

• You can rotate the image left or right or crop it by selecting the Crop icon at the top.
• A cropping frame will appear over the image. Drag the blue squares to define the area you want to keep.

• Adjust until satisfied, then click the checkmark to apply the crop—removing any unwanted background.

To change the order of images within a puzzle:

• Return to the Edit Dialog (pencil icon) and select the image you want to reposition.
• From the menu, move the image forward/left or backward/right to ensure viewers see them in the preferred order.
  
  

💡 Choosing the main display image:

The frontmost image appears in lists and detail views across IPDb whenever your puzzle is displayed. Select a strong, representative image to maximize visibility.

If an image is no longer relevant, or you have taken a better updated image that what you originally uploaded, or someone else has submitted a better image, you can remove it via the save Edit Menu.

• Tap on the image you wish to delete
• Form the menu, select Delete