When importing subject data, it is possible to simultaneously import images and automatically match them with the subjects. Additionally, options also exist to set poses and select the primary image if specified in the text file.
Finding the images
In order for the software to find the images when importing, the text file either needs to:
be placed in the same directory as the images to be imported or,
have the full path to the images with the image filename
The example below has an Image field that has the full path to the images as part of the image filename.
Firstname,Lastname,ID,Image
John,Smith,150964,T:\Timestone\CHS2025\Images\110.jpg
John,Smith,150964,T:\Timestone\CHS2025\Images\111.jpg
John,Smith,150964,T:\Timestone\CHS2025\Images\112.jpg
Importing the text file
The text file is imported as per other text files with the key addition being the need to map the Image field.
To import the text file:
In Details Mode select File>Import text file (Control-T)
Browse to and open the text file
Map the fields ensuring the text file’s Image column is mapped as Image data
Select the Image filename option for the Image column mapping
Click OK to import
Figure 1: Importing images with a text file
Importing poses
Further to importing images, the text file can also assign poses to some or all of the images being imported. This requires an additional column in the text file that contains the pose number or label.
Firstname,Lastname,ID,Image
John,Smith,150964,T:\Timestone\CHS2025\Images\110.jpg,2
John,Smith,150964,T:\Timestone\CHS2025\Images\111.jpg,3
John,Smith,150964,T:\Timestone\CHS2025\Images\112.jpg,1
As with the image column, the poses column is also Image data but is mapped with the Image pose(s) option.
Figure 2: Mapping the Poses column
Setting the primary image
When a subject is matched to multiple images, the software will, by default, use the last image as the Main or Primary Image when forming products. Several methods are available for the user to select an image other than the subject’s last image as the Primary Image.
In Match or Poses Modes, Control-Click the image
In Match Mode, select the image, then use the Control-I keyboard shortcut
In Match Mode, select Edit>Mark as primary from the menu
Import a text file containing a column indicating the preferred primary image
The primary image column
In the sample text file below, note the Primary column. The image to be marked as Primary need only contain any alpha-numeric character. This example uses an X for image 101.jpg.
FIRSTNAME,LASTNAME,ID,IMAGE,POSE,PRIMARY
Loretta,Fusel,3333,100.jpg,,
Loretta,Fusel,3333,101.jpg,1,X
Loretta,Fusel,3333,102.jpg,,
Loretta,Fusel,3333,103.jpg,,
Loretta,Fusel,3333,104.jpg,2,
Loretta,Fusel,3333,105.jpg,,
Loretta,Fusel,3333,106.jpg,3,
Loretta,Fusel,3333,107.jpg,4,
Unlike the two earlier examples, the Image column in this text file does not contain the full image path. If this text file were also importing images, it would therefore need to be in the same directory as the images.
Figure 3: Mapping the column that indicates the Primary Image
Importing to a Folder or Family
When importing a text file, it is possible to not only match subject data to their images, but to also match an image (typically a team or group photo) to a folder or family.
The underlying principle to match an image to a folder with a text file is as follows:
In the text file, if one of the 'name' fields for the image contains the word "group" or "folder", that image will be matched to the folder specified for that image.
The name field must be a field with any one of the three "name" properties:
first name
last name
whole name
Figure 4: Subject fields with a "Name” special property.
Consider the following (abbreviated) text file for a soccer league. Two teams are represented in the text file -the U8 Eagles and the U10 Hornets. The fields are Firstname, Lastname, Team, and Imagefilename.
Sam,Davis,U8 Eagles,100.jpg
Josh,Corr,U8 Eagles,101.jpg
Will,Walker,U10 Hornets,150.jpg
Simon,Cloke,U10 Hornets,151.jpg
When the text file is imported, the "Team" field is mapped as the field from which to create folders, and therefore, two folders will be created - U8 Eagles and U10 Hornets.
Figure 5: Map the field with the group or team as the field to make folders from.
Now the user can add an entry into the text file for each teams' group photograph. This entry will match the appropriate team picture to the correct folder. It is necessary for the word "Folder" or "Group" to be in either the firstname or lastname field (but not both), and the image for that entry will be matched to whichever folder is in the folder field.
Sam,Davis,U8 Eagles,100.jpg
Josh,Corr,U8 Eagles,101.jpg
Folder,,U8 Eagles,110.jpg
Will,Walker,U10 Hornets,150.jpg
Simon,Cloke,U10 Hornets,151.jpg
Folder,,U10 Hornets,160.jpg
Image 110.jpg is the team picture for the U8 Eagles, and image 160.jpg is the team picture for the U10 Hornets.
NOTE
Note the use of the word "Folder" in the firstname field. It could have also been used in the lastname field. Likewise the word "Group" could be used in place of the word "Folder". Do not use the word "Folder" or "Group" in both the firstname and lastname fields as the match will not work.
Figure 6: Subject images have been matched to Subjects; Group images have been matched to their folder.
Matching to a family
When matching an image to a family, the key difference is that the word "family" is used in the text file instead of "group" or "folder."
NOTE
In the text file, if one of the name fields contains the word “Family”, the image will be matched to the family.
In the sample text file below, the word Family has been entered into the lastname field for the image to be matched to the family. The fields are Last, First, ID, Order, Image, Pose, Folder, and Family.
Aitken,Emily,100,PK1,IMG_1443.jpg,,8A,Aitken
Aitken,Louie,101,PK3,IMG_1444.jpg,,8B,Aitken
Family,,,,IMG_1445.jpg,,,Aitken
Renshaw,Tory,107,PK1,IMG_1490.jpg,1,8A,Renshaw
Renshaw,Louie,108,PK3,IMG_1491.jpg,1,8B,Renshaw
Renshaw,Emily,109,PK1,IMG_1492.jpg,2,8A,Renshaw
Renshaw,Louie,110,PK3,IMG_1493.jpg,1,8B,Renshaw
Family,,,,IMG_1494.jpg,,,Renshaw
Miles,Tony,103,,IMG_9663.jpg,,8A,Miles
Miles,Stevie,104,PK3,IMG_9664.jpg,,8B,Miles
Miles,Tony,105,PK2,IMG_9665.jpg,,8C,Miles
Family,,,,IMG_9666.jpg,,,Miles
Alternative Names
As an alternative to “Folder” and “Group,” the following entries may also be used:
[board] - Be sure to include the square brackets
Slate
99
FAQ
Can I import images along with subject data?
Yes, you can import images at the same time as subject data and automatically match them.
What do I need to do for the software to find the images during import?
The text file must either be in the same directory as the images or contain the full path to the images.
How do I import a text file with images?
To import, select File > Import text file, browse to the file, map the fields, and ensure the Image column is mapped correctly.
Is it possible to assign poses to images during import?
Yes, you can assign poses by including an additional column in the text file with pose numbers or labels.
How can I set a primary image when multiple images are matched to a subject?
You can set a primary image by Control-Clicking the image, using a keyboard shortcut, or importing a text file with a primary image column.