# Participant Experience

Virtual Booth is a browser-based version of our software that allows participants to capture and upload photos directly from their own smartphones or laptops. There is no app for guests to download; they simply access the experience via a link or QR code.

As the host, you customize the branding, editing options, and sharing methods. Here is the step-by-step journey for your participants.

***

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Accessing the Booth

Participants enter the experience by scanning a QR code or tapping/clicking a direct link.

* **Host Tip**: Your unique link and QR code are [generated automatically](/virtual-booth-setup/basic-setup/sharing-access-with-participants.md) when you create a Virtual Booth preset. You can embed the link on a website, send it via email, or print the QR code on physical signage.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Welcome Page

Participants land on a [custom splash page](/virtual-booth-setup/branding-and-customizations/splash-page-customizations.md). This is where they can learn about your event and provide consent to upload their photos. A "Let's Go" button advances them to the capture screen. 
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Data Capture & Age Gate (optional)

* When [**Age Gate**](/virtual-booth-setup/marketing/age-gate.md) (Select plan only) is enabled, participants will be prompted to select their birthdate before the booth session begins.
* When [**Data Capture**](/virtual-booth-setup/marketing/data-capture.md) (Pro & Select plans only) is enabled, participants must opt in before accessing the capture page. If they do not want to share their information, they will not be able to take a picture.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Adding Pictures

Guests have two ways to add content:

* **Taking a New Photo**: The browser will request camera permissions. While most browsers handle this automatically, built-in [troubleshooting](/participant-support/troubleshooting-computer-cameras.md) links are available within the interface if a guest needs help enabling their camera.
* **File Uploads**: If a guest prefers to use an existing photo or denies camera access, they can use the Choose Image button to upload from their device. The interface helps them crop and resize the image as needed. 
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Customizing the Image

Once the photo is captured or uploaded, participants reach the editing page. As the host, you decide which tools are available. 

You can keep it simple by offering fewer options, or can add the following adjustments:

* [AI Effects](/virtual-booth-setup/branding-and-customizations/picture-customizations/ai-effects.md)
* [Overlays](/virtual-booth-setup/branding-and-customizations/picture-customizations/custom-graphics.md#overlays)
* [Backgrounds](/virtual-booth-setup/branding-and-customizations/picture-customizations/custom-graphics.md#backgrounds)
* [Stickers](/virtual-booth-setup/branding-and-customizations/picture-customizations/custom-graphics.md#stickers)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Posting to the Gallery

When the guest is happy with their creation, they will click or tap the **Post** button.

* **Privacy Note**: If your gallery is set to Public, guests can opt-out of the public feed. This allows them to save their photo privately without it appearing to other event attendees.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Saving & Sharing

After the upload is complete, guests reach the final screen where they can:

* **Download**: Save the image directly to their device.
* **Social Sharing**: Post to supported social media platforms.
* **View Gallery**: If the gallery is public, they can browse the rest of the event photos.
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.simplebooth.com/virtual-booth-setup/virtual-booth-basics/participant-experience.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.