To import project data, it must be saved as a CSV (comma-separated values) file. This format stores data in plain text where each value is separated by a comma. You can create a CSV file using spreadsheet programs like Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets by saving your spreadsheet with UTF-8 encoding. While UTF-8 is usually the default encoding in most spreadsheet programs, it's not always the case. If your program prompts you to choose an encoding format, make sure to select UTF-8.
SEARCH BEHAVIOR
By default, Snapizzi indexes your subject data fields — such as first name, last name, and code — so customers can search using any of those values.
Minimum Search Length
To improve speed and reduce unrelated results, Snapizzi uses a minimum number of characters before a search begins:
4 letters are required for most searches
If the name itself is shorter than 4 letters, Snapizzi will allow 2–3 letters
Examples:
Searching “john” will return John
Searching “john” may also return names containing that match, depending on the data (such as Johnson)
Searching “lee” will return Lee, because the name itself is only 3 letters
Searching “smi” will not return Smith because the name has 5 letters. The search would require “smit” or “smith”
How Matching Works
Snapizzi matches on either first or last name independently for broader search results.
For example:
Searching “anna” may return:
Anna Taylor
Joanna Reed
Annabelle Smith
because the search term appears within either the first or last name.
If a parent types both a first and last name, Snapizzi treats them as separate search attempts. For example, “John Smith” will return records matching John as a first name or Smith as a last name — not necessarily both together.
Want to Customize the Search?
You can define a specific column for search by naming the header exactly Search (case-sensitive). This is especially useful if you want customers to search using a unique identifier such as an order ID, student ID, or custom code.
⚠️ Important: When a “Search” field is defined, Snapizzi will only use that column for all search queries. Other columns like first name, last name, and code will no longer be indexed.
CSV Formatting Requirements
To ensure search works correctly, your CSV file should contain properly formatted headers for:
First Name and Last Name
OR
A single Full Name column
If the headers are formatted incorrectly, a Searchability warning will appear in the Diagnose & Remedy tool. The table below lists alternative header formats that are also accepted.
Snapizzi generates camera cards based on the order in your CSV file, so ensure the file is organized for your desired printing sequence (ignore this step if using Snapizzi Paperless). Your CSV can include any additional relevant data fields that define your project's structure.
If your CSV lacks a "Full Name" column, Snapizzi will automatically create one by merging the "First Name" and "Last Name" name columns.
GROUPS
Snapizzi automatically places group photos into the appropriate subject galleries. To help Snapizzi recognize your group columns, add an asterisk (*) to the group column header. If not added, you can define it during CSV field mapping.
Snapizzi generates a unique code for each group, which should be photographed before the group photos are taken.
For projects with multiple groups (e.g., ballet schools, bands), where subjects appear in more than one group photo, refer to this article on multi-group projects.
PASSWORD
To require customers to enter a password to view their photos, include a "Password" column in your CSV and enable passwords in your Privacy Settings. You can assign custom passwords, or if the column is left blank, Snapizzi will generate them for you. Avoid using ambiguous characters like the letter "O" and the number "0" to prevent confusion.
You can also edit passwords at any time.
GALLERY NAME
In the remote gallery, the default name for each subject is the 9-digit code from their camera card. To customize it, add a column titled "Gallery" to your CSV file and add the subject names in that column. You can also add a "Gallery" column (and others) to your CSV via the CSV editor.
Tip 1: To combine data from two separate columns into one, click here. Remember, if your CSV lacks a "Full Name" column, Snapizzi will automatically create one by merging the "First" and "Last" name columns.
Tip 2: If you have data in one column and would like to create separate columns for each, click here. This is useful if you have a full name field and would like to create a first and a last name column.
NEXT STEP:
Upload Your CSV File