Uploading Photos
How to upload field photos to Vortyk. Drag-and-drop batch upload, supported formats, size limits, and tips for better field photos.
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Upload field photos to any survey by drag-and-drop or file browser. Vortyk accepts JPEG, PNG, HEIC, and WebP up to 20 MB per photo and 200 photos per survey, parsing GPS coordinates and EXIF metadata automatically on upload.
How to upload
- Navigate to the survey where you want to add photos.
- Drag and drop photos onto the upload area, or click to browse your files.
- Watch the progress bar as each photo uploads and processes.
- Once complete, your photos appear in the survey gallery with all metadata extracted.
Supported formats
| Format | Notes |
|---|---|
| JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg) | The most common format from phones and cameras |
| PNG (.png) | Supported, though larger file sizes than JPEG |
| HEIC (.heic) | Native iPhone format. Uploaded and converted automatically |
| WebP (.webp) | Modern web format, fully supported |
Limits
- Maximum file size: 20 MB per photo
- Maximum photos per survey: 200
- Batch upload: Upload as many photos as you want in a single batch (within the 200-per-survey limit)
What happens during upload
Vortyk processes every photo automatically in the background:
- EXIF extraction. GPS coordinates, capture date and time, camera bearing, and image dimensions are parsed. See GPS & Metadata.
- Thumbnail generation. Three size variants (thumbnail, medium, full-size) are created for fast gallery loading.
- Validation. Photos are checked for GPS data and flagged if location information is missing. See Photo Validation.
Tips for better field photos
Enable location services
Make sure location services are turned on for your camera app. Without this, your photos will not contain GPS data and Vortyk cannot place them on the map.
- iPhone/iPad: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Camera > "While Using the App"
- Android: Settings > Location > App permissions > Camera > "Allow while using the app"
Keep your lens clean
Field conditions mean dust, rain, and fingerprints on your lens. A quick wipe before each survey avoids blurry documentation.
Capture context shots
Start with a wide shot of the overall area before zooming in on specific details. This gives report readers a sense of where they are looking.
Shoot in landscape for reports
Landscape-oriented photos fit better in PDF reports and show more of the scene. Use portrait orientation only when documenting vertical elements like columns, walls, or utility poles.
Take more photos than you think you need
You can always exclude photos from a report, but you cannot go back to the field for a missed shot. When in doubt, take the photo.