> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Manage vehicle photos
> Add, update, and browse photos on a car record so your team and customers can see vehicle condition clearly.
Photos tell the story of a vehicle's condition better than notes alone. Use this guide when you need to set the banner image, browse the full gallery, or add pictures outside a formal photo walkthrough.
## What you will accomplish
You will add or change the large banner photo at the top of the car page, open the full photo gallery, and know how quick photos from **Add → Quick photo** appear on the record.
**Expected outcome:** Teammates recognize the car in **Card** view on [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars), and you can find intake or damage images in the gallery without searching email.
## When to manage photos on a car
* The car arrived without going through **Create New Car → With Photos**.
* You need a better thumbnail for the Cars list or customer portal.
* Staff took extra pictures during a visit and want them on the permanent record.
* You are reviewing damage or condition and need to find images from past events.
## Before you start
* The car record exists on [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars).
* You have image files on your device or can take new photos with your camera.
* For formal intake with guided angles, consider [Start a car session](/docs/cars/start-a-car-session) or [Add a car](/docs/cars/add-a-car) with **With Photos** instead.
*The gallery collects photos from intake walkthroughs, quick photos, and completed events.*
## Understand where photos live on the car page
| Area | What it shows |
| - | - |
| **Banner** (top of page) | Large hero image—also used as the thumbnail in Card view |
| **Latest Photos** (in Vehicle Details) | Most recent pictures with a **view all** link |
| **Photo gallery** (full view) | Every image grouped by event or session |
## Step 1: Set or change the banner photo
Go to [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars) and open the vehicle.
On the large photo area at the top:
* **Add Thumbnail** — when no banner exists yet
* **Change Photo** — replace the current banner
* **Adjust** — reposition how the image is cropped in the frame
**Expected result:** The banner updates immediately. The same image can appear on car cards in the list.
*The banner is the first thing staff see when they open a car—or when they use Card view on the Cars list. Use **Change Photo** or **Add Thumbnail** to update it.*
## Step 2: Add a quick photo
Quick photos are the fastest way to add pictures when you are already standing at the car. You do not need to schedule a full event first.
At the top of the car page, click **Add**.
Select **Quick photo** from the menu.
**Expected result:** A photo capture flow starts without scheduling a full event.
Follow the on-screen steps to capture or upload images, then finish the session.
**Expected result:** New photos appear in **Latest Photos** and in the gallery. The **Activity Feed** may show a quick photo entry.
***Add → Quick photo** starts a fast capture flow without scheduling a full event.*
## Step 3: Browse the full gallery
The **Latest Photos** row is a preview. The full gallery holds every image from intake, events, and quick photos.
***Latest Photos** shows the newest pictures in **Vehicle Details**. Click **view all** when you need the complete set—not just the most recent few.*
In **Vehicle Details**, find **Latest Photos** and click **view all** when it appears.
Scroll the gallery. Photos are usually grouped by the event or session that created them.
**Why this matters:** Intake photos from arrival day stay separate from later damage or service pictures.
Click a photo to view it larger. Some images show damage or location badges from the walkthrough rules your facility configured.
**Expected result:** You can confirm condition before talking with the customer or insurer.
## Step 4: Find photos from past work
Photos also appear on completed events in the **Activity Feed**.
On the right side of the car page, scroll the **Activity Feed**.
Click an event that included photos (intake, inspection, detail, and similar).
**Expected result:** You see event details and any images captured during that job.
For a full timeline walkthrough, see [Review car activity, notes, and photos](/docs/cars/review-car-activity-notes-and-photos).
## Common mistakes to avoid
* Do not assume every picture is in the banner—check the gallery for the full set.
* Do not use quick photo when you need a structured intake with required angles—use **With Photos** on create or a scheduled photo event instead.
* Do not forget **Adjust** after **Change Photo** if the crop cuts off important parts of the vehicle.
## Troubleshooting
**Latest Photos is empty**
No pictures have been added yet. Use **Add → Quick photo**, run an intake session, or complete an event with photos. See [Start a car session](/docs/cars/start-a-car-session).
**Customer cannot see photos in the portal**
Confirm the customer has portal access and that photos were captured on events visible to customers. See [Invite a customer to the portal](/docs/contacts/invite-a-customer-to-the-portal).
## What to do next
* Import many historical photos at once from [Import Data](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/import) → **Photo ZIP** tab when migrating from another system.
* Schedule formal intake with [Add a car](/docs/cars/add-a-car) (**With Photos**) or [Start a car session](/docs/cars/start-a-car-session).
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