> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paintsight.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Upload a job photo to start your Paintsight preview

> Learn which photos work best in Paintsight and how to upload a job site image to start the color approval process for an estimate.

Every color preview in Paintsight starts with a job photo. The photo you upload becomes the visual record that the homeowner reviews and signs off on, so choosing a clear, representative image of the surface you're painting sets the foundation for an accurate preview and a smooth approval.

## What makes a good job photo

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Estimate or walkthrough photo" icon="camera">
    Use a photo you already took during the estimate or site walkthrough. You don't need to schedule a separate shoot — the photo on your phone from the first visit works.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Clear view of the surface" icon="scan">
    Frame the shot so the paintable surface fills most of the image. Avoid partial views or angles where the surface is cut off — the AI needs to see the full area to generate an accurate preview.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Good natural or artificial light" icon="sun">
    Shoot in even lighting conditions. Bright daylight or well-lit interior light gives the AI the most accurate color information to work with.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Avoid extreme shadows or glare" icon="eye-off">
    Heavy shadows and direct glare obscure the surface and reduce preview quality. If possible, shoot when the light is even — overcast days work well for exteriors.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How to upload a photo

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open or create a job">
    From your Paintsight dashboard, open an existing job or create a new one for the estimate.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a new preview">
    Inside the job, select **New preview**. This opens the preview builder.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload your photo">
    Select **Upload photo** and choose an image from your device. You can upload photos taken on a smartphone, tablet, or camera — any standard image format is accepted.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the upload">
    Once the photo finishes uploading, it appears in the preview builder. Review the image to make sure the target surface is clearly visible before moving to the next step.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Landscape-orientation photos with the full surface in frame produce the sharpest previews. Portrait shots work, but a wider view gives the AI more context about the surface edges and surrounding area.
</Tip>

<Note>
  You can use photos from any device — smartphone, tablet, or dedicated camera. Paintsight accepts standard image formats and does not require a specific resolution, though higher-quality images generally produce cleaner previews.
</Note>