Switching photography platforms without losing client data
Direct answer
Switching photography platforms without losing client data means export first, cut over second. Download full-res galleries, favorites, and a client list, finish or freeze open jobs, then move one gallery as a pilot before you cancel the old tool.
Grain Issue offers free one-gallery migration for early studios. Export remains available if you leave later.
Cutover steps
- Export full-resolution files and any selects/favorites from the old gallery.
- Export or copy the client list (names, emails, open balances).
- Finish or pause open shoots so nothing is mid-proof on cancel day.
- Upload one pilot gallery to the new portal and invite that client.
- Cut over new bookings only after the pilot works. See online booking setup.
- Notify active clients with one link to the new gallery.
- Keep the old account read-only for a quiet week, then cancel.
What to move vs leave
| Move | Often leave |
|---|---|
| Finals and proofs clients still need | Ancient unused galleries |
| Client emails and open invoices | Dead leads |
| Branding assets (logo, color) | Duplicate CRM automations you never used |
FAQ
Will Grain Issue import my entire Pixieset archive for free?
The early offer is a free one-gallery migration. Bulk archives are a download-and-upload job unless you arrange help.
When should I not switch?
Mid-busy-season, or when lab auto-fulfillment is mandatory and the new tool cannot match it yet.
Related reading
How to replace Pixieset with a cheaper alternative · photography software stack audit