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2. Upload Photos

Add checkpoint photos. Each marks a location players must find and capture.

Photo Order Matters

The order of your photos determines the game flow:

  • First photo (S) – This is the Start checkpoint where players begin
  • Middle photos (1, 2, 3…) – These are the checkpoints players visit during the game
  • Last photo (F) – This is the Finish checkpoint where players end
Tip: Plan your route! Think about the logical order players should visit locations, especially if you’ll require checkpoints to be found in order.

Photo Limits

  • Trial games: Up to 4 photos
  • Purchased games: Up to 50 photos

Location Data – Critical for Your Game

Each checkpoint photo needs GPS coordinates so players know where to go. There are four ways to get location data:

Browser Mode (Recommended)

This is the default. It tags each photo with your device’s current location when you upload, so you don’t have to rely on the location saved inside the photo. It works the same way on every phone, which is why it’s the easiest method.

How it works:

  1. Keep “Browser” location mode selected (it’s the default)
  2. Go to the checkpoint location in person
  3. Allow browser location access when prompted
  4. Your current position appears on a map
  5. Upload a photo for that location

Best for:

  • The simplest, most consistent setup – no camera settings to configure
  • When you’re setting up the game while physically at each location
  • When your photos don’t have GPS data embedded
Note: In Browser Mode you upload one photo at a time (since each photo uses your current position), and you need to be at the location when you upload.

Photo Mode

This mode reads GPS coordinates already saved inside your photo’s metadata (EXIF data), so you can upload several pre-taken photos at once.

How it works:

  1. Enable location services for your camera app before taking photos
  2. Take photos at each checkpoint location
  3. Switch to “Photo” mode, then upload the photos – location data is read automatically

Best for:

  • When you can visit all locations and take the photos before setup
  • When you want to upload multiple photos at once
Important: Your camera must have location services enabled BEFORE you take the photos. Photos taken without GPS enabled cannot have location data added later, and camera location tags behave differently across phones. Use the Location Test Page to verify your setup.
No location tag? No problem. If a photo in Photo Mode has no location saved inside it, you’ll be offered a map to pin where it was taken – the photo can still be used.

Map Mode

You pin each photo’s location on a map yourself. Any photo works – vacation shots, photos friends sent you, or pictures taken with location tags off – and you can set up the game from anywhere.

How it works:

  1. Switch to “Map” mode
  2. Search for a place or tap the map to drop a pin where the photo was taken
  3. Fine-tune the pin by dragging it (or use arrow keys)
  4. Upload the photo for that location – one photo per pin

Best for:

  • Photos that have no location saved inside them
  • Building a game without re-visiting the locations
Note: Make sure the pin really matches where the photo was taken – players will search inside the circle around it. The Create step will remind you to double-check manually pinned checkpoints.

Street View Mode (Full Games)

Build checkpoints entirely from your desk: pick a spot on the map, preview Google Street View, and frame the exact view players must find and photograph. The framed Street View image becomes the reference photo.

How it works:

  1. Switch to “Street View” mode
  2. Search or tap the map to drop a pin near a road or street
  3. The nearest Street View panorama opens – pan and zoom to frame the view
  4. Check the imagery date shown under the preview
  5. Click “Use this view” – the checkpoint is created automatically

Best for:

  • Planning a game in another city without traveling there
  • Quickly building routes along streets and landmarks
Check the imagery date! Street View photos can be several years old – buildings change, seasons differ. If the imagery is old, verify the place still looks like the reference photo. Street View is not available in trial games and has no coverage inside parks, trails, or buildings – use Map mode there.

How to Upload Photos

  1. Click the “+ Images” button
  2. Select one or more photos from your device
  3. Wait for photos to upload and process
  4. Photos appear as cards showing their order (S, 1, 2, F, etc.)

Managing Your Photos

Each uploaded photo appears as a card with controls to manage it:

Photo Card Info

  • Order position – Each card displays its position (S for Start, F for Finish, numbers for middle checkpoints)
  • Location coordinates – Cards display the GPS coordinates captured for each photo

Changing Photo Order

Use the arrow buttons on each photo card to rearrange checkpoints:

  • Move up – Moves the photo earlier in the order
  • Move down – Moves the photo later in the order

The order labels (S, 1, 2, F, etc.) update automatically when you move photos.

Tip: The first photo always becomes the Start (S) checkpoint and the last photo always becomes the Finish (F) checkpoint, regardless of how you rearrange them.

Deleting Photos

To remove a photo from your game, click the delete button (trash icon) on the photo card.

Note: Deleting a photo is immediate and cannot be undone. You’ll need to upload it again if you change your mind.

Tips for Good Checkpoint Photos

Good checkpoint photos create a fun challenge for players to find the exact spot:

  • Create a challenge – The best checkpoints require players to search and observe. Don’t make it too obvious!
  • Play with perspective – Use interesting angles, close-ups, or unusual viewpoints that make players think about where you stood
  • Use distance creatively – A zoomed-in detail or a distant view adds difficulty and intrigue
  • Capture unique features – Focus on distinctive details that are visible but require attention to spot
  • Consider accessibility – Make sure all players can safely reach each location
  • Think about lighting – If your game runs at different times, consider how lighting affects visibility
  • Avoid private property – Only use publicly accessible locations
Tip: The fun is in the hunt! A checkpoint that’s slightly tricky to pinpoint creates excitement and satisfaction when players find it.

Troubleshooting

If a photo has no location data, the easiest fix is to use Browser Mode (the default), which tags the photo with your current location. If you’d rather use the location saved inside photos, visit the Location Data Guide for detailed instructions on enabling GPS for your camera and troubleshooting common issues.

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