Getting Started
What are the first steps after signing up?
The onboarding wizard starts automatically. Five steps: set up your business profile (name, logo, contact info), configure session types with pricing, connect Stripe for payments, choose a website template, and add your first client. Takes about 15 minutes. Skip any step and come back later.
Once onboarding is done, your dashboard becomes home base — upcoming sessions, recent activity, quick actions. We recommend adding a real client and creating a test invoice before going live. That way you see the full workflow before your first paying client does.
Can I import my data from another platform?
Yes. CSV import for client data. Go to Clients > Import, upload your file, and the import wizard maps your columns to creavio fields. Preview before committing.
Works with exports from HoneyBook, Dubsado, Pixieset, ShootProof, or any tool that exports CSV. If you're coming from HoneyBook or Dubsado specifically, creavio recognizes their default export formats and auto-maps the columns.
The importer handles names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, tags, and notes. Session history and invoices can't be imported directly (they're structured differently across platforms), but you can reference historical data in client notes. See the dedicated migration guides: HoneyBook, Dubsado, Pixieset.
How do I connect my custom domain?
Custom domains require the Pro plan or above. Go to Settings > Website > Domain. Enter your domain (e.g., janedoephoto.com) and creavio shows the DNS records to add — typically a CNAME record.
Step-by-step instructions are included for GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, and Cloudflare. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours but usually finishes within a few. SSL certificate is provisioned automatically. Your creav.io URL continues to work and redirects to the custom domain.
Don't have a domain yet? Buy one through any registrar and connect it after. See Website & Branding for the full setup walkthrough.
How do I set up my branding?
Everything lives under Settings > Branding. Upload your logo, set brand colors (primary and accent), choose fonts from a curated library, and add a favicon.
These settings cascade everywhere: website, gallery pages, email templates, invoices, contracts, booking page, and client portal. Clients see a consistent brand from their first interaction. Preview changes in real time before saving.
This is one of the most impactful things to configure early. A cohesive visual identity across every touchpoint makes you look established on day one.
Is there a mobile app?
creavio is a progressive web app (PWA). It works on any mobile browser and can be installed to your home screen like a native app.
iPhone: Open creavio in Safari, tap Share > Add to Home Screen. Android: Chrome will prompt you automatically, or tap the menu and select Install App. Once installed, it launches full-screen with push notifications for bookings, messages, and payments.
The mobile experience covers your client list, calendar, invoices, and messages. Gallery management and website editing are optimized for desktop since those involve detailed visual work. A dedicated native app is on the roadmap, but the PWA is fast and reliable for day-to-day management. See Mobile Access for tips.
What browsers does creavio support?
Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge — current version and two previous versions. That covers the vast majority of users.
For gallery uploads specifically, Chrome or Edge is recommended since they handle large batch uploads most reliably. Internet Explorer is not supported.
Client-facing pages (galleries, booking pages, contracts, invoices) are tested across all major browsers and devices. Mobile browsers including Chrome for Android and Safari for iOS are fully supported. See Browser Requirements for specifics.
What is the Command Palette?
Press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows) anywhere in the app. A search bar appears where you type the name of any page, client, feature, or action. Results appear in real time.
Type "new invoice" to jump straight to creating one. Type a client's name to open their record. Type "settings" to go to account settings. It also supports quick actions: "create client," "new gallery," "view calendar."
The Command Palette learns from your usage and surfaces your most-used actions first. Available on all plans, desktop and mobile. If you manage dozens of clients, this is faster than clicking through menus. See Keyboard Shortcuts for more power-user tips.
What does the getting started checklist track?
The getting started checklist has 9 items with a progress ring on your dashboard. It tracks: business profile setup, logo upload, session types configured, Stripe connected, first client added, first invoice created, website published, gallery created, and branding configured.
Each item links directly to the relevant setup page. The progress ring fills as you complete items. You don't have to finish everything at once — it stays visible until all 9 items are done or you dismiss it. Most photographers complete the checklist within their first week.
How is the dashboard organized?
The dashboard is your daily command center. Top section: key metrics — upcoming sessions this week, outstanding invoices, recent revenue. Below that: an activity feed showing bookings, payments, signed contracts, and gallery views.
Sidebar navigation gives you access to everything: Clients, Calendar, Invoices, Contracts, Galleries, Website, and Settings. On desktop it's always visible. On mobile it collapses into a hamburger menu.
The dashboard also surfaces action items that need attention: unsigned contracts, overdue invoices, unanswered inquiries, upcoming session reminders. Customize which sections appear and reorder them under Settings > Dashboard Layout. See Dashboard Overview.
How does the onboarding wizard work?
The wizard appears automatically for new accounts. Five steps in order: Business Profile (name, logo, contact info), Session Types (what you shoot, pricing), Payments (connect Stripe), Website (template, portfolio), and First Client (create a test client to see how everything connects).
Each step includes contextual tips. Skip any step — the wizard remembers your progress. Return anytime from Settings > Onboarding. Not mandatory; experienced users can dismiss it entirely. Completion takes 10-20 minutes depending on whether you upload portfolio images during setup.
Can I use creavio on multiple devices?
Yes. Log in from any device with a web browser. Data syncs in real time across all of them. No device limit.
Most photographers use desktop for gallery uploads and website editing, tablet for client meetings and contract signing, and phone for checking bookings and messages on location. Install the PWA on multiple devices and notifications deliver to all of them. Login sessions persist for 30 days before requiring re-authentication.