HEIC
The default format on iPhone. It keeps good quality in a file lighter than a classic JPEG, but isn't always readable as-is on every device without conversion.
Original quality
Wedding photos without compression: how to keep the original quality
A photo sent by a guest doesn't always arrive in the quality it was taken in. Here's why, and how to avoid permanently losing a wedding memory.
Why a photo loses quality when it's sent
Most messaging apps and some storage services automatically reduce the resolution and compress photos and videos before sending them, to speed up the transfer and save on data usage. This reduction is irreversible: once a file is compressed, the lost quality can't be recovered, even by downloading it again later.
HEIC, RAW, 4K: what it actually changes
RAW
The raw format used by cameras and some smartphones in expert mode. It holds far more information than a JPEG photo, but files are large and don't always display directly without dedicated software.
HD / 4K video
A video shot in high definition or 4K is a large file. As soon as it's compressed to be shared easily, the finest details (texture, sharpness) are lost for good.
How Grappil keeps the original quality
Grappil doesn't compress the photos and videos your guests upload: the original file is kept exactly as it is on our servers, whatever its size or format. Only a lightweight preview (a thumbnail) is generated for quick display in the gallery; it never replaces the original file.
An important detail depending on your plan
The original file is always kept on our servers, whatever your plan. However, downloading in original quality (HD/4K/RAW) is part of the Event plan (€49) or the Pro plan: with the Free plan, downloads happen in standard quality (1600 px). We'd rather be upfront about this than let you think everything is unlimited for free.
The special case of RAW files
RAW files sent by amateur photographer guests are accepted and kept exactly as they are, but a visual preview isn't always generated for this format in the gallery. The file still stays intact and downloadable.
Keep your memories without losing quality
Create your Grappil collection for free and try uploading a photo or video in original quality.
Create my free collectionFrequently asked questions
Can the Free plan download in original quality?add
No. On the Free plan, downloads happen in standard quality (1600 px). To get your photos and videos back in original quality (HD/4K/RAW), the Event or Pro plan is required.
Is the original file still kept if I don't have the Event plan?add
Yes, the file a guest uploads is kept without compression on our servers as soon as it's sent, whatever your plan. It's the original-quality download that depends on your plan.
How can I tell if a photo was compressed before being sent?add
In general, a compressed file is much lighter (often a few hundred kilobytes) than an original file from a recent smartphone (several megabytes). File size remains the most reliable sign.
Related guides
Go further
See the Grappil photo gallery
A private, organized gallery in original quality.
Read the guideRecover photos after the wedding
The collection link also works afterward, in original quality.
Read the guideThe Grappil wedding photo QR code
How it works, where to place it, and what to write for guests.
Read the guide