How Church Pictorial Works
From sign-up to a finished directory in six steps. Your church handles the people; we handle the technology.
1. Create Your Church Account and Directory
Sign Up in Minutes
Register your church with a name, state, and email address. No credit card required — every account starts with a 30-day free trial that includes full access to all features.
Create a Directory Edition
Each directory has a year and a name (e.g., "2026 Pictorial Directory"). You can create a new edition each year while keeping previous editions accessible for reference.
Add Your Leadership Pages
Before collecting family photos, set up your pastor page, leadership team, and ministry groups. These appear as dedicated sections in both the online directory and the PDF.
2. Share a Secure Upload Link
One Link for Your Whole Congregation
Church Pictorial generates a unique, secure link for your directory. Share it any way that reaches your congregation: email, text message, church bulletin, Sunday announcement slides, or your church website.
No Accounts Needed for Families
Families open the link, upload a photo, and fill in their information. No app to download, no username to create, no password to remember. The upload form works on any phone, tablet, or computer.
3. Families Submit Photos and Information
Simple Upload Process
Each household uploads a family photo — from a phone camera, a recent portrait, or even a good selfie — and submits their name and contact details. The entire process takes about two minutes per family. Read our photo tips guide for advice on helping families submit usable photos.
Families Submit on Their Own Time
No scheduling portrait sessions or chasing families for photos. Everyone submits when it is convenient for them. You track progress from your dashboard and can send reminders to families who have not yet submitted.
4. Preview the Directory as It Takes Shape
Watch Submissions Come In
Your admin dashboard shows which families have submitted, which are pending review, and which have not yet responded. You can see the directory forming in real time.
Preview Before Publishing
Use the built-in preview to see how your directory will look — both online and in print format — before making anything public. Spot gaps and missing entries while you still have time to follow up.
5. Review and Approve Submissions
Photo Approval Queue
Every photo and family entry lands in your approval queue. Nothing appears in the directory until you approve it. This gives you full quality control over what your congregation sees.
Request Changes if Needed
If a photo is blurry, too dark, or otherwise unusable, request a replacement directly from the queue. Families with an email on file are notified automatically. You can also edit family details (names, contact info) before approving.
Multiple Admins Can Help
Add staff members or volunteers as admins so they can share the review workload. Everyone sees the same dashboard and approval queue. Learn more about all directory management features.
6. Publish Online or Print a PDF
Online Directory
Publish your directory as a web page that members can access from any device. You control who can see it: share publicly, restrict to verified members via a one-time email code, or limit to staff only. Read our privacy guide for help choosing the right access level.
Print-Ready PDF
Download a professionally formatted PDF with family photos, names, and contact details arranged in a clean layout. Print copies for welcome packets, the church office, seniors who prefer paper, or small-group leaders. Compare approaches in our online vs. printed directory guide.
Use Both Formats Together
Most churches benefit from offering both. The online directory stays current as new families join, while printed copies serve members who prefer a physical booklet. You can update and re-export the PDF anytime.
What Your Church Gets
No Photographer Required
Families upload their own photos on their own time. No scheduling sessions, no waiting for everyone to show up on the same Sunday.
No Technical Skills Needed
If your directory coordinator can send an email, they can manage the entire process. The dashboard is designed for church staff, not IT professionals.
A Directory People Actually Use
An always-current online directory for everyday access, plus a printable PDF for the members and situations that call for paper. See a sample directory to see the finished product.
Ready to Start?
Create your account, set up your first directory, and start collecting photos from your congregation today.
Start Your Free 30-Day TrialNo credit card required • View pricing • All features