> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://uni.fotello.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://uni.fotello.co/photos/editing/bracketing.md).

# Bracketing

Once you drop in your photos, Fotello groups them into brackets automatically. That means less time sorting. More time shooting. Clean bracketing starts in-camera, though. Small habits make a big difference.

{% hint style="info" %}
Fotello supports **single exposures** and **multi-exposure brackets**.

You can mix both in the same listing. For example, if you shoot brackets for interiors and single shots for exteriors, you can drop everything together into the same listing. Fotello will figure it out.
{% endhint %}

### The goal of bracketing

A bracket is **all exposures of one scene**, grouped together.

For the best results, each bracket should:

* Include **one scene** only.
* Use **one file format** only (RAW *or* JPEG).
* Stay clearly separate from the next scene.

{% hint style="info" %}
When you upload photos with multiple brackets, Fotello only counts the final edited photos toward your total photo count.\
For instance, if you have 250 bracketed shots resulting in 50 finished photos, only the 50 final photos are counted, and you won't incur charges for extra photos.
{% endhint %}

### How Fotello brackets your photos

Fotello reads EXIF capture time and groups photos taken close together.

By default, anything captured within **2 seconds** is treated as one bracket.

That default fits most “auto-bracket on tripod” workflows.

### Bracketing modes

Choose the mode that matches how you shoot.

* **Auto time-based:** Best for camera auto-bracketing. Groups frames captured inside your chosen time window. Fast shooter? Shorten it. Slower shooter? Lengthen it.

<figure><img src="/files/0GbcB33Qp1cYbuHuwgnX" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Auto count-based:** Best for predictable patterns. Groups in filename order. Use it if you always shoot 3, 5, or 7 frames per scene.

<figure><img src="/files/bDy8yFOzGFcV56i970R9" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Manual:** Best for flambient or varrying timing. Photos appear in filename order like a filmstrip. Merge, split, and build exact flash + ambient groups.

<figure><img src="/files/bRXIIq2zYcjaqOMWjxNe" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
Ensure all devices are synchronized to the same time settings. This alignment is crucial for accurate EXIF data, which prevents errors during the organization of bracketed photos.
{% endhint %}

### Culling

To cull your photos efficiently in one step, use our integrated platform feature; no need for external software or pre-processing. If you prefer not to enhance specific photo groups with Fotello, uncheck the box at the top left to exclude them from processing.<br>

<figure><img src="/files/YHfPwTh4KOnIi3vFhB08" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Best practices

These are the most common things that break brackets.

* **Use one file format per scene.** Some cameras save RAW + JPEG together. Upload only one. Mixed formats often split scenes or create duplicate brackets.
* **Don’t mix different scenes in one bracket.** If one bracket contains two angles or rooms, split it in Manual mode.
* **Don’t split one scene across two brackets.** If one scene is separated into multiple groups, merge them in Manual mode.
* **Keep dimensions consistent inside a bracket.** Keep resolution, crop, and orientation consistent. Avoid mixing a full-res frame with a cropped frame.


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