│ Format Portfolio Builder Overview
The world of digital art and design is constantly evolving. While the internet has made it easier than ever for artists to publish their work, the amount of competition in the marketplace is at an all-time high.
If you are serious about making a living in the creative field, then you need to be taking steps to ensure that you stay ahead of the curve. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a portfolio builder website to showcase your work.
Format – Best for Photographers and Digital Creatives | Format is an online platform that allows artists, particularly photographers to create a custom website with all the bells and whistles that you’d expect from any other leading portfolio site. |
│ Format Pros and Cons
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind to help you decide if Format is right for you.
Format Pros
Stunning Templates and Design
Format provides a wide range of templates that are visually stunning. You will find a template for any type of artist, whether you are a photographer, painter, architect, etc. There is no need to spend hours designing a website when Format can do that for you.
Optimized for Mobile
Format websites are optimized for both desktops and mobile devices. This means that you can have the same great looking website whether you are using a desktop, tablet, or mobile. You don’t have to spend too much effort creating a mobile-friendly site, Format does it automatically.
Exceptional Support
One of the key features that sets Format apart from other portfolio builders is their 24/7 customer support. They provide stellar customer service and will go above and beyond to assist you with your website. If you run into any issues, one of their customer service representatives is just a message away.
SEO-Ready
Format websites are SEO-ready, meaning they are designed to rank higher in Google’s search results than other portfolio builders. It has plenty of plugins to help make sure your website is optimized for SEO, as well as tools to help you achieve top rankings. Simply play around the SEO tab and you’ll have no trouble setting up a website that ranks high in Google, Yahoo, and Bing.
Format Cons
Not Free to Use
Format only offers a 14-day free trial. After the free trial has elapsed, you’ll be required to pay for Format’s services. This is a bit of a let down since other website building services like Wix, Weebly, WordPress, and other website builders offer free plans.
Limited Features
While Format provides some great features for a basic website builder, it does not include all of the features that you would expect to find in a top-notch website builder. Format does a very good job at creating portfolio sites that look professional and well-organized but don’t expect to be able to build anything too complicated.
Blog Limitations
Another major downside to Format’s website building service is its limited blogging feature. Yes, you add texts and images on every blog but one of the key features that’s missing is the visitor commenting feature, which allows online users to leave comments on your posts.
User Interface Can Be Improved
Format’s user interface may take some time getting used to. Online resources and tutorial videos can help you get a feel of how Format works but you will have to spend some time before you are comfortable enough to create a complete website without asking for assistance.
| Format Advantages | Format Disadvantages |
|---|---|
 Specialized tools for digital artists and photographers. |  Monthly plans are more expensive than other website builders. |
| Wide range of templates and portfolio designs. | User experience is not as good as other website builders. |
| Dedicated tool for Search Engine Optimization. | The most affordable plan comes with very limited features. |
| Connects with your social media pages seamlessly. |
Try Out Format Now!
If you are a photographer or an artist who is looking for a quick and easy way to showcase your work online, Format is a solid choice. This website builder has many design templates available for all types of projects.
│ What is Format?
Format is a top-rated and award-winning website builder that allows users to create beautiful websites in minutes, without any coding or HTML knowledge. With Format, you can easily build a professional-looking portfolio to showcase your creative work to the world.
For over 10 years, Format has been used by over 50,000 professional photographers across 190 countries, making it one of the most popular website builders in the creative industry.
The reason behind this is simple. Format’s templates are built on the principle of minimalism and simplicity, making it easy for photographers and artists to highlight their work in the best possible light. With only a few clicks, users can create beautiful and stunning websites with minimal effort. Format’s Pro Plus Plans also enable users to make further customizations.
Format has also recently launched Workflow, which allows artists to use Format as their one-stop shop for their businesses. From in-app contract signing to seamless file transfer and collaborative tools to manage files and projects, Workflow is a powerful platform that streamlines the entire process of running a business from creating to sharing. Format’s decision to expand into the cloud storage and printing market was another huge step towards providing a complete solution for their clients’ needs.
 Overall Rating | 4.0/5.0 |
| Functionality | Format’s functionality takes a little bit of time to get used to, especially if you’re coming from a different software. |
| Templates | Format shines when it comes to pre-designed templates. From photography, video, art, design, and more, Format has a template that suits any creative project. |
| Features for Businesses | Workflow by Format is an all-in-one suite of tools that helps artists manage their projects, sales, contracts, and more. |
| Performance | With robust hosting and top-notch support, Format makes sure that its users receive a stable performance experience. |
| Latest Offerings | Format currently offers 50% off on all of their plans, making it a perfect time to sign up and take advantage of this special deal. |
│ How Does Format Work?
Format is a powerful and easy-to-use toolset for creatives and businesses alike. You can start by signing up for a 14-day free trial to check out the service before deciding if it’s right for you. Once you have chosen a monthly plan, you will be able to access the Format site builder and begin creating your website right away.
Using Format is very straightforward. Simply choose a template of your choice, upload the photos and videos of your work, adjust the site layout, and Format will automatically handle the rest. With over 80 templates to choose from, Format offers a wide range of styles that are perfect for both personal and commercial applications. Every Format template comes in a light, bright, or dark version, so there is no need to worry about not finding the right style for your project.
The process of upgrading or spicing up your website is easy and can be done in just a matter of minutes. In fact, you can play around with different templates without messing up your current site or overwriting any of your existing content. All you have to do is make a few tweaks here and there, refresh the page, and your site’s new look is instantly online. If you have questions or need help getting started, Format has an extensive knowledge base of tutorials and articles that are available for anyone who is interested in learning more about how the Format site builder works.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to build and customize your website, Format also offers a Website Building Service, where a Format expert will help you build a site from scratch and take care of all the technical stuff for you. This service comes with tons of features like 24/7 priority support, 1TB cloud storage, SEO tools, image copyright protection, and so much more.
| Did You Know? |
|---|
 You can store your edited and raw photos in full resolution using the Format Photo Storage. |
| Format has a community of photographers, artists, painters, architects, and more. |
| Format is more than just a way to showcase your work. You can also sell your prints, services (packages), lightroom presets, and other digital products using the platform. |
| You can integrate Lightroom and Capture One with Format. |
| Format uploads your photos in full resolution to make sure you can showcase your work in the best way possible. |
| Format protects your images from unauthorized use and distribution. |
│ Format Features
From hosting photos to setting up a digital storefront, Format makes it easy for photographers and other creatives to create a custom online presence. All of this can be done on a single platform without having to learn a new software or another program. With Format, artists and photographers can also sell their prints, presets, and other digital products.
In a nutshell, Format’s online gallery, hosting service, and e-commerce store are all integrated into one platform that allows you to showcase your work and make money at the same time. There’s a learning curve to master Format’s interface, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself spending less time managing your business and more time creating high-quality content.
Below is a quick overview of Format’s key features to help you decide if Format is the right platform for you.
Online Portfolio
Format gives you the ability to manage your portfolio of work, whether it’s a collection of photos or videos. You can organize, label, and tag these files to help you keep track of the ones you want to share with the world. Format hosts all of your files, so you no longer have to worry about paying for another service to back them up.
Workflow
Format’s Workflow is the ultimate tool for managing your daily operations. It’s an all-in-one platform where artists and photographers can streamline clients’ galleries, transfer files with ease, keep track of all the details associated with each project, manage contacts, and create digital contracts to protect both parties. Simply put, Workflow helps you do everything from A to Z.
Prints Marketplace
Format recently launched a marketplace where artists and photographers can sell an authentic print of their work, anywhere in the world. The team at Format does all the work for you, which means that you only have to list your images on the marketplace and Format will handle everything else from marketing, printing, and shipping your prints worldwide.
Photo Storage
Another great addition to Format’s suite of tools is the Photo Storage feature. This option offers a safe and secure space for you to upload, store, and manage your photos. It’s also where you can share photos with other Format users and customers. The best part is, you can save your files in full-resolution format and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Website Building Service
Format’s Website Builder service offers professional website creation services that can be integrated seamlessly into your existing workflow. For a small fee, Format’s site building team can help you create a custom website that has all the bells and whistles you’ll need to market your business. If you are new in the industry and you are still looking for a brand name that will appeal to the masses, you can check out BizNameWiz, an online name generator that creates hundreds of brand name ideas in just a few seconds.
Why We Need to Use Format
 All-in-one platform that enables artists and photographers to showcase their work and at the same time, earn passive income from it. | Professional website building services for those who need help building a website from scratch. |
| Provides a safe cloud storage for uploading, storing, and sharing high resolution files with clients and collaborators. | Fast and responsive customer support team that’s available 24/7. |
| Creates a custom website that’s fast, easy-to-navigate, and looks great on all types of devices. | Variety of customizable and stunning templates to choose from. |
Try Out Format Now!
If you are looking for a solid and robust platform that will help you build your online portfolio and business, Format is a great option for you. It comes packed with all the features you need to showcase your work to the world.
│ Who Should Use Format?
While Format can be customized for any industry, its core features are designed with artists and digital creatives in mind. Its clean design allows for quick navigation to the tools and features you need, such as social media sharing options, video hosting, and galleries. This makes it simple for anyone to create a professional website and get started quickly.
The Workflow feature also makes Format an ideal choice for those who want to do business within just a single platform. From showcasing your work to managing clients, contacts, and contracts, everything you need to run a successful business is available on Format.
Format is perfect for freelancers and professionals such as:
Photographers
There’s no doubt that some of the key features and functionalities of Format are perfect for both amateur and professional photographers. You can use Format to manage multiple clients, galleries, and portfolios, all in one place. You can also use it as a way to display and publish your photos in full-definition format, allowing you to showcase your work on a whole new level.
Artists
Whether you are a painter or a sculptor, Format is the perfect solution for managing all of your creative work. It provides tools for creating and sharing artwork online, so you can promote your work to a wider audience than ever before. Creating a digital portfolio of your art can be an effective way to show potential buyers what you’re capable of, while promoting yourself and increasing your online exposure.
Models & Actors
Format makes it easy to showcase and promote your modeling, acting, and performance work. With Format, you can create an online portfolio to help you build your reputation, network with other industry professionals, and make more money by being hired as a model or actor. You can also use your Format as a way to share your photos, videos, and other media with potential clients and casting agents.
Architects & Designers
Architects, interior designers, and engineers use Format to display beautiful floor plans and 3D models of their projects. By creating a digital portfolio of your work, you can make your designs available to the public, while building your reputation and network within the design community. You can also share your plans and models online with other architects and designers, and showcase your talent to potential clients and employers.
| Usage |
|---|
| Format is perfect for freelancers and individual contractors looking to showcase their work, and promote themselves in the job market. |
| Create an online portfolio to help you build your reputation, network with other professionals in the industry, and earn passive income. |
| Streamline your workflow by managing your client list and communicating with them through the platform. |
Use Format for Your Portfolio!
Format is definitely worthy of a second look if you need a better way to showcase your artistry and creativity. There are many different ways you can use Format to improve your business and promote your work.
│ Format Cost & Time
You can set up a basic Format digital portfolio in as fast as 10 minutes, but it takes some time getting used to before you can fully maximize its potential. Format does offer a lot of value, but in order to unlock some of its best features, you have to spend more time and money into it. The good news is, Format occasionally offers discounts to new customers, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started.
│ Format Usability
With more than 60,000 websites built under its belt, Format has a proven track record of providing high-quality templates that are easy to use, even for beginners. However, while the interface is user-friendly, it’s not beginner-friendly. You’ll need to learn the ropes before you can fully utilize Format and unlock some of its best features.
On the other hand, Format shines when it comes to customer support. In addition to providing a searchable knowledge hub, Format’s customer service team is always willing to answer questions, no matter how basic or complex they may be. The best part is that their customer support team is available 24/7 and replies in just a few minutes, on average. You’ll be surprised at how quick Format’s support team can get back to you and the quality of their response.
│ Format Pricing
Format’s pricing is as transparent as its support. You can choose from three different subscription plans: Basic, Pro, and Pro Plus for its online portfolio. Format also offers three Workflow plans: Free, Pro, and Pro Plus as well as a Professional Bundle plan that combines all the best features that Format has to offer.
Below is a quick overview of what’s included on each plan.
- Portfolio Basic Plan
The core services under Format’s Basic Plan includes 24/7 support, mobile-optimized site, Lightroom & Capture One integration, SSL security, SEO tools, and so much more. However, you will only get to use Format’s starter themes, make up to 15 web pages, and upload only up to 100 full-format images. You also cannot upload videos on your site and you don’t have access to the custom code editor.
- Portfolio Pro Plan
The Pro Plan is Format’s most popular plan, and for good reasons. It includes all the core services under the Basic Plan, plus access to all themes and templates, unlimited web pages, 15 minutes video hosting, and 100GB of cloud photo storage. You can also access the custom code editor with the Pro Plan and enjoy a free custom domain.
- Portfolio Pro Plus
The best of its kind, the Pro Plus Plan does not hold back on anything. It also includes the core services under the Basic and Pro Plans with priority support, so you can always reach an expert when you need help. You also get unlimited web pages, unlimited high resolution image hosting, 120 minutes video hosting, 1TB of cloud photo storage, and so much more.
- Workflow Free Plan
Workflow is Format’s all-in-one client management tool. The Free Plan comes with core services such as 24/7 customer support, CRM light, and client contracts. It also includes 10 client galleries and 2GB file transfers.
- Workflow Pro Plan
Format’s Workflow Pro Plan comes with all the core services under the Free Plan plus unlimited contacts, 50 client galleries, 5GB file transfers, and a free custom domain.
- Workflow Pro Plus Plan
The Workflow Pro Plus Plan includes all of the core services under the Workflow Free and Pro Plans plus priority support, unlimited contacts, 250 client galleries, 10GB file transfers, and a free custom domain.
- Professional Bundle Plan
Format’s Professional Bundle Plan is designed for full time creatives. It comes with tons of features including priority support, copyright protection, mobile-optimization, free mobile app, and so much more. Other notable inclusions are access to all Format templates and themes, unlimited web pages, unlimited high resolution image hosting, 120 minutes of video hosting, 2TB of cloud photo storage, and so much more.
| Portfolio Plans (Billed Annually) |
|---|
| Basic – $7/mo |
| Pro – $15/mo |
| Pro Plus – $25/mo |
| Workflow Plans (Billed Annually) |
|---|
| Free – $0/mo |
| Pro – $15/mo |
| Pro Plus – $25/mo |
| Bundle Plan (Billed Annually) |
|---|
| Professional – $40/mo |
Try Out Format Now!
Take advantage of Format’s free 14-day trial to see if it fits your needs. You can always upgrade to any of their paid plans whenever you’re ready.
│ Format Tools for Business
Below is a quick overview of some of the best Format features that you can use to grow your business.
Copyright Protection
One of the biggest issues among digital creatives is unauthorized copies and distribution of their work. With Format’s copyright protection tools, you can prevent people from stealing your designs, photos, videos, logos, and more.
eCommerce Engine
Another notable Format feature that’s very appealing to small business owners is its eCommerce engine. It allows you to sell both physical and digital products and services, allowing you to run an online storefront quickly and easily.
Website Building Services
If you don’t have the time to learn how to build a website or code yourself, a Format expert can help you build a beautiful, responsive, and SEO-optimized website in no time. They will take care of all the technical details, so you can focus on running your business.
SEO
Format’s website builder is equipped with SEO tools that make it easy for you to rank higher in search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. You can specify keywords and descriptions for every page and post. In addition, you can add metadata tags to make sure that all of your content displays properly on search engines.
| Points to Note |
|---|
| Format’s website builder is pretty basic but it comes with the essential tools you need to create a stunning website. |
| The SEO tools are a great feature to help boost your online presence. |
| You can set up an online store in a matter of minutes. |
| Your photos and videos are protected from unauthorized use and distribution. |
│ Format Use Cases
If you need some inspiration to help you get started on the right foot, here are some creatives who chose to build their online portfolio using Format:
Amina Zadeh
Amina Zadeh is a world-renowned cinematographer who has previously worked with brands like Vogue, GQ, Yves St. Laurent, and more. She chose a dark minimalist theme for her site, with a few links that redirects visitors to her video portfolio and Instagram account.
Taylor Horne
Taylor Horne is an accomplished visual artist who hasr previously collaborated with GQ, Vogue, Tiffany & Co., Sprite, and so much more. His Format portfolio is a grid-based layout that’s minimal but bold enough to show off his work. He also added an eCommerce engine on his site, where he sells prints, shirts, and other merchandise.
Jaenna Wesling
Jaenna Wesling is a Filipino-German-Irish model who is currently signed under four of the most recognized agencies in the modeling industry: BiCoastal MGMT, EMG Models, and Prime MGM. Her online portfolio is the perfect mix of bold and clean. She used a lot of large photos to showcase her looks and previous gigs.
│ Format Support
If there’s one thing where Format is better than most, it’s customer support. Format offers free 24/7 support on all their plans, and they’re always ready to answer your questions via chat or email. Their customer support teams are located across the world, so you’re likely to get a response as quickly as possible.
If you avail Format’s Pro Plus Plan or Bundle Plan, you can expect priority support, which is definitely a big bonus if you want answers to your questions right away. Priority clients can expect little to no waiting time because they are automatically placed at the top of the queue.
Plus, Format’s help center has an extensive collection of guides on how to use all of its features. Format also has an impressive library of articles and video tutorials to help you out, as well as a comprehensive FAQs page that covers pretty much everything about the platform.
| 24/7 priority support for Pro, Pro Plus, and Bundle Plans. |
| Extensive collection of articles, videos, and tutorials. |
| Very fast and responsive customer support team. |
| Alternative Format Software – Wix |
| Wix is a popular website building platform that’s very similar to Format. In addition to site creation, it provides many other features including online shopping, blogging, photo albums, event planning, business management, and more. |
| Comparing Format to Wix |
| While Wix offers more advanced features and extra perks, it also comes with a higher price tag. If you are just looking for a platform to host your creative works, photos, and videos, Format offers better value for money than Wix. |
│ Conclusion
Format is a great website-building platform that offers a wide range of valuable features and tools for any digital creative. Whether you are a photographer, videographer, illustrator, graphic designer, or even a model, Format can offer many ways to help you create beautiful, professional-looking websites.
The best thing about Format is its exceptional customer support, which is available 24/7 for all users. Format’s pricing plan options are quite reasonable, as they offer a good balance between price, features, and support. Format’s services are a great deal for the average user, and with its many useful features, it’s an excellent website creation platform where you can showcase your work in full glory.
Plus, the addition of Format Workflow enables artists, photographers, and other creatives to use the platform as a one-stop shop to create contracts, online stores, blogs, portfolios, and galleries. With Format, you can create all sorts of websites and projects that will surely impress even the most discerning of clients.
Try Out Format Now!
Format is a top website building platform that is perfect for those looking to create quality sites that look amazing, function well, and are easy to maintain and update.
Author
Adaline Lefe Mary John
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