Welcome to your central hub for migrating from Zenfolio Classic to NextZen.
If you’re currently using Classic and want to understand what the move to NextZen involves, this page is here to provide clear guidance and timely updates so you can explore your options with confidence.
What is NextZen?NextZen is the Zenfolio you see today — a modern, all-in-one photography platform designed for the way photographers work now. Built from the ground up with cutting-edge technology, NextZen connects every part of your workflow: from client booking and communications to gallery delivery and print sales. It’s powerful, flexible, and designed to grow with you and your business. It isn’t just a redesign. It’s a reinvention, based on 20+ years of insight from supporting photographers like you. |
Dream big – We’ll continue to grow with you.
When can I migrate?
We’re inviting Zenfolio Classic users to migrate in phases based on the features you currently use. This timeline reflects when our migration tool will support transferring this data.
What Others Are Saying
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“The migration was really easy to do, and the support I received from Zenfolio was first class. All my original images and text were transferred over without any issues. The new platform is much more user friendly and is an opportunity to give your site a modern and refreshing look. Go for it.” — David Hatfield, Landscape Photographer |
“I just completed the full migration to the new Zenfolio Platform. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. The New site looks fantastic…Already sending it out to various friends and contacts. Would recommend the switch to anyone thinking of upgrading or for that matter, anyone taking a look at Zenfolio for the first time.” — Robert Aglow, Landscape Photographer |
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“The shiny new AI features are like having a supercharged studio assistant who doesn’t need coffee breaks. It sorts, automates, allows clients to find images of just themselves, and generally makes me look more organised than I actually am. — Peter James Morgan, Wedding Photographer |
Comparing Zenfolio Classic and NextZen
CLASSIC |
NEXTZEN |
|
| Platform Age | Launched 2006 |
Launched 2022 |
| Hosting Infrastructure | Legacy code, limited scalability |
Cloud-native, scalable |
| Photographer Interface | Traditional admin dashboard with customizable options. |
Modern, streamlined interface focused on ease-of-use. |
| Design Options | Flexible but complex |
Responsive templates with intuitive tools |
| Mobile Optimization | Limited mobile support |
Mobile optimized and built for modern devices, Face Finder. |
| E-Commerce | Basic cart, price lists, complex self-fulfillment |
Modern tools: upsell, abandoned cart, mobile ordering, simple self-fulfillment, sell video, Product Builder |
| Client Galleries | Basic access, proofing, and downloads |
Advanced access settings, proofing, downloads, modern designs, and new QR code sharing |
| Upload Tools | Desktop uploader, drag-and-drop upload, automatic sorting |
Desktop uploader, drag-and-drop upload, automatic sorting |
| SEO Capabilities | Custom metadata, older SEO framework |
Optimized SEO tools |
| Performance | Stable performance |
Fast, optimized for high volume uploads |
| Feature Expansion | Limited updates |
Active development |
| Supported file types | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, RAW, GIF, 1080P video |
JPEG, PNG, GIF, HEIC, 4k video |
| Account Access & Roles | Advanced roles and permissions |
Advanced roles and permissions planned for future development |
| Volume | Complicated |
Folder & Gallery Registration, QR Code Workflow, Face Finder |
Migration FAQs
Can I explore NextZen before making a decision to migrate?
YES! When you receive your invite, you’ll be able to preview the NextZen platform using your own images and data, thanks to our migration tool, without impacting your Classic account. This will give you time to explore NextZen to see if it’s the right fit for you. If you like what you see, you’ll have the option to complete your full migration.
Our migration tool copies users’ data from Zenfolio Classic to NextZen, ensuring a smooth and tailored transition experience. We’ll invite users to migrate in phases based on their specific usage patterns and platform needs. As each phase of migration is completed, more users will be invited to migrate based on their specific usage patterns and platform needs.
Can I start migration any time I want?
We’ll invite users to migrate in phases based on their specific usage patterns and platform needs. As each phase of migration is completed, more users will be invited to migrate based on their specific usage patterns and platform needs.
When you receive your invite, you’ll be able to preview the NextZen platform using your own images and data, thanks to our migration too. Your preview will not impact your Classic account. This will give you time to explore NextZen to see if it’s the right fit for you, and if you like what you see, you’ll have the option to complete your full migration.
Why am I just hearing about NextZen now?
NextZen has been under development for several years. It has taken time to build out and refine the new platform sufficiently to meet and exceed the demands of our Classic customers. Importantly, because NextZen has been live, and we have thousands of photographers using the platform right now, we’ve had the opportunity to scrub bugs, make improvements and “pressure test” the system during the busiest periods of the year – all helping to ensure as Classic members consider moving their business onto NextZen that it functions as flawlessly as possible.
Additionally, we also wanted to have the tools available to assist those Classic users who wish to migrate their photos, data and other assets to NextZen – and to do so as easily and seamlessly as possible. We have been actively testing those migration tools for several months and will continue to expand and refine them as we invite Classic members to experience NextZen.
Why not update Classic instead of making a new platform?
That question was very seriously debated. However, given the feedback from Classic customers about the enhancements and new functionality they desired, it became clear it would be much faster and more effective to build a new platform versus retrofitting one that is two decades old. Classic was built in 2006 before the introduction of the iPhone – which highlights the magnitude of effort a retrofit would demand –and we would still have a 20 year old system albeit with some enhancements.
Also, the huge advances in code development, cloud computing advantages, and the opportunities to completely reconceive workflows using AI and large language models also weighed heavily in favor of building new.
How do I know if I am on the Classic Platform or NextZen Platform?
If you have the Zenfolio Classic logo in the top right of your Zenfolio account, you are on the Classic platform.
If you have the Zenfolio rings logo in the top right of your Zenfolio account, you are on the NextZen platform.
How does migration work?
You will receive an email invitation from us to try NextZen. Invitations will be staggered and spread out over the course of 2026, and into 2027 for some of our most advanced users. This is being done both to ensure our Customer Support teams can readily provide any support a migrating customer may require, and to continue to build and refine the tools needed to assist the migration of our most advanced users.
When you receive an invitation and are ready to begin a preview of the new NextZen platform, then we will copy/move all of your Classic images, galleries, folders, settings, and website (coming soon) to a new temporary NextZen account. You can then begin a NextZen preview using your own assets which should give you a very accurate sense of how NextZen works and how it can benefit you and your business. You’ll have a multi-week period to preview NextZen, add new galleries and images, adjust your website, and get it ready to use.
Once the preview period ends and you are ready to permanently shift to NextZen you will then:
- Choose the NextZen plan that best fits your needs
- All of your Classic gallery URLs and website domain will be redirected to your new NextZen account, ensuring no interruptions for your clients.
- Your Classic account will then automatically close.
What happens to my existing Classic Account during the NextZen Preview Period?
Your current Classic account will remain fully available and unaltered as you design and explore the benefits of a more modern platform on NextZen. The NextZen preview period is 3 weeks, and can be extended if desired. Only once you decide to shift your site and business to NextZen will the move become official.
What happens to my Classic account after I have completed migration?
Once you decide to move onto NextZen, then your Classic gallery URLs and website domain will be redirected to your NextZen site, and your Classic account will be closed. This will ensure all web traffic is directed to your NextZen galleries and website, and any potential client confusion as to which site to use, or potential negative SEO impacts are avoided.
Can I keep my Classic account open for old galleries or as a reference?
Yes, you can choose to keep your Classic account open. However, since all your Classic folders, galleries and images will be copied to your NextZen account during migration – as well as the gallery URLs and website domain, there won’t be a need to refer back to the Classic account. If you do wish to maintain two accounts, there will be the need for two subscriptions.
How will NextZen be priced?
NextZen is priced very competitively for the functionality and capabilities it delivers. And, it presents discreet plan choices that correspond to what users tell us they want, helping to ensure photographers pay for only what they need and use.
Further, our pricing model is meant to incent Classic members to experiment with the new, state-of-the-art platform, and enjoy the benefits that come with these new capabilities.
Additionally, if you complete the migration and close your Classic account, we’ll apply the unused portion of your Classic subscription to the NextZen plan you choose.
What happens to my images in the Classic Archive when I migrate to NextZen?
All of your images (ones that live on your Classic site, in galleries, or in active or archived storage) are accessible to NextZen via our integrated cloud architecture and storage. Photos and assets will be seamlessly transferred in their entirety to your NextZen account once you have decided to move your business from Classic to NextZen. If you have archived materials in Classic, that same material will be archived and accessible in NextZen. You will have the ability to restore archived galleries directly in NextZen just as you do today in Classic.
Can I migrate my Classic Blog to NextZen?
Yes! If you have a blog on your Classic account, all of your posts will be copied into your NextZen trial account using the migration tool. Once they’re there, you’ll have full control to review and make any edits you’d like.
When you finalize your migration, your old Classic blog URLs will automatically redirect to your new blog on NextZen, so your readers won’t miss a thing.
Can I migrate my Classic Website to NextZen?
Coming Soon! We will start with a BETA to ensure a seamless experience. Your Classic website, including all of your pages will be copied into your NextZen trial account using the migration tool. Once they’re there, you’ll have full control to review and make any edits you’d like.
When you finalize your migration, your old Classic website URLs will automatically redirect to your new website on NextZen, so your clients won’t have any trouble finding you.
Will my SEO be impacted by migrating my Classic Website to NextZen?
NextZen is built with powerful SEO tools integrated right into the platform. To make the transition to NextZen even easier, we are pre-filling the SEO settings based on your setup in Classic as part of migration.
However, you may see an SEO delay as Google crawls and re-indexes your new website. Since we don’t have any control over when Google begins this process, it will be different for every photographer.
Will my Classic galleries and website redirect?
Yes, once you have finalized migration, your Classic galleries and website will be redirected to your new NextZen account.
Your clients won’t be impacted—if they click on a saved gallery link or old email, they will automatically be redirected to the corresponding gallery on NextZen.
Will NextZen have mobile apps?
No, NextZen is already optimized for mobile use directly through your browser, eliminating the need for a separate app.
Will the Classic platform be discontinued?
NextZen was designed and built to serve as the successor to the Classic platform that you –and over a million photographers– have relied on for the past two decades. While Zenfolio Classic will remain online and continue to be maintained, we want to be transparent about its future. As we focus on building new features and capabilities for NextZen, only very limited additional updates will be made to the Classic platform – things such as regulatory and tax compliance, data security, etc.
As with any technology, software evolves, and older platforms inevitably reach a stage where they no longer sufficiently meet the needs of their users and are retired. We understand how important Zenfolio Classic has been to your business, and we want to reassure you that we have no plans to retire it in the near future. Classic will remain available for at least several years, and should the time come to phase it out, we will provide you with a minimum of one year’s notice to ensure a smooth transition.
Letter from the CEO
Each of us at Zenfolio deeply values your business, your patience, and the honest, constructive feedback you’ve shared with us—even the critiques and criticisms we’ve needed to hear. Over the past three years, we have been building and testing a state-of-the-art photographer solution we call NextZen. This entirely new platform is built using the latest technologies delivering fast, mobile-friendly, and advanced capabilities exceeding what is presently possible with the Classic service you are using today.
Read more
In developing NextZen (now used by nearly 20,000 active, paying subscribers), the Zenfolio team has carefully considered your feedback, insights, and suggestions from your Classic experience. This input has been instrumental in creating a fundamentally improved platform for both photographers and clients, helping us design a solution that meets and exceeds your expectations—and those of your clients.
NextZen is built with a mobile-first, highly intuitive design and offers substantial advantages to Classic. These include:
Unmatched Creative Control: with a suite of intuitive design tools including:
- Gallery presentation – Customization tools allow you to keep a consistent look across all galleries or customize each one individually to reflect the specific needs of each client.
- Website design – Access to an extensive selection of design elements, color palettes, and content blocks, giving you the flexibility to personalize a site that feels truly yours.
- Custom Email & Coupon Templates – Add your personal touch so every communication reflects your brand.
Advanced Features Include:
- Mobile Centric focus – NextZen client galleries and portfolio websites are automatically configured from desktop presentation to render on mobile and tablet devices providing exceptional flexibility and convenience for your clients.
- Smart Pricing – An exclusive market-driven pricing recommendation engine to assist you in pricing your services competitively, while optimizing the profit you generate from sales.
- Integrated Booking & Scheduling – Seamlessly integrated into your website, it gives your clients a convenient way to book you online.
Unrivaled Selling and Marketing Capabilities:
- NextZen Exclusive Selling Features: Smart Upsell offers dynamic in-cart promotions that encourage clients to add more to their cart at checkout.
- Client Campaigns – Automated seasonal marketing campaigns to help you earn more from every gallery. Use them as-is, or customize the emails and promo banners to reflect your unique style.
- Showcase & Sell Video – Advanced video capabilities and video sales coming April 2025. With our new slider preview tool, you can quickly create video previews and start selling downloads.
NextZen was designed to serve as the successor to the Classic platform that you, and over a million photographers have relied on for the past two decades. While Zenfolio Classic will remain online and continue to be maintained, we want to be transparent about its future. As we focus on building new features and capabilities for the NextZen service, only very limited additional updates will be made to the Classic platform – things such as regulatory and tax compliance, data security, etc.
As with any technology, software evolves, and older platforms inevitably reach a stage where they no longer sufficiently meet the needs of their users and are retired. We do not have a retirement date for Classic. Classic will remain available for a minimum of several years. However, if and when the time comes to retire Classic, we will provide you with at least one year’s notice.
Over this year and the next, we will be inviting Classic members to a preview experience of NextZen to explore its capabilities using their own images and assets from their Classic account. Invitations are sequenced based on your current Classic plan and the Classic functions you are presently using.
If you have specific questions, please reach out to our Customer Experience team. My colleagues and I will be keeping you apprised of the rollout and expansion of NextZen. And, be on the lookout for your personal invitation to experience the next-generation platform committed to serving photographers and delighting their clients.
With gratitude and anticipation,
John Loughlin
CEO
Still have questions?