DATATECHTOPIA

Multi-crop overlay for Capture One

Generate a single overlay PNG with multiple crops to validate margins during a shoot.

Multi-crop overlay for Capture One

I created a small free tool : https://datatechtopia.com/overlay

The idea is simple : generate a single transparent PNG file containing multiple frames (multiple ratios, multiple sizes, multiple positions). Then import it as an overlay in Capture One.

When tethering, clients often request multiple deliverables (1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, etc.). A multi-crop overlay lets you check at a glance whether the image has enough margin for all the crops.

Workflow

graph LR
  SHOOT["Capture / Live View"]
  CLIENT["Client requests multiple formats"]
  TOOL["DataTechTopia Overlay<br/>composes multiple frames"]
  PNG["Export transparent PNG"]
  C1["Capture One<br/>Overlay Tool"]
  CHECK["Quick validation<br/>margin and composition"]

  CLIENT --> TOOL
  TOOL --> PNG --> C1 --> CHECK
  SHOOT --> C1

How I used to do it

Before, when handling a crop request, I would often :

  • create one overlay per format, then switch depending on the client's questions
  • or run a series of crop tests on a reference image

It works, but on set, it creates micro-frictions that add up.

The problem

When a client requests multiple outputs (say, 4:5 and 9:16), questions come fast :

  • Do we have enough margin for the 9:16?
  • Does the product stay centered in 4:5?
  • Are we cutting off a hand in 1:1?

Without a multi-crop guide, you waste time navigating, cropping, explaining, then cropping again.

Another practical limitation : in Capture One, you can't stack multiple overlays by default. If you want to display at the same time :

  • crop frames
  • a client logo
  • a campaign title
  • a safe area (text, packaging, legal mentions)

you're forced to choose a single overlay, or cobble things together by swapping files.

The solution

Instead of having one overlay per format (plus another for branding), I generate a single final overlay that already contains :

  • a main frame (hero crop)
  • one or more secondary frames (e.g., 4:5, 1:1, 9:16)
  • placement variants if needed (e.g., product zone, text zone, safe area)
  • and, if necessary, graphic elements (logo, title, zones) embedded directly in the same PNG

Result : you work around Capture One's limitation (one overlay at a time) by "merging" multiple overlays into a single file.

Features

  • Create a main ratio (base)
  • Add multiple frames (different ratios)
  • Adjust size per frame
  • Adjust X/Y position per frame
  • Color and thickness per frame (for readability)
  • Show or hide the ratio label for each crop (1:1, 4:5, 9:16, etc.)
  • Export as transparent PNG (single final file)

Adding images to the overlay (logo, title, etc.)

The tool lets you add images with transparency (PNG), for example :

  • a client logo
  • a campaign title
  • a mention or pictogram
  • a light grid or product marker

This is very useful for building a "complete" overlay : crops + branding + safe zones, all in a single file you can import into Capture One.

Quick tips :

  • use PNGs with a transparent background (avoid JPG)
  • keep the visual opacity light so it doesn't interfere with reading the image
  • place logos and titles outside the product's critical zones

How to use

1) Generate the overlay (PNG)

  1. Open https://datatechtopia.com/overlay/app
  2. Choose the main ratio (your reference)
  3. Add the crops requested by the client
  4. Adjust the size and position of each frame
  5. Toggle the ratio label display on each crop
  6. If needed, add a logo or title as a transparent PNG (overlay)
  7. Export as transparent PNG

Tip : export large enough (e.g., 3000 to 6000 px on the long edge) to keep clean lines.

2) Import into Capture One

  1. Open the Overlay tool in Capture One
  2. Import the PNG (drag and drop or import button)
  3. Adjust opacity
  4. Adjust scale if needed
  5. Enable display during tethering / Live View

Best practices on set

  • limit to 2 or 3 visible frames at a time (otherwise it becomes unreadable)
  • use different thicknesses (thicker for the main frame)
  • differentiate colors by category (e.g., social, web, print)
  • if you display ratios, keep them discreet (small, neatly placed)
  • prepare overlay presets per client or job type

Limitations and tips

  • if you have many frames, make 2 overlays (one "social", one "print") rather than a single cluttered one
  • for a very precise frame, add a slightly inward safe area (safety margin)
  • if the client wants logo + title + crops, put everything in a single PNG (Capture One doesn't stack multiple overlays by default)

Conclusion

DataTechTopia Overlay was born from a real-world need : showing multiple crops at once, quickly, in Capture One. One PNG, multiple frames, and smoother client validation.

And since you can embed transparent images (logo, title, etc.) and choose whether or not to display the ratios, you get a "complete" overlay that replaces multiple stacked overlays (which Capture One doesn't support by default).

Link : https://datatechtopia.com/overlay