Pic-Time class, from Germany and source-available.
Lumio offers the gallery and proofing features you know from Pic-Time — but with servers in Germany, a GDPR data processing agreement and an optional self-host variant as lock-in insurance. From €9/month.
Why photographers switch from Pic-Time
Servers in Germany, DPA included.
Pic-Time stores data primarily in the US. Since the Schrems II ruling that's legally tricky — you have to sign standard contractual clauses and document a risk assessment. With Lumio your data never leaves the EU.
If it doesn't fit, you self-host.
Lumio is source-available under the FSL. If Pic-Time raises prices or gets acquired by an investor, there's nothing you can do. With Lumio you can — as an emergency exit or permanently — move to your own server anytime.
Galleries with CR3, NEF, ARW straight to the client.
For high-end jobs (editorial, advertising) clients often need to receive RAW files. Lumio decodes RAW server-side (LibRaw), shows previews, and delivers the original untouched on download.
With VAT shown for your accountant.
Pic-Time invoices come from the US with a reverse-charge scheme — functional, but it needs explaining to your tax advisor every time. Lumio invoices as a German company with a correct VAT statement.
Feature comparison
As of June 2026. We update this as soon as features change on either platform.
| Feature | Lumio | Pic-Time |
|---|---|---|
| Server location | Germany (Hetzner) | USA (AWS) |
| Pic-Time processes data primarily in the US — a GDPR transfer is only possible via standard contractual clauses. | ||
| GDPR data processing agreement (Art. 28) | ✓ | On request |
| German-language support | ✓ | — |
| RAW galleries (CR3, NEF, ARW, RAF, DNG) | ✓ | — |
| Video streaming (HLS, scrubbing) | ✓ | Limited |
| Proofing (likes, color tags, star ratings) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated print shop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Both integrated. Pic-Time runs through its lab network; with Lumio you connect your own lab (e.g. Prodigi or Gelato) and keep control over lab choice and margin. | ||
| Custom domain | from Studio (€39) | ✓ |
| Own brand / white-label | from Studio (€39) | ✓ |
| Source-available / self-host option | ✓ | — |
| If the SaaS no longer suits you one day, you can move Lumio to your own server. Pic-Time offers no such way out. | ||
| Entry price | from €9/month | from ~$24/month |
When Pic-Time is the better choice.
We don't believe Lumio fits everyone better. If your business model is heavily based on print sales straight from the gallery — clients ordering albums, wall art and prints right in the gallery frontend — then both offer that: Pic-Time via its lab network, Lumio with a freely chosen lab. Lumio's print shop works on the same principle — the difference being that you connect your own lab (e.g. Prodigi or Gelato) instead of being tied to a fixed network.
For pure handover, RAW delivery, image selection and proofing workflows, however, Lumio is a serious alternative — and with far lower lock-in risk.
Common questions about switching
Can I migrate my Pic-Time galleries to Lumio? +
A direct import from Pic-Time isn't automated yet. But you can download your original files from Pic-Time and re-upload them to Lumio — the direct-to-S3 uploader makes that manageable even with several thousand images. We're working on a migration assistant; let us know if you'd like to be a beta tester.
What about Pic-Time's print shop? Can I do that with Lumio too? +
Both have an integrated print shop where clients order straight from the gallery. With Pic-Time it runs through their lab network; with Lumio you connect your own lab (e.g. Prodigi or Gelato) and keep full control over lab choice and margin. If free lab choice and data sovereignty matter to you, Lumio fits better.
Is Pic-Time GDPR-compliant? +
Pic-Time is a US company that processes data primarily in the US. GDPR-compliant use is possible but requires standard contractual clauses and a risk assessment per Schrems II. Lumio processes all data exclusively in the EU (servers in Germany) and provides a ready-made data processing agreement — which makes the legal situation considerably simpler.
Am I locked into a vendor with Lumio like with Pic-Time? +
No. Lumio is source-available under the FSL. If the cloud service ever stops suiting you — price increases, an acquisition, feature decisions — you can export your data and keep running the software on your own server. That exit option is structurally impossible with Pic-Time.
Does Lumio really cost less than Pic-Time? +
The direct comparison depends on the feature scope. Lumio's Solo plan (€19/month) is below Pic-Time's entry price; the Studio plan (€39/month) includes a custom domain and white-label, which on Pic-Time also costs extra depending on the plan. Both offer print sales straight from the gallery — with Lumio using a lab of your choice.
Try it for 14 days — no migration risk.
Upload a few galleries as a test, look at the workflow. If it doesn't fit, just let the trial lapse — and your data in Pic-Time stays untouched.