Release Notes: myStratus 2023 Volume 1 SR 1 - New!
Release Date: May 1, 2022. Read about the new myStratus 2023 Volume 1 Service Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Inspired/myStratus 2022 Volume 1 SR 1
Release Date: September 20, 2022. Read about the new Inspired/myStratus 2022 Volume 1 Service Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Inspired/myStratus 2021 Volume 1 SR 1 - New!
Release Date: June 7, 2021. Read about the new Inspired/myStratus 2021 Volume 1 Service Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Inspired/myStratus 2020 Volume 1 SR 2
Release Date: October 1, 2020. Read about the new Inspired/myStratus 2020 Volume 1 Service Release 2 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2020 Volume 1 SR 1
Release Date: May 28, 2020. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2020 Volume 1 Service Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2020 Volume 1 SR 1 PREVIEW
Release Date: April 20, 2020. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2020 Volume 1 Service Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2019 Volume 1 SR 2
Release Date: November 25, 2019. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2019 Volume 1 Service Release 2 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2019 Volume 1 SR 1
Release Date: August 1, 2019. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2019 Volume 1 Service Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 SR 6
Release Date: November 1, 2018. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 Service Release 6 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 SR 5
Release Date: August 6, 2018. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 Service Release 5 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 SR 4
Release Date: May 8, 2018. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 Service Release 4 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 SR 3
Release Date: April 6, 2018. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 Service Release 3 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 SR 2
Release Date: February 21, 2018. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 Service Release 2 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 SR 1 - PREVIEW
Release Date: January 30, 2018. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2018 Volume 1 Service Release 1 - PREVIEW ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 SR 5
Release Date: November 28, 2017. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 Service Release 5 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 SR 4
Release Date: September 12, 2017. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 Service Release 4 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 SR 3
Release Date: July 10, 2017. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 Service Release 3 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 SR 2
Release Date: May 24, 2017 Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2017 Volume 1 Release 2 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 2 SR2
Release Date: November 21, 2016. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 2 Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 2 SR1
Release Date: September 20, 2016. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 2 Release 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 1 SR 4
Release Date: July 11, 2016. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 1 Service Release 4 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 1 SR 3
Release Date: May 17, 2016. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 1 Service Release 3 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 1
Release Date: April 12, 2016. Read about all the new features in Spectra/myStratus 2016 Volume 1 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2015 Volume 2 SR5
Release Date: March 23, 2016. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2015 Volume 2 Release 5 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra/myStratus 2015 Volume 2 SR4
Release Date: January 11, 2016. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra/myStratus 2015 Volume 2 Release 4 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 2 Release 3
Release Date: December 28, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 2 Release 3 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 2 Release 2
Release Date: November 5, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 2 Release 2 ... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 2
Release Date: October 6, 2015. We're excited to announce the release of 2015 Volume 2 for Spectra and myStratus! Volume 2 includes some great new features... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 8
Release Date: September 15, 2015. Read about the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 8... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 7
Release Date: August 4, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 7... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 6
Release Date: June 29, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 6... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 5
Release Date: May 12, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 5... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 4
Release Date: April 28, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 1 Release 4... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2015 Volume 1
Release Date: March 24, 2015. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2015 Volume 1... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 12
Release Date: February 3, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 12... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 11
Release Date: December 17, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 11... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 10
Release Date: December 1, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 10... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 9
Release Date: October 14, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 9... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 8
Release Date: September 16, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 8... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 7
Release Date: September 2, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 7... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 6
Release Date: July 21, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 6... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 5
Release Date: June 17, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1 Release 5... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2014 Volume 1
Release Date: May 20, 2014. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2014 Volume 1... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1 SR 9
Release Date: September 10, 2013. This release contains several new features and enhancements along with numerous bug fixes... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1 SR 8
Release Date: August 5, 2013. The following issues have been fixed in this release... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1 SR 7
Release Date: June 26, 2013. The following issues have been fixed in this release... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1 SR 6
Release Date: June 3, 2013. This release contains several new features and enhancements along with numerous bug fixes... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1 SR 5
Release Date: April 30, 2013. Along with several enhancements related to InSpiredByYou, the following issues have been fixed in this release...+ More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1 SR 4
Release Date: March 20, 2013. The following issues have been fixed in this release...+ More

Release Notes: Spectra 2013 Volume 1
Release Date: February 27, 2013. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in Spectra 2013 Volume 1...+ More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 10
Release Date: December 18, 2012. The following issues have been fixed in this release...+ More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 9
Release Date: November 13, 2012. The following issues have been fixed in this release...+ More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 8
Release Date: October 25, 2012. Along with an installation enhancement related to Windows 8, the following issues have been fixed in this release...+ More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 7
Release Date: September 27, 2012. This release contains a number of fixed issues, along with several program enhancements... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 6
Release Date: August 2, 2012. The following issues have been fixed in this release... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 5
Release Date: July 23, 2012. This release contains a number of fixed issues, along with several program enhancements... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 4
Release Date: June 12, 2012. The following issues have been fixed in this release... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 3
Release Date: May 15, 2012. Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 3 includes some great enhancements specifically designed for studios that photograph high school seniors. Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in this release... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 2
Release Date: April 17, 2012. The following issues have been fixed in this release... + More

Release Notes: Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 1
Release Date: March 19, 2012. Spectra 2012 Volume 1 SR 1 debuts a new name and a new look and feel, along with many great new features! Read about the new and enhanced features and the fixed issues in this release... + More

Troubleshooting Google Sync Setup
If you are experiencing issues with Google sync after enabling this feature, please refer to these steps to ensure that everything is set up correctly. + More

If you are experiencing problems getting your offsite DataSafe backup to work, please refer to the following steps to ensure it is set up properly. + More

FAQ - Deposits vs. Credit Balances
Is there a difference between a customer deposit and a credit balance? How do I know which one to use? Yes, there is a difference between customer deposits and credit balances... + More

FAQ - Refunds
How do I create refunds in Spectra/myStratus? How you handle refunds depends on whether or not you post transactions to your accounting software, as well as what type of accounting method you use. There are two ways to create a refund in Spectra/myStratus... + More

FAQ - Upgrading to Spectra SQL
What is Spectra SQL? If you're considering upgrading to Spectra SQL, take a look at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Spectra SQL.... + More

FAQ - Linking with Photoshop™
Do Spectra/myStratus link with Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other imaging software? Yes, yes, and yes! Simply set up your preferred photo editing software in Spectra/myStratus Desktop. Then just select an image, click Retouch on the Digital Workflow ribbon, and the software will open the image in your preferred photo editor... + More

FAQ - Finding InSpiredByYou Orders
How can I find a client's InSpiredByYou order in Spectra/myStratus? Use the client's InSpired order confirmation number! This number is stored in the software as the Web Order Number... + More

FAQ - Unlocking Posted Invoices
How can I unlock an invoice that been posted? It's not difficult to unlock a posted invoice. However, it can cause issues when integrating with your accounting software... + More

FAQ - Transferring a Credit Balance
How can I transfer a credit balance from one invoice to another? + More

FAQ - Tracking the Costs of an Invoice
Can Spectra/myStratus help me track the costs of an invoice? Yes! View the costs of an invoice by using the Profit Analysis Report. If you're using the Professional edition, there are also tools... + More

FAQ - Sales Tax Reporting
Why is my sales tax report blank? + More

FAQ - Exporting Email Addresses
How do I export a list of names and email addresses? + More

FAQ - Email ISP Limits
What are my Internet service provider's (ISP) limitations? How do those limitations affect my ability to send emails from Spectra/myStratus? + More

FAQ - Filters for Labels by Grad Year/Organization
Can I make filters to print labels by graduation year and organization? Yes! Here's an example of how the software makes it easy... + More

FAQ - Membership Plans
Can I use the software to keep track of a baby or family plan? Yes! Here's an example... + More

Network Attached Storage (NAS) and StudioPlus Spectra
Are you currently storing your Spectra database on a NAS or considering it? Read on... + More

Spectra Database Backup Best Practices
Do you have a disaster recovery plan in place for your Spectra database? A "disaster" can take on multiple forms, including server or hard drive crashes, lightning strikes, tornados, flooding, theft, fire, or even accidental deletions. However, the most common form of data loss is actually an unrepairable, corrupt database... + More

How can I import ProSelect orders into Spectra/myStratus?
Spectra and myStratus Desktop can both import orders from ProSelect! The software will create invoices (including thumbnails) and payments based on your ProSelect orders. You will need to do a little bit of work in ProSelect first... + More

How do I work with statuses in Spectra/myStratus?
Learn how to set up, customize, and use statuses to keep your business on track! Spectra and myStratus have many different status-tracking features, designed to automate tasks and make sure everything runs right on schedule! What is a "status?" A status is simply a step you want to track... + More

Getting Started with StudioPlus SMS Text Messaging
This article provides a helpful introduction to the SMS text messaging features found in Spectra and myStratus. Learn how to send individual texts to clients, send bulk texts to a group of clients, or send triggered texts based on the status updates. + More

Spectra 2012 Credit Card Processing Changes
Spectra 2012 offers great new tools designed to simplify the PCI compliance burden that all studios face. This article applies to existing users of StudioPlus 2011 (or prior) that currently process credit cards with Merchant Warehouse and that are upgrading to StudioPlus Spectra 2012. + More

How do I manage my high school senior workflow?
There are many features in Spectra/myStratus that can be used by the high school senior photographer. This article is designed to show you some of the features of the software that are specifically designed for high school senior photographers and to give you some good ideas for using them.Note: This article has been updated to reflect the new high school senior workflow enhancements introduced in Spectra 2012 Volume1 SR 3. + More

What are some ways I can find and manage seniors without sessions?
When you need a list of your high school seniors that haven't had a session, the software includes a report that just might give you the information you need. However, there may be times you need additional filtering options, you wish to create bulk calls, emails, or text messages for this set of clients, or you simply find that the report isn't producing what you need... + More

How do I document a returned check?
The instructions for documenting a returned check (and any associated fees) are different based on whether the original invoice has been posted or not.. + More

How do I discount or donate a gift certificate or gift card?
Gift cards and gift certificates can't be discounted at the line-item level like other items... + More

How do I print a client statement?
The following instructions will show you how to use a custom report to print client statements from Spectra/myStratus, either individually or in a group. In addition, you will learn... + More

Tips on processing credit card payments through Spectra/myStratus. + More

Tracking your studio's revenue by promotion can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your promotions. The following instructions will help you understand how to set up and use... + More

How do I create a report to find out all the sessions we've booked (called and made sessions for) this week? How about for this month? + More