A memory to share with the people closest to you
A child living abroad, a friend who has moved, a relative unable to attend the ceremony: distance does not erase a connection. A digital memorial card brings a photograph and a personal dedication to people who were part of a loved one's life.
The family can choose who receives it, when to send it and which words to add. An individual conversation, a small family group or a personal email can make the sharing feel as thoughtful as handing over a keepsake in person.
Begin with a photograph
The UltimoSaluto® Self Service journey starts with the person's first name, surname, date of birth and date of death. You can upload a JPG, PNG or WEBP photograph, up to 12 MB. For a clear result, use at least 1,200 pixels on the longest side to preserve facial detail.
Choose a photograph the family loves, with a recognisable face that is not too small in the frame.
The vertical 9:16 format and the crop
The memorial card uses a vertical 9:16 format, suited to a smartphone screen. The photograph is fitted to that frame by cropping, which may leave out parts of the original image at the sides. Check the position of the face before confirming.
Use the zoom controls to move closer or further away, the arrows to reposition the photograph, and the centre or reset controls if you want to begin again. Confirm the photograph once the framing feels right. The system prepares the format; you remain in control of the composition.
Choose a meaningful background
The background gallery groups images into categories: Sky, Nature, Trees, Sea, Religious, Sunset, Mountains, Flowers and Path of Remembrance. A favourite place, a familiar atmosphere or a meaningful symbol can guide your choice.
Open a category to see individual backgrounds, with descriptions and suggestions for suitable effects. You can also upload your own background. The recommended format is vertical 9:16, at least 1080 × 1920 pixels, in JPG, PNG or WEBP, up to 12 MB. Check the background preview before continuing.
Add a gentle background effect
The background image and its effect are separate choices. First choose the scene, then the movement or atmosphere that accompanies it. Here is how the available effects accompany the background.
- Zoom towards the light
- A very slow movement towards the brightest point.
- Rise towards the sun
- The background moves slightly downwards, suggesting an upward movement while the person remains still.
- Moving clouds
- A gentle movement towards or away from the clouds creates a sense of depth.
- Drifting clouds
- The sky moves slowly across the scene.
- Gentle breathing
- A very slight, repeated movement in and out.
- Pulsing light
- A soft, regular change in brightness.
- Memorial light
- A warmer atmosphere with ivory and golden tones.
- Candle glow
- A subtle, warm flicker.
- Soft presence
- A delicate halo of light.
Suggested combinations help you choose: a clear sky with soft clouds can suit drifting clouds, while rays of light through clouds can suit a slow zoom towards the light. Preview the effect and adjust its intensity where available. You can also choose no background movement.
These effects accompany the photograph and background. Changes to facial expressions or clothing belong to the Assisted Service journey.
Personalise the dedication and reverse side
Select the memorial card product, then continue to the dedication and remembrance stage. Browse the reverse-side gallery, show all designs or upload a personal reverse-side image, preferably in vertical 9:16 format.
Choose one of the suggested dedications or write your own and apply it. You can also adjust the reverse-side image strength, brightness, contrast, texture and background colour. Texture choices include ivory paper, light parchment, beige linen and light marble.
Dates can use the month written out or a numerical format, with the option to display the ★ and ✝ symbols. Keep the name, dates and dedication readable, allowing the decoration to support the words.
Choose the final presentation
The final presentation controls the transition from the photograph to the reverse side with the dedication. It is separate from the background effect.
- Classic: a simple, clean dissolve from the image to the reverse side.
- Soft: a diffused transition that gradually becomes clear.
- Emerging: the reverse side appears progressively, with very slight movement during the dissolve.
- Contemplative: a slower transition that gives the final dedication more time and space.
Start with Classic for a simple result. Try Contemplative if you prefer a calmer pace, then compare the previews.
Check the preview before purchasing
Prepare the memorial card preview when your composition is ready. The watermarked preview lets you check the photograph, background, effect, wording and final transition. Read the name, dates and dedication particularly carefully.
Payment is handled through TS Pay. Once payment is confirmed and the invoice has been generated, the finished video becomes available to download without the watermark. Follow the instructions displayed in the creator when completing your order.
The final file is a vertical 9:16 MP4 video in Full HD, 1080 × 1920 pixels. Even when you choose no background movement, this Self Service product is still a video.
Send it to the people you choose
Save the downloaded video on your device and share it through WhatsApp, Telegram, email or another familiar channel. A few personal words can accompany it:
We have made this memorial card and wanted to share it with you, as someone who was part of her life. A keepsake to return to with affection.
A photograph chosen together, a sincere dedication and a gentle presentation can become a personal gesture that reaches people far away.
See the illustrated guide to creating a digital memorial card for illustrated steps, or read more about sharing a memorial card across distances.
Preserve a treasured photograph
Explore the Self Service journey and check the preview before purchasing.
Explore UltimoSaluto® for families · Read the illustrated guide