Save Image to Device Gallery

Goal

Save a Texture2D (screenshot, generated image, edited photo) to the device's photo gallery.

Actions Required

Action	Purpose
MediaServicesGetGalleryAccessStatus	Read current gallery permission status (Write mode)
MediaServicesSaveContent	Save texture to gallery
MediaServicesGetSaveContentError	Read cached error after failure (optional)

Variables Needed

• galleryStatus (Enum: GalleryAccessStatus)

• imageToSave (Texture2D)

• albumName (String) = "MyGameScreenshots" (optional)

• mimeType (String) = "image/png" or "image/jpeg"

Implementation Steps

1. State: CheckGalleryPermission

Action: MediaServicesGetGalleryAccessStatus

• Inputs:

  • accessMode: Write

• Outputs:

  • status → galleryStatus

• Next: Use an Enum Switch/Compare on galleryStatus:

  • Authorized / NotDetermined / Limited → SaveImage

  • Denied / Restricted → ShowPermissionError

2. State: SaveImage

Action: MediaServicesSaveContent

• Inputs:

  • textureSource: imageToSave (Texture2D)

  • mimeType: "image/png" or "image/jpeg" (SaveContent encodes PNG/JPG only)

  • albumName: albumName (optional)

• Events:

  • successEvent → ShowSaveSuccess

  • failureEvent → ShowSaveError

Optional: On failureEvent, call MediaServicesGetSaveContentError to read errorCode + errorDescription.

3. State: ShowSaveSuccess

Display message: "Saved to Photos"

• Optional: Show toast notification

• Return to main state

Save Flow

CheckGalleryPermission (Write mode)
    └─ SaveImage
        ├─ Success → Show "Saved!"
        └─ Failure → Show Error

Screenshot Workflow

Complete screenshot + save workflow:

1. State: CaptureScreenshot

// Use Unity's ScreenCapture or Texture2D.ReadPixels
Texture2D screenshot = ScreenCapture.CaptureScreenshotAsTexture();
Store in imageToSave variable

Go to CheckGalleryPermission

2-3. Permission Check and Save

Same as above (CheckGalleryPermission → SaveImage)

Common Issues

• Permission Denied: Guide user to Settings to enable Photos access

• Album Not Created: Some platforms may not support custom album names

• Texture Format: Ensure texture is readable (Read/Write enabled in import settings)

• Large Textures: High-resolution saves can be slow; show progress indicator

Platform Differences

iOS:

• Creates album in Photos app if it doesn't exist

• "Privacy - Photo Library Additions Usage Description" required

• Supports both PNG and JPG

Android:

• Saves to Pictures or DCIM directory

• WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission required (older versions)

• Album name may be folder name in Pictures

Format Considerations

PNG:

• Lossless compression

• Larger file size

• Best for: Screenshots with text, UI elements

JPG:

• Lossy compression

• Smaller file size (50-80% reduction)

• Best for: Photos, gameplay screenshots without text

Performance Tips

Async Saving:

• Saving can take 100ms-1s for large images

• Show "Saving..." indicator during save

• Don't block user interaction

Resolution Optimization:

• Save at native resolution for screenshots

• Consider downscaling for generated images

Use Cases

Screenshot Sharing:

• User captures gameplay moment

• Save to gallery

• User can share via native share sheet

Level Editor:

• User creates custom level

• Generate preview image

• Save to gallery for sharing

Photo Filter App:

• User applies filters to photo

• Save edited version

• Original remains in gallery