Five Photos We Need Before Recommending a Digital Lock

Choosing a digital lock is not only about comparing features, designs and prices.

The lock must also be suitable for your actual door or gate.

Before Interlock Singapore recommends a model, we will normally ask you to send five simple photos:

1. The front of the door
2. The back of the door
3. The side or edge of the door
4. The strike area
5. The full doorway

These photos help our team understand the existing entrance before recommending a lock or arranging installation.

You do not need professional photography. Clear phone photos are normally sufficient.

Jump to a Section

• Why we need photos first
• Photo 1: Front view
• Photo 2: Back view
• Photo 3: Side view
• Photo 4: Strike area
• Photo 5: Full doorway
• How to take clearer photos
• What Interlock checks
• What happens after you send the photos
• When measurements are also needed
• What photos cannot always confirm
• Frequently asked questions

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Why Does Interlock Need Photos Before Recommending a Digital Lock?

Doors and gates can look similar from a distance while having very different installation requirements.

The existing entrance may differ in:

• Door material
• Door thickness
• Door-frame design
• Existing lock position
• Previous lock holes
• Strike or bracket design
• Available space around the handle
• Distance between the main door and gate

A model that fits one home may not fit another entrance without modification.

The five photos help Interlock conduct an initial visual review before recommending a lock.

Photos Help Us Avoid Guessing

Without seeing the entrance, a recommendation may be based only on the customer’s description.

For example, the phrase “normal wooden door” does not show:

• How wide the existing lock area is
• Whether there are old cut-outs
• Where the strike is positioned
• Whether the frame has enough space
• Whether a gate may interfere with the new lock

A few clear photos often answer these questions more quickly than a long written explanation.

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Photo 1: Front View of the Door

Take one photo from the outside-facing side of the door.

The photo should show:

• The existing lock
• The handle
• The area above and below the lock
• The nearby edge of the door
• Part of the surrounding door surface

Do not take only a close-up of the keypad or keyhole.

We need enough surrounding space to understand where a replacement lock may sit.

What We Check from the Front Photo

The front view may help us see:

• The style and position of the existing lock
• The amount of visible space around it
• Whether the new lock may cover the old installation area
• Handles, trims or decorations that may interfere
• Whether the entrance may suit a push-pull or handle-type lock

Common Photo Mistakes

• Taking the photo too close
• Showing only the keypad
• Cropping out the door edge
• Using a dark or blurry image
• Blocking the lock with a hand

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Photo 2: Back View of the Door

Next, take a photo from the inside-facing side of the door.

The back view should show:

• The Full Door View

The inside portion of a digital lock may be larger or shaped differently from the exterior portion. There may be also additional handles or fixtures at the back of door which may impede the installation of the lock.

This is why the back view is just as important as the front.

What We Check from the Back Photo

The back photo may help us identify:

• Available space for the interior lock body
  
• Possible interference from the frame
• Nearby fixtures, handles or accessories
• Whether an existing lock has a large internal mounting area

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Photo 3: Side or Edge View of the Door

Open the door and take a photo of its side edge.

This should show:

• The door thickness
• The existing mortise or lock body
• The latch and bolts
• The faceplate
• The surrounding edge of the door

This is one of the most useful photos for understanding how the current lock is installed.

What We Check from the Side Photo

The side view may help us understand:

• The type of mortise or locking mechanism
• The approximate door thickness
• The number and position of the bolts
• The size of the existing faceplate
• Whether previous cut-outs may affect installation

How to Take the Side Photo

1. Open the door safely.
2. Stand beside the door edge.
3. Keep the complete lock faceplate visible.
4. Include some of the door above and below it.
5. Make sure the latch and bolts are not hidden by the angle.

Keep your fingers away from moving bolts while operating or photographing the lock.

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Photo 4: Strike Area on the Door Frame

The strike is the area on the frame that receives the latch or locking bolt when the door closes.

Take a clear photo showing:

• The strike plate or receiving opening
• The nearby frame
• The full height of the strike area
• Any existing cut-outs or damage
• Any metal plate, bracket or reinforcement

Why the Strike Area Matters

The new digital lock bolt must align with the receiving area on the frame.

The strike photo may help us check:

• The type of frame
• The available receiving space
• Existing bolt openings
• Possible alignment concerns
• Whether the frame has been modified before

Do Not Photograph Only the Hole

A very close photo of the strike opening may not show enough context.

Include the surrounding frame so we can understand its position relative to the door.

Show Existing Damage Clearly

Include any:

• Cracks
• Loose plates
• Large cut-outs
• Wood damage
• Misaligned openings

These may affect installation or require additional work.

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Photo 5: Full Doorway View (if there is a gate)

Stand farther back and take one photo showing the complete entrance.

This should include:

• The full main door
• The complete door frame
• The gate, if there is one
• The surrounding entrance area
• The door and gate together where possible

This photo gives us the context that close-up photos cannot provide.

What We Check from the Full Doorway Photo

The full view may help Interlock identify:

• The overall entrance layout
• Whether there is a gate in front of the main door
• The direction in which the door and gate open
• Possible handle interference
• The space between the door and gate
• Whether a paired door-and-gate solution may be suitable
• Possible obstructions near the entrance

If You Have Both a Door and Gate

Where possible, take the full doorway photo while both are visible.

A photo with the door and gate closed may help us understand:

• The available space between them
• Whether the handles may collide
• Where each lock may be positioned
  

We may still request the exact door-to-gate distance after reviewing the image.

For a deeper explanation, see our upcoming guide: Door-to-Gate Distance: Why Your Digital-Lock Handle May Not Fit.

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How to Take Clearer Photos

You do not need a special camera. A modern phone is normally enough.

Use Good Lighting

Turn on the entrance light or open nearby curtains where possible.

Avoid taking the photo when:

• The lock is hidden in shadow
• Bright light is directly behind the door
• The flash creates a strong reflection

Keep the Camera Steady

Pause before pressing the camera button.

Check that important details are not blurred.

Take the Photos Straight On

A very steep angle can make the lock, frame or available space look different from its actual size.

For the front and back views, keep the phone approximately level with the lock.

Do Not Use Heavy Zoom

Move physically closer when a detailed photo is needed.

Heavy digital zoom may make the image less clear.

Send the Original Photos

Where possible, send the original images rather than screenshots of the photos.

Screenshots and heavily compressed images may hide small but important details.

Review Before Sending

Photo	What It Should Show
Front	Exterior lock and surrounding door space
Back	Interior lock body, handle
Side	Door edge, latch, bolts and faceplate
Strike	Receiving opening and surrounding frame
Full doorway	Complete entrance, door and gate where applicable

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Five-Photo Checklist

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What Does Interlock Check from These Photos?

The photos allow us to conduct an initial visual review.

Depending on the entrance, we may check:

• The existing lock type
• The door or gate material
• The installation position
• Previous lock holes
• The available lock area
• The strike and frame design
• The likely door thickness
• Possible handle clearance
• Possible door-and-gate interference
• Whether further measurements are needed

We May Recommend More Than One Option

The photos may show that several digital locks are potentially suitable.

Interlock can then narrow the options based on:

• Your preferred access methods
• Whether you want app control
• Whether facial or palm vein recognition is important
• Whether you need a door lock, gate lock or both
• Your household’s needs
• Your budget

This is why sending the photos directly to our team is more useful than trying to select a lock based only on product photos or specifications.

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What Happens After You Send the Photos to Interlock?

Once we receive the five photos, our team can:

1. Review the existing door, gate and lock area.
2. Identify obvious compatibility concerns.
3. Ask only for the measurements that are relevant.
4. Recommend suitable lock options.
5. Explain the important differences between those options.
6. Advise on the next step for installation or further checking.

Sending clear photos at the beginning helps reduce unnecessary back-and-forth messages.

Tell Us What Your Family Needs

Along with the photos, let us know:

• Whether you need a door lock, gate lock or both
• Your preferred access methods
• Whether seniors or young children will use the lock
• Whether app access or video viewing is important
• Your estimated budget
• Your preferred installation period

This helps Interlock recommend an option based on both compatibility and actual household needs.

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When Are Measurements Also Needed?

Photos help us understand the entrance visually, but some compatibility checks require exact measurements.

After reviewing the photos, Interlock may request:

• Door thickness
• Gate thickness
• Door-to-gate distance
• Door gap
• Gate gap
• Handle-to-edge distance
• Width of the available lock area

This does not mean the original photos were insufficient.

The photos help us identify which measurements are relevant so you do not need to measure everything unnecessarily.

How to Measure Your Door and Gate

For step-by-step instructions, refer to our upcoming guide: How to Measure Your Door and Gate for a Digital Lock.

After taking the measurements, send them together with the five photos to Interlock for review.

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Can Photos Guarantee That a Digital Lock Will Fit?

Photos are useful for initial assessment, but they may not reveal every installation detail.

For example, a photo may not fully show:

• Internal reinforcement inside the door
• Hidden wiring
• The exact size of an existing cut-out
• Door warping
• Frame movement
• Small measurement differences

Final compatibility may still need to be confirmed through measurements or an onsite check.

What Happens If the Selected Lock Cannot Be Installed?

If the entrance differs from what could reasonably be seen in the photos, the installer may need to:

• Recommend another compatible model
• Explain any additional work required
• Adjust the installation plan
• Stop the installation if it cannot be completed safely

It is better to identify a compatibility concern before permanent modifications are made.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Interlock need five different photos?

Each photo shows a different part of the entrance. One front-facing photo normally cannot show the lock body, door edge, strike and full door-and-gate layout.

Can I send only a photo of my current lock?

You can begin with it, but we will probably need the other views before providing a more accurate recommendation.

Do the photos need to be professional?

No. Clear phone photos are normally sufficient.

Should I take close-up photos?

Some detail is helpful, but avoid cropping out the surrounding door, frame and lock area.

What does “front of the door” mean?

It normally means the outside-facing side used when entering the home.

What does “back of the door” mean?

It normally means the inside-facing side of the door, showing the interior lock body and handle.

How do I photograph the side of the door?

Open the door and photograph the edge containing the latch, bolts and metal faceplate.

What is the strike area?

It is the part of the frame or bracket that receives the latch or bolt when the door closes.

Why do you need the full doorway?

It shows the overall entrance, opening direction, frame, surrounding space and any gate that may affect lock placement.

Should the door and gate be open or closed?

The close-up photos may require the door to be open. For the full doorway, a clear view showing both the door and gate is helpful. We may request an additional closed-door photo where spacing needs to be checked.

Do you need measurements as well?

Possibly. The photos help us determine which measurements are relevant, such as door thickness or the distance between the door and gate.

Where can I learn how to take the measurements?

Refer to our upcoming guide, How to Measure Your Door and Gate for a Digital Lock.

Can photos confirm compatibility completely?

Not always. Photos provide an initial visual assessment, while final compatibility may depend on exact measurements and onsite conditions.

What if my current lock has left large holes?

Show the complete lock area clearly. Previous holes or cut-outs may affect which replacement models can cover the area properly.

Should I remove my existing lock before taking photos?

No. Do not dismantle the existing lock. Photograph it in its current installed condition.

Can I send a video instead?

A video may be helpful, but clear still photos are easier to review closely. Send the five photos first unless our team requests a video.

What if I have only a gate-lock enquiry?

Use the same approach: send the front, back, side, receiving bracket and full entrance view of the gate.

What if my entrance has both a digital door lock and gate lock?

Show both locks and include a full photo of the entire entrance. We may request additional photos or measurements to check the clearance between them.

Where should I send the photos?

Send them through the Interlock Singapore contact page together with your preferred features and estimated budget.

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Ready for a Digital Lock Recommendation?

Take these five photos:

1. Front
2. Back
3. Side
4. Strike
5. Full doorway

Then send them to Interlock together with:

• Whether you need a door lock, gate lock or both
• Your preferred access features
• Your estimated budget
• Your preferred installation period

Our team will review the entrance and recommend suitable options instead of asking you to select a lock without understanding its compatibility.

Photo assessment provides an initial compatibility review. Final installation suitability may depend on exact measurements, the existing cut-out, door or gate condition, frame design and onsite findings.