how to make a photo book
 

Start by choosing the layout option that works best for you. If you're stuck for time choose Auto-Fill or a Themed Quickbook. For more creative control, select Blank Pages and craft your masterpiece from scratch.

The left panels hold content you can add to your design. The right panels hold the tools for controlling the content's appearance and position, as well as the Updater panel for accessing more graphics, and the Uploader for sending us your finisehd file.

This is where all the fun happens. Drag-and-drop your photos onto the blank canvas or into hundreds of stylish template designs, then fine tune their size and position using the easy automated and manual tools. Click below to see a demonstration of how to master the Layout View tools.

Text gives photos context and adds extra meaning to your book. Click the Add Text button to enter headings, paragraphs or captions, then set the most suitable font, size, colour and alignment for your design.

To decorate your pages even further, you can download an extensive library of readymade artwork via the Updater Panel. These graphics are perfect for books about babys, holidays, birthdays, Christmas and more.

Complete your masterpiece with a cover that grabs attention and reflects the story inside. The far left thumbnail gives you access to Cover View where you can also enter spine text and choose a background colour. Any cover design your create can also be printed on the cover of a clamshell box too.

After designing there's a few more important things to do in Export View . Fix any issues the software lists in the Warning Panel, then when everything's perfect, click the Export button to generate one file for proofing and another for uploading and ordering.

This step is crucial to preparing your file for print. When the export process is complete, the software prompts you to open a PROOF.pdf file. Carefully look through each page and cover to ensure everything is correct. If not, go back to Layout View, edit then re-export the file.

Once you're 100% certain your file is ready for print, and you've registered with us, use the Upload panel on the right or login to your account online, to select and upload the MASTER.MBF file. Afterwards, your project will appear in the Projects list ready to order.

Find your book in your Projects list and click the Order button. This is where you select the quantity, size, paper, cover and optional finishing options including a dust-jacket or presentation box.

Any combination of our nine sizes, four premium papers and various finishes will do your photos justice. Choose a printed cover to show off your best shot or opt for linen or leather so your book feels as good as it looks. Our hot tip: Lay-flat Lustre paper allows your photos to sit seamlessly flat across two pages.

After you've placed your order, we promise to produce your book with worldclass 6-colour printing and stitch binding, so you can enjoy your memories for decades to come.

More design tips

To learn how to layout a timeless photo book design read our handy guide.