To make a photo book, pick your photos and a theme, choose a size and binding, lay out the pages in an online editor or app, add captions, then preview and order. This guide walks you through each of the six steps, with tips that make the finished book look its best.
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- Photo book designs: start from a ready-made design for any occasion.
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- Compare all photo book styles: sizes, papers and covers side by side.
Jump to: Online or by hand · Choose your photos · Pick a style · Lay out the pages · Add personal touches · Review · Order · FAQs
Online or by hand: which is easier?
There are two ways to make a photo book. A handmade photo book means printing your photos, then gluing them into a blank album or binding the pages yourself. It's a lovely craft project, but it takes much longer and needs supplies. An online photo book is designed in an app or editor, then printed and bound for you, so it looks like a real book from the first page.
This guide covers the online way, which takes anything from a few minutes in the app to under an hour in the online editor. Not sure which tool to use? Compare them in our guide to the best photobook maker.
How to make a photo book in 6 steps
Step 1: Choose and organise your photos
Start with the photos, not the design. A clear theme makes every other decision easier.
- Pick a theme: a wedding, a trip, a baby's first year, a year in review, or a fun photo dump grouped by café trips, selfies or colours.
- Choose your best shots: plan on one to three photos per page, so a 24-page book needs around 25 to 70 photos.
- Use the original files: photos saved from messaging apps are often compressed and can print blurry. The editor warns you if a photo's resolution is too low for the size you've placed it at.
- Cut the near-duplicates: if you have five shots of the same sunset, keep the best one.
- Make a folder: put your picks in one album or folder, in order, so uploading is quick.
Not sure what story to tell? Browse our 20 photo book ideas for inspiration.
Step 2: Pick the right photo book style
Size, cover, binding and paper all change how the finished book looks and feels.
- Size: square suits most photos and occasions, landscape gives travel and group shots room, and portrait feels like a classic keepsake.
- Cover: softcover is light and great value, hardcover with your photo printed on it is the go-to for gifts, and debossed and deluxe books add linen, buckram or leather covers.
- Binding: standard binding holds the most pages, while layflat and flush mount bindings open completely flat, so one photo can run across two pages.
- Paper: softcover and standard hardcover books use Fine Coated Paper 150gsm, layflat books use thicker E-Photo Lustre 190gsm, and flush mount books use E-Photo Matte 190gsm. Many designs also offer ColorUp! 7-colour printing for brighter colours.
Need help deciding? Our guide on how to choose the right photo book compares every option.
Step 3: Lay out the pages
Upload your photos to the Photobook app or the online editor, then start from a design or a blank book. Smart layout can fill the pages for you, and you can adjust anything from there.
- Start from a design: pre-designed photo book layouts give you themed pages to drop your photos into.
- Mix it up: combine full-page photos with pages of two or three smaller ones.
- Leave some space: a single photo with room around it often looks better than a page packed with six.
- Keep it consistent: stick to one or two fonts and a simple colour scheme.
- Mind the middle: on standard binding, keep faces away from the centre of a spread.
App or online editor? See our guide to photo book maker apps and design software.
Step 4: Add personal touches
Photos show what happened. A few words explain why it mattered.
- Captions and dates: names, places and years help the story make sense in ten years' time.
- A title: on the cover and spine. Need ideas? Try our 100+ photo album title ideas.
- Quotes and notes: a favourite saying, a message to the person you're giving it to, or a short note on the first page.
- Backgrounds: subtle colours or textures that match your theme, used sparingly.
 Mixed layouts |
 Titles and captions |
Step 5: Review before you order
- Preview the whole book: flip through it page by page to check the story flows.
- Proofread every caption: a typo is much more noticeable once it's printed.
- Check the warnings: before you order, the editor flags low-resolution photos and empty placeholders so you can fix them.
- Check the edges: keep text and faces away from the page edges, where they could be trimmed.
Step 6: Order and enjoy
Add your book to the cart and check out. You'll see the delivery options and an estimated date before you pay. If it's a gift, leave plenty of time before the date, and keep an eye on our photo book promotions for the best price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a photo book for the first time?
Choose 25 to 70 photos around one theme, pick a size and cover, then upload them to the Photobook app or online editor. Start from a ready-made design, add captions, preview the book and order.
How many photos do I need for a photo book?
Plan on one to three photos per page. A 24-page book needs around 25 to 70 photos, depending on how many full-page photos you use.
Can I make a photo book on my phone?
Yes. The Photobook app lets you pick photos straight from your camera roll, and smart layout fills the pages for you. You can also start on your phone and finish on a computer.
Can I make a photo book for free?
You can design a photo book for free in the Photobook app or the online editor. You only pay when you order the printed book, so keep an eye on our photo book promotions for the best price.
What is the best binding for a photo book?
Standard binding is the best value and holds the most pages. Choose layflat or flush mount if you want photos to run across two pages, such as for a wedding or travel book.
Can I save my photo book and finish it later?
Yes. Your project saves as you work, so you can come back to it later from My Projects when you sign in with the same account.
Start your photo book
We've been printing photo books since 2005, and the best ones always start the same way: one story and a handful of favourite photos. Start from a photo book design you love, or compare all photo book styles before you choose.
Making a book for display? See how to make a coffee table photo book.
