If you’re looking to create a photo book online, you’ll discover that there are dozens of services to choose from. But how do you know which photo book creator is right for you, and ensure that the photo book you receive at the end of it all meets your expectations?
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to consider when selecting an online photo book service, aside from the obvious – budget! We’ll look at everything from the platform’s ease of use to the quality of materials and those little extras that make all the difference.
1. Photo Book Design Options
A photo book is not just a practical and creative way to preserve and cherish your memories without worrying about technology changes or data corruption, but can also serve as a decorative and conversation-worthy piece to be prominently displayed on your coffee table or bookshelf. With that in mind, choose an online photo book service that provides a variety of cover, size and page options so that you can match the look of your book with the style of your living space.
For instance, a cheaper service might only offer softcover photo books with thin pages, and limited cover and size options, while those catering to a higher-end market will offer hardcover albums of varying sizes, with thick layflat pages, and multiple cover choices.
Did you know? PikPerfect’s premium albums come with luxuriously thick layflat pages, multiple size options, and a choice of covers including linen, leather, vegan leather, microsuede, velvet or a photo cover.
2. Layout Flexibility
Another important consideration is the various layout design options available to ensure that your photo book turns out exactly as you envisioned. Look for a vendor that not only offers a wide range of album templates and layouts to suit different occasions and themes, but also offers a level of customization.
Consider the following:
-Are you able to resize, move and rotate photos?
-Are you able to add & adjust text, backgrounds, and color?
-Are you restricted to pre-formatted templates, or can you customize a layout exactly to your liking?
3. Ease Of Use
It might not be something you immediately think of when designing a photo book online but the intuitiveness of the user interface can make a big difference. You want a service that is easy to use and navigable without having to constantly call up the company’s customer support team.
The best online photo book services are designed so that anyone without previous design experience can easily upload their images and lay them out as they desire, as well as add captions or additional features. A good way to determine this before committing to a service is by reading independent online reviews from previous users and learning from their experiences.
If you’re worried about creating a photo book from scratch or simply don’t have the time, then look for a service that takes care of the layout and design for you. With an album design service, all you have to do is upload your images and send any feedback to your designer until you are 100% satisfied with the finished product and ready to print.
4. Quality
Something else that reviews of online photo book services can reveal (and can be difficult to know otherwise) is the quality of the product(s) you receive. Not only the quality of the materials used to manufacture the photo (such as the paper and cover) but how good the images appear in print.
While some online photo book services are upfront about the grade of paper they use for their albums and the craftsmanship that goes into their designs, others aren’t. Remember, if the price of the photo book seems too good to be true, then it probably is and you may end up with a product that is sub-par.
5. Creative Control
When selecting an online photo book service, you also want to keep in mind the versatility and flexibility on offer. For example, once you have created an initial design, can you easily rearrange the images and move them to different pages or even change the number of pages you have (without having to delete any images)? Some programs offer clients plenty of creative control while with others, it requires a lot of additional work to achieve the design and look you are after.
If you want your photo book to be a reflection of your artistic or style sensibilities, you may want to consider a vendor that gives you a greater amount of creative control beyond pre-formatted options. This could mean a service that has a design team with whom you can share your vision, and provide input on every aspect of the design, from layout and page options, to text and overall theme. Ultimately, select a service that can accommodate your specific creative needs.
6. Value-added Features and Service
Lastly, look for any value-added features and services that the photo book company may offer, such as complimentary editing of your images. It’s little things like this that can save you a whole lot of time and result in a photo album that far exceeds your expectations.
Some online photo book services don’t charge any upfront costs, so you aren’t locked in if you decide that it’s not for you. Others will want your money from the get-go, before you’ve even had a taste of the design experience.
If you’re considering an online photo book maker that includes the services of an experienced designer, look for one that offers unlimited revisions. That way, you can make as many changes to the layout and design as you want until you are completely happy with the finished product.
Want to learn more? Check out our Design Services and benefit from the greatest amount of flexibility and creative oversight of your photo album. Start uploading your photos today (with nothing to pay upfront)!
