How to Make a Photo Book In 7 Easy Steps?

Got hundreds of photos just sitting on your phone or computer? A photo book or scrapbook is a lovely way to bring those memories to life whether it’s from a holiday, a special occasion, or just everyday moments you don’t want to forget.

And it’s not just a personal trend. The global photo book and album market is expected to hit over USD 4.95 billion by 2032. People everywhere are turning their digital snapshots into printed keepsakes.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your first photo book what to include, how to design it, and the easiest ways to get started.

How To Choose The Right Format & Size For Your Photobook?

First things first- choose the right book size and format for your personalised photo book. Want something easy to carry? Go small. Want your photos to pop? Go big.

You can pick from softcover, hardcover, or layflat pages (great for wide shots without that fold in the middle). Also consider using premium paper or linen covers for a high-quality finish, taking into account the number of photos you want to include.

Also, think about the cover style. Linen, leather, or matte, Winter Company have a decent range of colours and textures to choose from. Go with what suits the vibe. Softcover’s great for casual moments, while hardcover or layflat photo book works better for big events or lasting memories.

If you're thinking about how to make a hardcover photo book, here's a deeper look at the hardback photo book essentials

Should You Choose a Hardcover or Softcover Photo Book?

Well, it really depends on what you’re going for. Hardcover books are sturdy and stylish which is perfect for your most special moments like weddings or anniversaries. They usually come with high-quality paper and luxe covers like linen or leather, so they’re made to last.

Softcover books, on the other hand, are light, budget-friendly, and great for everyday memories. They’re easy to carry and quick to make, but not quite as durable. Ideal if you want something casual or need it done fast.

So, What Size & Layout Should You Choose for Your Photo Book?

Choose a size and layout that fits your photo style and how many pictures you want to include. Go compact for casual memories or big and bold for special events.

• Small Books: Great for gifting. So, you can try 5x7 or 6x8 sizes.
• Square Books: A 210x210mm square works well for Instagram photos and keeps things balanced.
• Large Books: For big days like weddings or family trips, go with 8x11 landscape or 12x12 for more space.

Quick tip: Think about how many photos you want to use in your book. This will help you pick the right layout. With different designs and layouts, you can tell your story in a creative way and still keep it neat.

Ready to Make Your Own Photo Book? Here’s How!

Photo book creation might seem overwhelming at first but it doesn’t have to be. With the right steps, tools, and a little creativity, you’ll have something beautiful in no time. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: What Story Are You Trying to Tell? (The Purpose)

Before you start uploading photos, take a moment to think about the story you want your photo book to tell. Is it about your baby’s first year? A big trip you’ll never forget? A collection of everyday moments?

Once you’ve figured that out, it’ll be much easier to pick the right photos and decide how to lay them out. Arranging them in chronological order, a timeline, or by theme makes everything feel more connected and meaningful.

✅ Bonus Tip: Give your book a memorable title! It sets the tone and makes the cover feel even more personal.

Step 2: How Do You Choose Which Photos to Use?

You probably have hundreds of photos to choose from. But don’t feel like you have to include every single one. Pick the shots that really capture the vibe of the moment.

Think about the highlights: vacations, birthdays, goofy selfies, sweet everyday snaps. The goal is to tell a story, not to stuff every picture into one book. So, using a clean layout or template helps make your best photos stand out and keeps things looking polished.

Step 3: Which Photo Book Maker Should You Go With?

Making a photo book of your digital photos is so much easier when you use a photo book service that includes a free photo book designer service and photo book tools to do the heavy lifting. A good photo book maker gives you access to easy templates, design tools, and even expert help so you can focus on choosing your favorite photos and memories.

Popular options like Canva, Mixbook, and Shutterfly photo book offer great templates and user-friendly tools. But if you're looking for something more professional and personal and confused about where to make a photobook, Ex Why Zed can be a great choice.

Ex Why Zed offers high-quality photo book printing and accessible customer service to help you perfect your layout. Whether you’re creating your first book or your fifth, your process will be smooth and stress-free. Get your quote now!

Step 4: How Should You Arrange Your Photos?

Now comes the fun part: playing around with layouts! Once your photos are uploaded, you can drag them into different spots, try out templates, and shuffle things around until it feels right.

Want one big, bold photo in the centre of the page? Go for it. Prefer a little collage with overlapping images? You can do that too. Just make sure everything has enough breathing room so the pages don’t feel too crowded.

Step 5: How Can You Add a Personal Touch?

This is where your photo book starts to feel really special. Add captions to remember little details, sprinkle in some cute graphics or embellishments, and choose a theme that fits the mood of your photos.

You can also customise background colours, play with patterns, and even come up with a title that says it all like “Summer Adventures” or “Little Moments, Big Memories.” These little touches make a big difference and help tell your story in your own style.

You can even match your design style to something modern or vintage. This cover inspiration post is packed with ideas that might inspire you.

Step 6: Want to Include Helpful Text? Add It With Intention

Photos can say a lot, but a little text goes a long way in telling the full story. Add short captions, quotes, dates or even small notes to bring out the meaning behind each moment.

Keep things clear and easy to read. Use simple fonts, space your text nicely and avoid crowding the page. You can also include a short intro at the start or small headings to break up sections.

Whether it’s a baby book, travel journal or a personal memory album, the right words can make it even more special. Just keep it minimal so the photos still shine.

Step 7: Did You Review Everything Before Ordering?

Almost there! Before you hit “order,” do a quick review. Flip through every page and double-check for any typos, blank spots, or low-quality images.

Most photo book platforms give you easy tools to tweak your text, change backgrounds, and improve image clarity. And don’t forget to choose your finish- glossy, silk or uncoated before checking out.

Taking a few extra minutes here means your photo book will look just the way you imagined it and feel even more special when it arrives.

Want Your Photo Book to Look Amazing? Use Ex Why Zed

If you’re making a photo book and want it to actually look as good as it feels, Ex Why Zed is the place to go. You get high-quality printing, help with your design, and even a test copy before anything’s final.

No minimum order, no confusing steps—just great paper, custom covers, and support when you need it.

Ready to bring your memories to life? Grab a quick quote and make a photo book you’ll actually be proud to show off.

Final Thoughts

Making a photo book is such a fun and meaningful way to hold on to your favorite memories from a family vacation. Instead of letting those special moments sit on your phone or computer, you’re turning them into something real, allowing you to enjoy beautiful photos that you can flip through and smile at anytime.

By following the steps in this guide you can create a photo book that features a sleek, modern design that’s completely you. Take your time with it, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles until it feels just right.

And if you’d like a bit of help along the way with layouts, design ideas, or even printing services can make the process feel a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Need a hand with design or printing? Get in touch with Ex Why Zed today to bring your photo book to life just the way you imagined it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many photos should I include in my first photo book?

A good range for your first photo book is 40 to 100 photos. This gives enough variety without overwhelming the layout. Aim for 1–4 photos per page, depending on the size and style you choose.

What is the easiest site to make photo books?

Canva, Shutterfly, and Mixbook are some of the easiest platforms and the best way to make a photobook. They offer user-friendly drag-and-drop tools, ready-made templates, and mobile apps to help you design your book quickly. But if you want a professional-quality finish, Ex Why Zed is an excellent choice. They specialize in custom photo books, zines, and self-published projects, offering great customer support and top-tier printing.

How to make a photobook with a lots of text?

To make a photo book with lots of text, choose a platform with flexible layouts and large text boxes. Use clean fonts and break up long text across pages for better readability. Ex Why Zed also offers a free design service to help with layout.

How much does it cost to make a photo book?

Prices can vary depending on the size, number of pages, and cover type you choose. Softcover photo books generally cost around £10 to £25, while hardcover versions typically range from £25 to £60.

If you're printing with Ex Why Zed, you’ll also have access to a wide range of custom options and bulk pricing. This is especially helpful if you're creating something truly personal or planning to sell copies.

How can I customise my photobook?

You can customise your photo book by selecting the size, cover type, and paper finish, then adding your own photos, captions, and page layouts. You can also personalise it further with background colours, themed designs, and decorative elements.

How long does it usually take to create and receive a custom photo book?

Designing your book can take as little as 30 minutes or up to a few hours, depending on how many photos you include and how detailed you want the layout.

Ex Why Zed typically delivers in 4-7 working days after print approval (for UK orders), making them a reliable and fast option for high-quality custom photo books. (depending on the quantity ordered and print choices)