Artful Advice

The Papier guide to: Photo book FAQs

From upload to unboxing: all your photo book questions answered.

The Papier guide to: Photo book FAQs

Turn your camera roll into something you'll want to display on your coffee table – our photo books give your favourite photos a beautiful place to live forever. Chic designs, luxurious paper and that lovely weight of a proper book.

Got questions about getting started? We've got the answers. Browse our most-asked questions below, then explore our photo book collection to get started creating your own.

What is a photo book and how is it different from a traditional photo album?

A photo book is a professionally printed, bound book where your photos live on pages with considered layouts. Rather than tucking printed photographs into plastic sleeves, as you would with an analogue photo album, your images are printed directly onto beautiful paper to create a book you can keep forever. You can curate each page, add meaningful captions and create something entirely your own.

Can I make a photo book from my phone?

Absolutely. Our photo book editor works beautifully on mobile, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes. Upload photos straight from your camera roll, arrange from our single and multi-photo layouts with simple drag-and-drop, and add captions – all from your phone. You'll have access to everything: photo filters, different caption fonts and sizes, backgrounds and even stickers (coming soon!). Whether you're curled up on the sofa or stealing moments during your commute, we've designed the experience to feel effortless on any device.

How long does it take to make a photo book?

It's entirely up to you. Some people love spending hours, even days, pre-selecting images and perfecting layouts to tell their story just right. Others prefer our magic autofill button, where we design it for you and your book can be complete in as little as five minutes. However you like to work, we can go at your pace. Save as you go and come back whenever inspiration calls.

PHOTO BOOK

Can I add scanned photos or documents to a photo book?

Yes! We love mixing old and new – scanned family photos, kids’ drawings, handwritten letters, even vintage postcards all work beautifully in our photo books. Just make sure your scans are high resolution (300 DPI or higher) so they print clearly alongside your digital photos. It's the perfect way to combine different eras of your story in one place.

Can I work on my photo book offline?

Our photo book creator works best with an internet connection, so you can save your progress and access all our design features seamlessly. However, you can always prepare offline – organise your photos, decide on your story structure, and even write your captions in advance. When you're ready to design, everything will be waiting for you to upload and arrange.

How many photos should I include?

Quality over quantity, always. Fifty carefully chosen photos that tell your story well is better than 200 that don't quite work together. Think about pacing – some pages deserve a single stunning image, while others might celebrate a collection of smaller moments.

You can customise your book with up to 100 pages (minimum 24). Add up to 76 extra pages for a small fee, so you can expand your story as much as you need. Trust your instincts and choose the photos that truly capture what you want to remember.

How should I organise my photos?

Start with the story you want to tell. Chronological order often works best – think arrival, the main event, those quiet in-between moments, then your ending. But don't feel bound by time; sometimes grouping by emotion or theme creates something more compelling. Mix wide shots that set the scene with intimate close-ups and those little details you never want to forget. The key is creating a rhythm that feels natural to you.

WEDDING PHOTO BOOK

How many copies should I print?

Think about who else might treasure these memories. Many people start with one copy for themselves, then realise grandparents, siblings, or close friends would love their own. We'd suggest ordering one initially to see how it feels, then coming back for more – your design is saved in your account, so printing additional copies is effortless. Though for special occasions like weddings or new babies, ordering multiple copies from the start often makes sense. Photo books make the most thoughtful gifts.

How long does it take to print and ship a photo book?

We print and dispatch your photo book within 3-5 working days, then shipping typically takes another 5-10 days depending on where you are. Quality takes time – we're carefully checking every page to make sure it's perfect before it leaves us. For gifts or special occasions, we'd recommend ordering at least two weeks ahead to be safe.



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