A Shutterfly photo album can range from super simple to quite involved – it’s really up to you! While you do have the option to let Shutterfly do the work for you, it can leave the finished book a bit sterile. I prefer to customize it to better tell a story.
I previously shared a Quick Start Guide to get started customizing a photo book while saving on time. All books start with selecting a style and each style comes pre-loaded with many coordinating extras ready to make your album truly unique. But if you really want to go all-in on customization then this guide to advanced features is for you! Let’s take a deep dive into all the editing options.
Idea Pages
Idea Pages take the creative guess work out of customizing your book by providing a layout with background and embellishments already added for a variety of themes. Depending on the style of album you have chosen there will be more options than others, but you can always add more! Simply click on “Get More Page Ideas” at the top of the menu and browse the various idea pages from all album styles. Use the Get More option at the top of all custom menus discussed below to create a truly unique book.
Layouts
If you haven’t gone with a page idea then you’ll want to pick a layout. Layouts are page arrangements for the number of photos you would like to include on that particular page. If you have used the storyboard feature the photos you want for the page will already be there, now select a layout that works best and swap, crop, or apply filters to the photos as you like. Toggle between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5+, Text, and Spreads to find a layout you love.
Tip: Use spreads for a collage of many related pictures or to highlight a small number. Spreads are, you guessed it, photos spread across 2 pages as one continuous layout.
Backgrounds
Backgrounds provide some color and pattern as a backdrop to your pages. Make it as colorful or classic as you like!
Embellishments
Embellishments include stickers, ribbons and frames. Stickers include phrases and shapes, ribbons are full page lines or strokes, and colorful frames can highlight a specific picture.
Top Menu
The last thing I want to bring to your attention can be found along the top menu bar – Add text box, Add photo area, and Advanced editing.
Add text to any area of your page by simply clicking on “Add text box” and double clicking the box that appears. From there you can write your text and edit the size, font and color. After exiting the edit menu you can click and drag the text box wherever you like.
Go completely custom by creating your own layouts with the add photo area feature. Simply click, drag, and resize.
The advanced editing toggle button is a useful little tool as well. When on, you can move any element on the page. When turned off, elements stay in place and prevent accidental changes while still allowing you to edit photos and text.
BONUS TIP: If you have a page that you would love to have printed as a standalone photo you totally can! I discovered this recently and am probably a bit over excited. Just make sure the page you want is selected then head over to the Page drop down menu and bottom select “Save page to My Photos”. The page will now be saved as a photo in your account. Easy right?!?
I hope the guide is helpful for creating your next Shutterfly photo album. Now get out there and make some memories!
For your pinning pleasure:
