Want to reproduce an heirloom family album to preserve the original and share copies with family? Use one of these photo book sites. Most such sites offer step-by-step assistance in videos, tutorials and design guides, making it easy to be your own publisher.
Just use your flatbed scanner to make a digital image of each page (go with full-color JPG files at a resolution of 300 dpi, using sRGB color space), then upload the images to a photo book website. The layout options for full-page or full-bleed photos are great for album pages. If you have a slow internet connection, look for a site that offers a desktop version you can use offline until it’s time to upload your book. And be sure to search for discount codes before purchasing your book.
Website | Price for 26-page hardcover |
Description | Features |
Tips |
AdoramaPix | $39.95 for an 8×8-inch book | Select from 13 sizes of hardcover or faux leather books. | Choose the optional lay-flat binding if you’re using lots of two-page photo spreads. | |
Blurb | $25.95 for a 7×7-inch book | You can download BookSmart Desktop to work offline. Seven sizes are available in hardcover or softcover. |
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You can convert your Blurb book an inexpensive e-book for the iBook app on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. |
MixBook | $32.99 for an 8.5×8.5-inch book | Choose from seven sizes with hardcover, softcover, leather and optional dust jacket. |
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Explore the Online Scrapbook options for ideas to create your own family heirloom. |
Shutterfly | $35.99 for an 8.5×8.5-inch book | Five book sizes are available in hardcover or softcover, cloth or leather. |
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Invite your family to view and order copies of your book on a personal share site. |
Smilebooks | $35.95 for an 8×8-inch book | Use desktop software to work offline. Choose from eight sizes; hard- or softcover, leather or cloth covers. |
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Custom design services are available. |
Snapfish | $34.96 for an 8×8-inch book | Online design for five book sizes including hard- and softcover, leather and dust jacket |
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A custom service lets you have your book professionally designed. |
From the September 2012 Family Tree Magazine.