Photo book sizes on Shutterfly

[Valgal]

Ok, this might be hard to explain, but here's my question... does it matter what size your original lo is when ordering a different size of book? It doesn't seem like it should, but I'm having a weird thing happen on Shutterfly.

I created all my 2015 pages as 12x12s. Never resized them or anything. Trying to put together a 10x10 photobook on Shutterfly. I choose the layout option where the photo is the whole page. Some are totally normal, but some look like this, only part of the lo on the page



So I have to go in and resize with those resize-handle-thingies



and then it ends up looking normal like this



My concern is that the pages that I have to manipulate will print out at a lower resolution or something.

What do you think?

(Also, to clarify, I am using the same Shutterfly template for all the pages)

[MamaBee]

I think they changed their software to make it even more difficult for digi scrappers - if that was possible. I had the same problem last month when I did a book... I always design in 12x12 and print smaller. My book turned out okay, but I had to resize my photos to get them to size right in the space.

Are you using a basic book template or their digi scrapping blank book template? I alway use one of their basic book templates and apply full page photo to each page.

ETA - by resizing, I mean I just reapplied the full page template... I didn't use the anchor points in the box.

[britaneejean]

I create all of my LOs at 12x12 but print at 8x8. I've had to do that a few times and I've never noticed a lower resolution or anything. I've usually forgotten which ones I've had to do that to by the time I order and then get the book.

I'm not an expert but it should be ok.

[calvinawalsh]

I create all my layouts as 12 x 12. Then I save a copy at 8 x 8 so when I print at Shutterfly it makes the process a little faster. I always wait for the Free Book Coupon and it seems like their system is different each time. I love my books I get from there, but it does seem like it always takes me longer to make it than it should!

[Valgal]

Ok. I'm just gonna go ahead with it then. I started with a basic book template, then switched to a digi scrap template to see if that fixed the problem, but it didn't. Am I not seeing a way to apply one layout to the entire book, instead of having to select the layout for every single freaking page?

[Valgal]

Originally Posted by calvinawalsh

I create all my layouts as 12 x 12. Then I save a copy at 8 x 8 so when I print at Shutterfly it makes the process a little faster. I always wait for the Free Book Coupon and it seems like their system is different each time. I love my books I get from there, but it does seem like it always takes me longer to make it than it should!

Saving a copy... now that's a good idea. I swear, some of these things are so obvious but I never think about them till someone mentions it.

[MamaBee]

Originally Posted by Valgal

Ok. I'm just gonna go ahead with it then. I started with a basic book template, then switched to a digi scrap template to see if that fixed the problem, but it didn't. Am I not seeing a way to apply one layout to the entire book, instead of having to select the layout for every single freaking page?

I haven't found a way... the digi book seems to have full bleeds, but then I had more problems with that no resizing my pages right that I switched to a basic book. Shutterfly doesn't make it easy for digi scrappers, that is for sure!

[cherrygutz]

I haven't had a book printed at shutterfly yet, but I also resize my pages to 8x8 so it will be easier to put on the printer's software.

[stormchaser]

I am having the same problem with Shutterfly using the digi book template. SMH.....

[YepBrook]

I just did an album with shutterfly and it automatically cropped ALL of my photos when I placed them, not just my digi layouts. So frustrating!

If you are scaling a layout you made 12x12 inches to fit a 10x10 album you won't have any blurriness. The only time you might notice blurriness is if it gives you a warning that the photo is low quality (I think it's a triangle icon).

[clearskies]

Yes, I have had to resize many of my LOs in their software as of recent.
No, I have not noticed any difference in quality when I print.
Yes, they get less digiscrap friendly with each passing year...


Oh, and I scrap 12x12 but print 8x8 each year for the grandmas...never had a problem with sizing/quality...

[nesser1981]

You guys, checkout Presto Photo, seriously, I love them. I've been using them since 2009, and I switched from Shutterfly to them. They're a lot more affordable that Shutterfly (unless you're just doing a free book). I love their 8.5x8.5 size. They have print guidelines you can download too.

Val, drive to Tecumseh and I'll let you look at mine. LOL!

http://www.prestophoto.com/create/online-photo-books
http://www.prestophoto.com/create/scrapbook-printing

[Valgal]

Originally Posted by nesser1981

You guys, checkout Presto Photo, seriously, I love them. I've been using them since 2009, and I switched from Shutterfly to them. They're a lot more affordable that Shutterfly (unless you're just doing a free book). I love their 8.5x8.5 size. They have print guidelines you can download too.

Val, drive to Tecumseh and I'll let you look at mine. LOL!

http://www.prestophoto.com/create/online-photo-books
http://www.prestophoto.com/create/scrapbook-printing

I'll check them out now!

and why have we never gotten together?????

[Valgal]

Holy macaroni! This is MUCH cheaper!

[anelia]

Vanessa, thanks for sharing this! I have a question - have you tried uploading a PDF file with all the pages you want? I'm intrigued by this option because it really is painful to use those crappy online book designers just to fit my pages.

[icindi]

I just printed 12 x 22 books with shutterfly and had the same problem with 12 x12s. I even missed that they enlarged a few and it cut off my pages. So frustrating! I am going to see if they'll reprint it for me. If you select a full page layout it should not crop!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nesser1981]

I have never tried the PDF option.

Originally Posted by anelia

Vanessa, thanks for sharing this! I have a question - have you tried uploading a PDF file with all the pages you want? I'm intrigued by this option because it really is painful to use those crappy online book designers just to fit my pages.

[joelsgirl]

I want to stab Shuttefly in the eye!

I have used them for years and the process was so much easier than this resizing crap. I chose full size photo, and they are cropping it down to a 1x1 inch square on some of them!

I'm so glad I found this thread about PrestoPrints. I printed a book with them back when they were VioVio. Do they ever do coupons, Vanessa?

[nietis]

That's exactly what I am facing currently while making our 2015 photobook! Such a pain! But, I love Shutterfly's quality and their free book coupon
I mostly make 8x8 photobook, so I know when you do the resize it doesn't make it blurry.
I gotta check this photo presto, to compare the price.