If your favorite memories are stored in Google Photos, you can easily import them into Shutterfly to create photo books, prints, personalized gifts, wall art, calendars, and more. Instead of downloading each image to your computer first, Shutterfly lets you securely connect your Google Photos account and select the photos you want to use.
This guide walks through how to upload Google Photos to your Shutterfly account, how to use Google Photos while creating a project, and what to do if you run into connection issues.
Can You Upload Google Photos to Shutterfly?
Yes. Shutterfly allows you to connect your Google Photos account so you can import photos directly into your Shutterfly photo library or into a project you’re creating.
Once connected, you can choose individual photos from your Google Photos library without first saving them to your computer.
How to Upload Google Photos to Your Shutterfly Photo Library
Uploading photos to your Shutterfly library makes them available for future projects, whether you’re creating photo books, prints, calendars, wall art, cards, or personalized gifts.
To import Google Photos into your Shutterfly account:
- Sign in to your Shutterfly account.
- Select Photos.
- Click Upload.
- Choose Google Photos from the upload options.

- Sign in to your Google account if prompted.

- Review and authorize the requested permissions.

- Select the photos you’d like to import.
- Click Add.

Your selected images will be uploaded to your Shutterfly photo library, where they’ll be available whenever you start a new project.
How to Add Google Photos to a Shutterfly Project
If you’re already designing a product, you can import Google Photos without leaving the project.
To add Google Photos while customizing a product:
- Open or start your Shutterfly project.
- Select Get More Photos.
- Choose Google Photos.

- Sign in to your Google account if needed.
- Authorize access if prompted.
- Select the photos you’d like to use.
- Click Add to Project.

Your selected images will appear in your project so you can begin designing immediately.
Can You Import Entire Google Photos Albums?
You can select photos from your Google Photos albums during the import process.
Keep in mind that choosing an album uploads all of the photos it contains, but it does not create a matching album inside your Shutterfly account. The images will simply be added to your photo library.
What Can You Create After Uploading Google Photos?
Once your photos are in Shutterfly, you can use them across virtually any personalized product, including:
- Photo books
- Photo prints
- Canvas prints
- Custom calendars
- Christmas cards and holiday cards
- Personalized gifts like mugs, blankets, puzzles, and ornaments
- Photo cards and invitations
Because your images are stored in your Shutterfly photo library, you won’t need to reconnect Google Photos every time you start a new project.
Troubleshooting Google Photos Uploads
If Google Photos isn’t connecting or your images aren’t appearing, there are a few things to check.
Your Google Photos library looks different than expected
Shutterfly displays the photos and albums that Google makes available through your connected account. If photos or albums are missing, first verify that they appear in Google Photos and that you’ve granted the necessary permissions.
Disconnect and reconnect Google Photos
If the connection stops working, removing Shutterfly’s access from your Google account and reconnecting it can often resolve the issue.
After revoking access, simply connect Google Photos again the next time you choose it as an upload source.
Download photos instead
If you’re still unable to import directly from Google Photos, you can download the photos to your computer and upload them manually through Shutterfly.
One thing to keep in mind is that photos downloaded from Google may not always include the original “Date Taken” metadata.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to download my Google Photos first?
No. You can connect your Google Photos account directly to Shutterfly and import your selected images without downloading them to your device first.
Can I use Google Photos for photo books?
Yes. After importing your photos, you can use them to create custom photo books, as well as calendars, prints, wall art, cards, and personalized gifts.
Why don’t I see all of my Google Photos?
Shutterfly only displays the photos and albums made available through your Google Photos account. If something is missing, verify that it exists in Google Photos and check your account permissions.
Does importing a Google Photos album create a Shutterfly album?
No. Selecting an album imports all of the photos inside it, but it does not create a matching album within your Shutterfly account.
Start Creating with Your Google Photos
Importing Google Photos into Shutterfly is a quick way to turn your digital memories into personalized keepsakes. Whether you’re printing vacation photos, designing a family photo book, creating custom wall art, or ordering holiday cards, connecting your Google Photos account makes it easy to access the images you already have and start creating in just a few clicks.
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