Shutterfly photo books make it easy to turn your favorite photos into a book you can keep, share, or give as a gift. From wedding albums and baby books to travel photo books and family yearbooks, you can choose the size, page type, cover, and design that fits your project.
You can also choose how hands-on you want to be. Design every page yourself, use AI-powered Autofill to quickly arrange your photos, or let Shutterfly’s Free 24-Hour Designer Service create the book for you. Below, we’ve answered common questions about Shutterfly photo books, including sizes, page types, customization options, and how the creation process works.
What is a Shutterfly photo book?
A Shutterfly photo book is a custom-printed book made with your own photos and text. You can choose from different book sizes, page types, covers, and design templates, then customize the pages to tell your story.
Photo books can be created for nearly any collection of memories, including weddings, vacations, babies, family milestones, annual highlights, and everyday photos.
Are Shutterfly photo books good quality?
Shutterfly photo books are professionally printed and available in several page and binding options, so you can choose the quality and finish that works best for your project. Standard books are a great option for everyday memories, while layflat and Premium Flush Mount options offer upgraded page construction for special occasions and photo-heavy spreads.
You can also choose from different cover options and add available upgrades to create a more premium book.
What types of Shutterfly photo books are available?
Shutterfly offers four main photo book page types:
- Standard: Traditional photo book pages and binding for everyday projects, gifts, family memories, and more
- Standard Layflat: Pages open flat, making it easier to display photos across a two-page spread
- Deluxe Layflat: Thicker layflat pages designed for a more premium look and feel
- Flush Mount: Thick, rigid pages with a high-end finish, making this option especially well suited for weddings and other major milestones
Available sizes, covers, and customization options can vary by page type.
What is the difference between standard and layflat photo books?
Standard photo books use traditional binding, so pages curve toward the center of the book. Layflat photo books are designed to open flat, which makes them especially useful for panoramic photos, large images, and layouts that extend across two pages.
Shutterfly offers both Standard Layflat and Deluxe Layflat options. If you want thicker pages or are creating a book for an important occasion, you may prefer an upgraded layflat option.
What sizes do Shutterfly photo books come in?
Shutterfly photo books are available in a range of square, portrait, and landscape sizes, including:
- 8×8
- 8×11
- 10×10
- 11×8
- 11×14
- 12×12
Size availability can vary depending on the photo book and page type you choose.
How much does a Shutterfly photo book cost?
The price of a Shutterfly photo book depends on the size, page type, cover, number of pages, and any upgrades you select. Adding extra pages or premium options can increase the final price.
Shutterfly also regularly offers photo book deals and promotions, so check current offers before placing your order if you are looking for ways to save.
How many photos do you need for a Shutterfly photo book?
There is no set number of photos you need to create a photo book. The right amount depends on how many pages you want and how you plan to arrange your pictures.
You might use one favorite photo for an entire page, create collages with several photos, or mix both approaches throughout the book. A shorter book with large photo layouts may need relatively few images, while a family yearbook or travel book could include hundreds.
How do you make a Shutterfly photo book?
Start by choosing your photo book size, page type, and design. From there, you can upload your photos and customize your book with layouts, text, backgrounds, and other design elements.
There are several ways to create your book:
- Design it yourself: Choose a template and customize your pages with your own photos, layouts, text, and design details
- Use AI-powered Autofill: Let Shutterfly quickly arrange your photos into layouts that you can review and customize
- Use the Free 24-Hour Designer Service: Upload your photos and provide instructions, then have a Shutterfly designer create your book for you to review and edit
Once you’re happy with your book, preview each page, review your selections, and place your order.
Can Shutterfly make a photo book for me?
Yes. Shutterfly’s Free 24-Hour Designer Service lets you upload your photos and have a designer create the initial photo book for you at no additional cost.
After you receive the completed design, you can review it and make changes before ordering. This can be especially helpful for projects with lots of photos or when you want a polished book without designing every page yourself.
Can AI make my Shutterfly photo book?
Shutterfly offers AI-powered Autofill to make the photo book creation process faster. Instead of manually placing every photo, Autofill can arrange your uploaded images into layouts throughout the book.
You can then review the results and make changes to photos, layouts, text, and other design elements before ordering. It is a useful option when you want a faster starting point while still having control over the finished book.
Can you customize every page of a Shutterfly photo book?
Yes. You can customize your photo book pages with your own photos and text and adjust layouts and design elements throughout the book. This makes it easy to give different moments more or less space, add captions or dates, and create pages around specific parts of your story.
You can also customize the cover, with available options varying based on the book you choose.
What upgrades can you add to a Shutterfly photo book?
Shutterfly offers optional upgrades that can give your photo book a more premium look or add finishing details. Available options vary by book, but may include:
- Professional 6-color printing
- Upgraded page types
- Premium cover options
- Metallic accents
- Memorabilia pockets
- Shutterfly logo removal
- Gift boxes
You can review the available upgrades for your selected book as you create it.
What is the best Shutterfly photo book for a wedding?
The best option depends on the style and quality you want for your wedding album. Layflat books are especially useful for wedding photography because pages open flat, allowing large photos and two-page spreads to be displayed with less interruption at the center.
For a more premium wedding album, consider a Deluxe Layflat or Flush Mount photo book. Flush Mount books feature thick, rigid pages and are designed for milestone occasions such as weddings.
Can you make a Shutterfly photo book on your phone or tablet?
You can use the Shutterfly app on mobile devices to upload photos and create photo projects. If you have a large number of photos or want to make detailed adjustments to individual pages, you may find it easier to work on a larger screen.
Your photos can also be saved to your Shutterfly account, making it easier to access your images when creating future projects.
How many pages are in a Shutterfly photo book?
Shutterfly photo books start at 20 pages, with the option to add additional pages. Books can include up to 111 pages depending on the photo book style you select.
The number of pages you need will depend on your project. A short vacation or gift book may only need a few dozen pages, while a family yearbook or detailed wedding album may benefit from additional pages.
Can you change the size of a Shutterfly photo book?
Available sizes and options can vary based on the photo book you are creating. If you decide you want a different size after you have started designing, check the available options for your project before placing your order.
Because dimensions and layouts differ between book sizes, always preview the finished book carefully after making changes to make sure photos, text, and page layouts appear as intended.
How long does a Shutterfly photo book take?
The total time it takes to receive a photo book includes both production and shipping. Delivery timing can vary based on the book you create, the shipping method you select, and the time of year.
When you are ready to order, check the estimated arrival date at checkout for the most accurate timing. Ordering early is especially helpful when you need your photo book for a holiday, wedding, birthday, or other specific date.
Learn more about Shutterfly’s shipping times.
Can I order a single Shutterfly photo book?
Yes. You can order a single photo book for yourself or as a gift. You can also order additional copies when you want to share the same book with family or friends.
This can be particularly useful for wedding albums, family yearbooks, baby books, and other projects that several people may want to keep.
Do Shutterfly photo books ever go on sale?
Yes. Shutterfly regularly offers deals and promotions on photo books throughout the year, including around holidays and major shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Check Shutterfly’s current deals before ordering to see which photo book offers are available.
Create a Photo Book for Your Favorite Memories
From quick everyday photo books to premium wedding albums, Shutterfly gives you plenty of ways to turn the photos on your phone or computer into something you can enjoy beyond the screen. Choose the size, page type, cover, and design that fit your project, then create the book yourself, get a head start with AI-powered Autofill, or use the Free 24-Hour Designer Service.
Once your book is complete, you’ll have a lasting way to revisit vacations, celebrations, family milestones, and all the smaller moments worth remembering.
