How to Create Your Own Photo Book in 2 Days

Day One

• 1

  Create a new file folder on your computer to hold all the images you plan to include in your photo book.

• 2

  Move copies of all the images you want to use into the folder. Input printed photographs with a scanner if necessary.

• 3

  Rename your images so that they appear in the file in the order in which you want to use them. Use a sequential number in each image title: for example, "01imagetitle.jpg," "02imagetitle.jpg" and so on.

• 4

  Write draft captions for your photos in a word processing program. Edit them and correct grammatical or spelling errors. To remember which caption belongs to which photo, type the file name of the image as a caption reference and place the caption underneath.

• 5

  Compare book sizes, styles and pricing for three to five photo or self-publishing websites. Choose the site that offers the best combination of prices and book options for the project you envision.

Day Two

• 6

  Access your chosen photo creation site and create a user account. If a password is required, create one and click to continue.

• 7

  Download the site's free book creation software if required. Read and agree to the terms and conditions, and install the software. If there is no software to download, create your photo book directly on the website.

• 8

  Watch or read the site's instructions on creating your customized photo book, or skip the introduction and choose your first option, usually the size of your finished book.

• 9

  Choose your second option, for example book style. Preview the available styles via the dropdown menu before you make your final decision.

• 10

  Import your images into the software interface. Most versions let you drag and drop your specified images into a tray.

• 11

  Create your book cover, spine and back cover. Create inner book flaps with images and text if this is an option.

• 12

  Fill the pages of your photo book. Choose images for each page and input captions as the program permits. Some styles may not let you add captions or may limit captions to only to a few pages.

• 13

  Review your work and place your order for your photo book.