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Easiest app for creating photo book

I finally have a bit of free time and would like to create a few photo books from some recent trips. I need something that is easy and can include text.

Also does anyone know if Facebook posts can be made into a book?

Thanks so much. Regina

Posted by
12884 posts

If. you want the whole post, you could take a screenshot of the Facebook post and use that. If you just want the photo, then just right-click on it and save it as an image to your own file and use it.

With regards to photo books, I used to use Apple's software to do that, but they discontinued that about 5+ years ago, so the last time I created one, I used Mixbook and really liked it. I found it very easy to use and the quality of the books are excellent. https://www.mpix.com/photo-books

Posted by
645 posts

can I just go back a step and ask if your photos are safely archived off your phone and off third party online apps? Some years ago I was a bit of an internet star (OK, it was in a very, very niche sector of railway interest....) and for a while there were quite a lot photos featuring me on the internet, all in other people's collections. But now there aren't because various 3rd parties reduced the volume a user could store, and some simply shut down overnight - and then there was much wailing because those who didn't have archives they controlled had lost everything.

Posted by
4551 posts

I’ve been using shutterfly as I find it super easy to use. And if you look for coupon codes, you can usually find one for free additional pages or X percent off your purchase.

I bet the quality of mpix, as recommended by Mardee, is better. I like their print quality better than shutterfly, but I mostly use Shutterfly now because you can get free prints (just pay for shipping) when you order on their app. I get a lot of prints, so the cost saving outweighs the difference in print quality for me.

I might try mpix for my next photo book though. I make one after every trip.

Posted by
10599 posts

Going forward, consider the Polarsteps App. You post as you go. It is free. Cost comes if you decide to publish as a book.

Posted by
227 posts

I have found the easiest to use is the Walgreen’s site. I like the 6 x 8 hardbound cover numerous times. There is always a discount so it prices between $10 — $12. I have used both the choices for choose your own page and their vacation set-ups. Have fun!

Posted by
1274 posts

I now use Mixbook and have been extremely pleased with their quality, pricing and shipping. My preference is the "lay flat" option. They always have some type of promotion/sale on their products. Shutterfly was the company that I used in the past. However I felt that their quality has declined; their production times take forever and their shipping options are horrendous. After having 3 different projects "lost" and having to wait for them to be remade, I finally decided "Never Again." Mixbook's customer service is very responsive and helpful if you have questions on how to best use any of their editing and creative options. It's very easy to personalize your books. Highly recommend!

Posted by
7264 posts

Another vote for Mixbook, and I love their 12"x12" lay flat books. The prices vary, and once my book is completed, I wait for a good discount code with free shipping. The results are something you'll be proud of.

Posted by
2406 posts

I am kind of a Shutterfly addict. I started creating photo books from our trips about 15 years ago. Prior to that, trip photos and family photos were all in albums. During Covid, I took apart the albums, had the photos scanned, and instead of a 12 foot shelf of bulky albums I now had a tidy little stack of 9x11” photo books.

I have the Shutterfly app on my phone so any new photos can be uploaded to the Shutterfly system, a time-saver which I appreciate. After a trip I go to their website & delete duplicates & unwanted photos, and move the desired photos to my latest project.

Shutterfly has always been great for text handling. Since I use my photo books as trip journals, that’s important to me. I can control the size, color, placement and font for any and all text on a page.

I have had an occasional issue with printing but they reprint the book free with no pushback. I have never had any problems with shipping or any production delays.

Last spring Shutterfly revamped their publishing system. Unfortunately I was creating a book in the midst of this & had some frustrations. Their very helpful customer service agents helped me through it, and eventually they printed my lay-flat book at no charge — and even gave me a credit for another free photo book, which I’ll use this fall after our next trip.

Posted by
205 posts

Another vote for Shutterfly here. Love the ease of changing layouts, adding photos, and text. Helps up remember out wonderful trips! And just wait for a coupon for free pages!

Posted by
4129 posts

I have been using Mixbook for several years and I’m very pleased. I make an album for every trip. Technology is not something I am all that great at, and even I can figure out Mixbook. They often have specials so I always wait for those.

Posted by
2014 posts

Great ideas here, I especially liked Carol's Polarsteps App, I will check it out. Thanks to Christine who kept bringing beautiful Shutterfly travel books to our meetings, it inspired me!

Only because I started with Shutterfly and now understand the software, but it was kind of time consuming the first time I used it. (Especially as I wanted to take advantage of a sale that ended the next day!) Wait for a sale - you can get unlimited free additional pages, some percentage off total cost, AND lay-flat pages for free. I've not paid full cost yet.

Their customer service is indeed amazing! I called once because I had screwed up a few times, accidentally ordered 'extra thick' lay flat pages which are too thick IMO. He immediately credited me the $120 cost of the book & I was able to easily correct the issue and re-order the book!