This year, give the gift of memories.
Smartphones cameras just keep getting better, and you’ve probably taken a few photos over the years that you want to commit to memory forever. Sure, you can post them on social media or get individual prints at your local convenience store, but there’s nothing like a nice photo book to organize all of your favorite shots in one place.
Luckily, Google makes it easy to order customized books through its Photos backup service. Whether you’re using the website or the app on your phone, it just takes a few minutes to create something special.
- How to create a Photo Book
- How to configure your book
- How to order the book
How to create a Photo Book
Much like backing up images to Google Photos, creating a Photo Book is actually pretty simple.
In the Google Photos app, swipe over from the left side of the screen (or tap the overflow button) in the upper left corner.
Tap Photo books.
In the Photo Books menu, you can choose from suggested books or albums, or tap start a book to choose your own photos.
Keep in mind that you can only choose from images in your Google Photos library. If you want to add other images, you’ll need to back them up to Google Photos first.
How to configure your book
Once you’ve selected the photos you want to include, have a scroll through the pages of your book. It’s time to organize and configure your book.
Press and hold on any image in the list to enter the editing screen.
Drag photos around to rearrange the list to your liking, or tap the X in the upper right corner of a photo to remove it from the book.
Once you’re happy with the layout, tap the checkmark in the upper left corner of the screen.
You can change the layout of individual pages, as well. Tap an image, then select your preferred crop — you can use the entire image or punch in and fill the page.
How to order the book
Once you’re happy with the layout, it’s time to set it in stone. Well, paper anyway.
Tap the shopping cart icon in the bottom right corner.
You can choose from either a 7″ softcover or a 9″ hardcover. Both include up to 20 pages for a flat rate, then charge per additional page afterwards; $0.35 and $0.65, respectively.
Once you’ve chosen a book, tap Select.
Select the quantity, add a gift message if desired, and tap Checkout to complete your order.
That’s it! Once you tap Checkout, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Google, and a followup with shipping details shortly afterwards. Once it arrives, share it with your friends and enjoy your new photo book!
