Creating an album starts with some important planning. One of the first steps is choosing the right layout program. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one suits your needs best. If you’re not ready to invest in a dedicated program just yet, there are also other ways to create album spreads. Let’s walk you through the process and the different tools that can save you time and effort in designing albums.
Designing an album can be a lengthy process, especially if you don’t do it regularly. If you want to save time or if you find album design challenging, there are several tools that can help streamline the process.
At Konpoli, we work seamlessly with three powerful layout programs that can save you valuable time and make designing albums much easier.
Smart albums – Fundy – Albumstomp
Each of these three programs simplifies the album design process by allowing you to choose Konpoli as your album supplier right at the start. This ensures that all of the delivery specifications are set correctly, saving you from having to adjust settings later on.
These programs use an intuitive drag-and-drop system, making it easy to place images and design your album. The software also suggests layouts, which you can customize to fit your style. If you need further adjustments, you can modify the layouts manually. Once you’re satisfied with the design, simply show it to your client for approval. After approval, the design is ready for production!
Pricing for these programs ranges from $99 to $375 or through a monthly subscription model. We highly recommend downloading the free trial for each program to see which one works best for your workflow. If you decide to purchase Smart Albums or AlbumStomp, feel free to contact us for an active promotion code.
If you prefer full creative control, designing with programs like Photoshop or InDesign is also a great option. While these programs don’t offer automated layouts, they provide complete flexibility for those who want to design albums from scratch.
When designing in Photoshop or InDesign, start with a solid template to avoid frustration later. Ensure that your files are designed in sRGB profile at 300 DPI to guarantee high print quality. Remember, we work with spreads, meaning that the left and right pages of the album are designed together as one file.
For instance, if you’re creating a 10×10 cm album, the file dimensions will be 20×10 cm (width x height). To keep your project organized, name the files consistently, such as 001_Jan-Wilma for the first spread. This helps avoid any confusion or errors during production, especially with the binding process.
If your album has a photo cover, ensure it’s cropped to the correct size. Name this file “cover” for easy identification. If you’re unsure about the exact dimensions for your photo cover, refer to the album’s price list for specific measurements. Keep in mind that about 5 mm will be trimmed from the cover during production, so it’s important to leave a little extra space around the edges.
Once the design is complete, save the spreads as individual files. Then, log into our website and place your album order. During the order process, you’ll have the option to upload your designed files. After uploading, review the order one last time, and it’s ready to go into production!
If you encounter any issues or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help and ensure your album creation experience is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re using a layout program or designing from scratch, we’re excited to see the beautiful albums you create!