Master the Art of Photo Book Creation: Avoiding Disappointing Experiences with Shutterfly’s Dated Software
Shutterfly Photo Book Review: A Disappointing Experience
Shutterfly’s photo book service offers a standard set of templates and enticing cover and page type options, but unfortunately, the editing process falls short. I’ll provide a detailed account of my experience building a photo book using Shutterfly, highlighting both the positives and negatives.
The Struggle is Real
The editing process was a pain to navigate. After selecting my photo book size and page/cover type, I chose Manual mode, only to be met with a rudimentary, outdated-looking editing page. I had to toggle on the "Advanced Editing" button to access most features. The options within these menus were poor, with issues like limited color selection and inability to adjust shape or size independently.
Photos and Embellishments
Adding photos was relatively easy, with the ability to drag and drop images from your computer. You can also move photos around, adjust their size, and position them on the page. However, adding embellishments like shapes and ribbons was clunky and frustrating. I wanted to add a salmon-colored rectangle, but was limited to a manual search for similar shades, with no option to adjust the shape independently.
The Finished Product
The actual photo book looked decent overall, with brighter, more vibrant colors and solid clarity. Compared to our Mixbook photo book, Shutterfly’s alternative offered more saturated colors, allowing for more definition and contrast. However, there were some patchy color issues and occasional inconsistencies.
Should I Buy the Shutterfly Photo Book?
Considering the limitations and frustrations of the editing process, I wouldn’t recommend Shutterfly for photo book creation. If you’re willing to overlook these issues for a quick, easy solution, Shutterfly might be suitable. However, if you’re looking for a more personalized layout experience, you might want to consider other services.
Buy It If…
- You’re looking for a quick, easy solution
- You’re happy with built-in templates and limited editing options
Don’t Buy It If…
- You’re looking for a more personalized layout experience
- You’re willing to invest time and effort into editing and designing your photo book
Also Consider
Shutterfly’s competitors offer a smoother user experience, making them a better option for those seeking a high-quality photo book.
How I Tested the Shutterfly Photo Book
I built a photo book using TechRadar’s template and compared it against other websites’ photo books. I used the same standardized set of photos to ensure a fair comparison of the platforms. I also ordered the Shutterfly photo book to assess print quality, color fidelity, and any scuffs or scratches to the finished product.
Read More
For a detailed breakdown of our testing process, read our article on how we test.
First Reviewed: December 2024
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