Preparation

• 1
  You can make your photo book any shape or size you want.book, books -many books image by drx from Fotolia.com
  
  Determine the finished size of your book. You can opt for any size you like as long as your printer can handle the paper and you can find photo-quality paper in that size or larger so you can cut it down after printing. You will also need to have an idea of how many pages you want to include so you will know how large of a binding area you will have.
  
  
• 2
  Use your computer equipment and software to digitize any hard-copy photos you've decided to use.USB image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
  
  Arrange your content by the page and make a list. Figure out which photos you want to use and whether you want any text to appear with it. If the photos aren't already digital, scan them into your computer.
  
  
• 3). Familiarize yourself with your photo-editing software. Having a working knowledge of the software before you start will make your experience much more enjoyable and the process of creating your photo book seamless. You'll want to know how to work with layers, how to add text (if you're planning on including any) and how to adjust colors and fix errors on photos. There are numerous tutorials and books available on these subjects. Choose one that matches the software you already own.
  
  

Virtual Creation

• 1
  Designing from home gives you many options for the layout of your page.Scrapbook Page Layout 2 image by Jut from Fotolia.com
  
  Arrange your photo pages using your photo-editing software. Just how you do this will vary a great deal depending on the type of software you have. Most programs are very user-friendly, but you will want to have some knowledge of composition and layout. Layout refers to the way in which the various elements (photos, text and/or graphics) are placed on the page.
  
  
• 2
  Designing on your own photo book opens up your compositional options.color swirl scrapbook image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Add scrapbook-like embellishments to the pages as you work. Make your photobook fully personal by adding text boxes, clip art of various types or "cutting out" sections of photographs to add to the page. Clip art of all kinds is available for free on the Internet.
  
  
• 3). Design your pages one at a time. It is likely that your software will not be able to handle your project as a recognizable book but rather as individual images. You will create each side of each page individually and then print each separately. The advantage of this, though, is that you will be able to open thumbnail images of other pages on your screen to develop greater continuity and flow.
  
  
• 4). Save your work often as you add images, graphics and text to make the page look exactly how you want it when it is printed. Keep in mind the limitations of your computer printer (a minimum margin is required on all printers), ink saturation of your paper and allow a wider margin on one side for binding. You will need at least 1/2 inch.
  
  

Printing

• 1
  Printer software options usually have the send feature built into the creation process.computer monitor with lots of mail image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
  
  Decide whether to print at home or send it out. You can send your designs to a professional printer to have them printed out on individual, two-sided sheets or even to have them bound in an attractive book. If you choose to have them bind the book, you are likely to be restricted to using their software, their layout patterns and their designs. Make Your Photo Book provides a handy list of photo book publishers if you choose this option.
  
  
• 2
  Print your pages singly so the ink dries without smearing.The printer image by vin5 from Fotolia.com
  
  Print your pages from your computer using high-quality inks and paper. You will want to print a single page and set it aside to dry completely before you attempt printing on the opposite side of the page.
  
  
• 3). Arrange your page printouts in the proper order and check to be sure your pages are aligned appropriately. Check not only that the pages are in the proper order but also that they all are properly aligned to the top of the book with the binding margin on the appropriate side.
  
  
• 4). Bind your book by sandwiching the inner pages between the paint paddles, using the binder clips to hold the paddles together while keeping the upper spine exposed. Lightly sand the spine edge of the book with the sandpaper to give it greater "tooth" for the glue. Blow across the top of the spine to remove excess paper dust before gluing. Glue the pages together using the applicator brush that came with your glue.
  
  
• 5). Attach and decorate the covers to complete your photo book. The way you have elected to decorate your covers will determine whether you decorate them before or after attaching them to the inside pages of your book. Graeme Birchall provides more detailed instructions on how to bind a book at home.