AdoramaPix Photo Book Review

Uploading pictures to AdoramaPix is easy and quick to do. The first time I uploaded pictures I used the flash uploader, but I used the Silverlight uploader the second time. The upload process was easy both times. You can upload using Picassa 3 and Aperture if you get the appropriate plug in. They also integrate with Flickr and SmugMug.

You should upload your photos to a gallery before you start your photo book. You can make some simple fixes and rotations in your gallery that you cannot make while you are working on your book.

PixPublisher has a lot of options -- you can use one of their many templates or create your project from scratch. The AdoramaPix software actually has more capability than most users would ever use. You can alter any template by deleting pictures or text or by adding pictures or text to any page. They are also very friendly to those people who choose to design their pages in other software. The upload process is seamless and users report no problems occurred with their uploads.

One easy-to-use feature is creating a 2-page spread. I took all the elements off two pages (by clicking and deleting each item until the pages were empty). Then take any picture and drag it to the center of the 2 pages and choose the "fit to spread" button that will appear on the toolbar. Make sure you are using a high resolution picture, and you may not be able to use this on all pictures since it needs to zoom into the picture to make it that wide. This will cut the bottom and top off the picture. I tried this with a baby photo and had to scrap the idea because the baby kept getting cut off.

Most publishers cannot offer a good 2-page spread because of the way they bind their books and the gutter that creates. Adoramapix binds their books in such a way that they pages lay flat and the gutter is nonexistent. Besides the lay-flat pages, the paper used in the books is a premium quality paper. Their covers are extra special and you can read several testimonials on their site and in their blog discussing the covers.

Help tutorials can be found on the main Photo Book page on the "Tutorials" tab. Included is 8 different videos covering most tasks you need to do to complete a photo book. Each time you start a new book you will see a new "Tip" for you that gives you some info on an advanced features. While you are working on your book there is also Help available on the toolbar. If you have a question that has not been covered in any of these areas you can check in the Blog or go to the website Help page and send an email or use LivePerson to chat with customer service in real time. The pricing is for 26 pages -- most other photo book printers offer books that are priced for 20 pages minimum.

Specifications

Updated: June 22, 2010

Adorama Photo Book Review

Comparative Photo Book Software Review

For an explanation of the Feature Set Review

Photo Book Sizes

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