RocketLife Photo Book Review

The printer RocketLife is run from the internet, but you must still do a small download onto your computer in order to run the program.

Starting the program is the hardest part -- there is an annoying page that launches a rocket ship on their start page. To get started and to find the information that you need you must press on the small "launch" icon in the top tool bar. It does not require users to establish an account, provide an email address or choose a password.

RocketLife Photo Book Themes and Backgrounds

RocketLife.com has a HUGE selection of themes and backgrounds available. However, I like to take a look at the backgrounds before I start, and it's not easy to do this without first uploading your pictures. There's the option to have your book instantly created or to do the manual design. I found it easier to have it auto-filled and then make the changes.

RocketLife's Photo Book Creation Software

For the most part, aside from having hard time previewing backgrounds, in my RocketLife review I found their photo book creation software to be pretty standard. They have replaced their "Quick Hints" help feature with "Quick Tips," which really are very helpful tips without being annoying.

A nice option I noticed was the option to view the pages on a larger or full screen. This is most helpful because you get a much clearer picture of the page.

A Nice Bonus: Unlike a lot of photo book printing services, you can actually re-order the pages within the book. Nice for indecisive people like me who change their minds a lot.

The "RocketShows" Photo Show Option

RocketShows are another nice option available, turning your favorite photos into dramatic shows with the ability to share them via email or on the RocketLife website. Not quite as good as the share features at other sites (Shutterfly comes to mind), but still a good feature to have if you opt for this printer.

RocketLife's Printed Photo Books

Most of the photo books at RocketLife.com have a maximum of 100 pages that you can add, with the exception of their new lay-flat books which will only hold 20 page spreads (40 pages).

Book bindings vary, but the premium books are all sewn and glued, which is a nice option for something like a wedding photo book.

Other Photo Gifts and Products: Besides photo books, RocketLife also offers calendars, prints, posters, cards, key tags, luggage tags, magnets, mousepads, mugs, coasters, puzzles, t-shirts and mural tiles.

RocketLife's Customer Service

FAQs and a tutorial are available along with support via email or phone. It is, however, a much smaller company than Picaboo or Shutterfly or Snapfish, so you may notice a slightly longer wait time for email replies.

Updated: August 11, 2010

RocketLife Photo Book Review

RocketLife Comparative Photo Book Software Review

Background Themes	A large variety
Layout Variety	There are no set layouts - you can add text and pictures wherever you want on the page.
JPG as a Background	Yes
Digi-Scrapbooking Friendly	Yes
In-book Editing	Yes
Text - variety and Full Page	Yes
Embellishments and Corners	Yes - they can be found under themes
Full-Page Bleed	Yes
Final Grade	A+

For an explanation of the Feature Set Review

RocketLife Photo Book Sizes

The prices given are based on a 20 page book with printing on both sides of the pages. Additional pages are available for an extra charge. The price given is the lowest price for that size category. RocketLife allows a maximum of 100 pages.

Hardcover
6x8	33.95
7x7	30.95
8.5x8.5	32.95
8.5x11	27.95
8x10	30.95
9x7	30.95
9x9	27.95
10x10	36.95
12.5x10	36.95
12x12	47.95
Softcover
3.5x3.5	17.95 (3 pk)
3.75x2.5	23.95 (4 pk)
4x6	9.95
4.25x5.5	17.95 (2 pk)
5.25x3.5	23.95 (3 pk)
5x5	17.95 (2 pk)
7.5x5.5	11.95
6x8	11.95
8x10	15.95
8.5x8.5	15.95
8.5x11	15.95
9x7	15.95

For a more detailed pricing, please visit Photo Book Covers and Sizes

When you're done with this RocketLife Review, click here to learn about other photo book publishers