I’m still pinching myself that Project Life really is available on Shutterfly. We love comments like this one from Nicole: Becky, I am working on Project Life through Shutterfly and it is AMAZING! I LOVE LOVE everything and I LOVE most of all how I can customize everything the way I want it but with such ease!

The Shutterfly platform is fairly simple to use but I’m sure it seems quite overwhelming for someone transitioning from physical scrapbooking product. I want to address the questions and comments that are coming in, hopefully resulting in a better understanding about this Project Life option. If you’re ready to dig in and give it a try, click HERE for the Turquoise Edition or click HERE for the Clementine Edition.

{ Note } You can find some of my tips and inspiration for taking everyday photos in the Storytelling section on Shutterfly: Documenting Everyday Life

{ Also Note } I am personally using the Shutterfly photo book version of Project Life for our family’s 2012 yearbook and will happily share some of my own layouts soon, as well as samples from others who have submitted their screen shots. The purpose of this specific post is to answer your questions and address your concerns and as you will see, it’s long enough as it is. We’ll come back to the “fun side” and idea-sharing later.

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I thought the Shutterfly version would be a simple drop-in-my-pictures-and-add-my-journaling approach but it looks more complicated than that.

It absolutely is that simple, actually. The page templates (called “Idea Pages” on Shutterfly) are set up so that all you do is drop in your pictures and add your journaling. That’s it. You only alter the design if you want. I wonder if it “looks” more complicated because of the layouts being less “linear” than what most of our Project Life products are like.

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I’ve looked at it but starting seems so overwhelming. What is the best way to get started?

Since Project Life is designed around ‘bite size’ portions of photos and stories a week at a time, I recommend you set aside “Project Life time” each week to select your favorite pictures and create a spread. That’s my personal approach to creating our family yearbook this year and I anticipate spending about a half hour or so each week creating a spread about the previous week. As for getting started …

1. Select your book size and style (Clementine or Turquoise)

2. Next you will be prompted to “choose pictures for your book”. You can upload the desired photos from your computer, an existing album in your Shutterfly account or Facebook.

3. Once uploaded, “select” then “add” photos to your book. After the photos have been added a pop up will appear with 8 quick tips to making an amazing photo book. If you haven’t made a Shutterfly photo book before, spending a couple of minutes to review these tips will give you a great head start!

4. Your photos will be added to a tray at the bottom of your screen from which you can drag and drop them onto the pages as desired. If you’re adding a lot of photos at once (let’s say you want to make a book about last year), you may want to consider using the “auto fill” feature which places the pictures for you chronologically based on their time stamp. If you choose to do this, start by making sure you’re happy with the way your photos are laid out. Then go back to add captions and any other journaling you want.

5. If you want or need to play with the layout of the page to fit your photos or the amount of text you want to include, go into “customize mode” by clicking on the “customize page” link in the bottom left corner of your screen. Make the desired changes to the template and click “apply changes”. Customize mode allows you to easily move or resize any photo space, embellishment or text box. You can also add more text boxes as well.

That’s it! Oh, one last thing to keep in mind – don’t worry about if you’re making the “right decision” about which Project Life edition to use or which book size you want. You can always change size or style at any point before you order your book! Very cool.

{ Note } When it comes to the nitty-gritty and the technical side of creating your book, please go directly to Shutterfly for help as I will not be able to help you if you leave a comment on my blog, for example. The fastest and easiest way to find answers to your questions is through their FAQs. If you are unable to get the answers you need you can contact their customer service department by:

Email: customerservice@cs.shutterfly.com
Phone: 888.225.7159

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What size is the photo book?

When you get started with a Project Life photo book, the default size is 12×12 but you can change that if you’d like something smaller. Shutterfly photo books are available in the following 5 sizes:

• 12×12 square (hard cover only)
• 8×8 square (hard or soft cover)
• 8×11 landscape (hard or soft cover)
• 7×9 (soft cover only)
• 5×7 landscape (soft cover only)

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Once you start the book how long do you have to complete it? Can I work on it over the whole year?

Indefinitely. And yes, you can work on it as long as you’d like. As I mentioned, I will take the entire year to create our family yearbook in 2012. I’ll do a 2-page spread each week until the end of the year, and then I’ll print the book. I think many people are planning to do something like this as well.

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I’m a dedicated Project Lifer with the physical product but I’ll admit that the photo books intrigue me. It doesn’t make sense for me to do both but do you have any thoughts on this?

What is so exciting about this year for Project Life, is that we have all these OPTIONS now. We have the physical product, the digital product on JessicaSprague.com, and the photo book option on Shutterfly. Pick one that floats your boat. But if you just love the idea of trying a couple options, then by all means – go right ahead! Perhaps you’re using the physical product for your regular, everyday documenting and photos. If you want to try the Shutterfly option too, perhaps you could create a photo book that focuses on a person, trip, or theme. Create a book about the last family reunion, your parents’ anniversary, your daughter’s first year of college, whatever. Anything. The photo books don’t have to be as thick and involved as say, a full-sized scrapbook.

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Will there be other designs, or just Clementine and Turquoise?

I would absolutely love to have ALL Project Life designs available on Shutterfly but the thing is … that wasn’t up to me. Shutterfly has a LOT of photo book designs and lots more coming, so they could only choose two designs for now. Depending on how customers like our designs there, we’ll see if it’s possible to add more Projection Life designs in the future.

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How many pages is the Project Life photo book? I want to do a photo-a-day book for this year, which would require 104 pages (1 week per layout x 52 weeks) + title page + last page.

The “default” book is set up to be 20 pages, just like every other Shutterfly photo book, but you can increase the number of pages. Currently their maximum page count is 101; however Shutterfly is working intently to increase the page maximum to 111 to allow for enough pages to create a complete Project Life book with a spread for each week. This should be available sometime in March.

Guess what, Project Lifers? This is due in large part to your voice. We do hear you, we listen, and we are grateful to Shutterfly for working hard to make it possible.

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How does the cost of the Shutterfly version end up comparing with the physical product? If, for example, you were doing a picture a day for a year, would the photo book be more or less than buying the physical Project Life stuff and printing all the pictures?

Excellent question. But I’ll be upfront and tell you – it’s not as easy a question as you’d think. There are several variables that will affect the final cost of a photo book – size and cover are only part of it. First of all, I think the regular price of a 12×12 hardcover book is $54.99 but it goes on sale fairly often. Second, the cost of additional pages varies by size so adding a 12×12 page costs more than adding 8×11 or 8×8, etc. Note: The additional cost is for a ONE SIDED page.

Creating a photo book with one layout per week would total 106 pages (52 spreads x 2pgs/spread PLUS the Title and End pages) which would require the customer to buy 86 additional pages. At $1.50/pg (for the 12×12 size) that would bring the total cost of roughly $184 + tax and shipping. So let’s assume we’re talking about a $184 photo book, which would be without any discounts at all. (I want to point out that discounts and coupons are available frequently, so this truly is the “worst-case scenario” and definitely on the high side.)

Okay, now let’s look at the price of the physical product. Let’s say you stick with just the basics to create a full scrapbook. That would be a Binder + Project Life Core Kit + Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages. Without any “extras”, we are looking at about $65. Now let’s look at the cost of photo printing. Again, this is variable and we have to keep in mind that the cost of printing photos is different from place to place. Let’s say you print your photos very economically – at Costco, for example. Those prints are currently 13 cents/print. Let’s say you print 365 prints for a full year’s worth of pictures, which would definitely fill an entire album. That’s nearly $50 in printing. So the grand total of physical product + printing your photos = $115.

So you can see how there’s not really a simple answer. Even with the numbers I’m throwing around here, that’s not considering that most photo book makers will likely find a coupon to use, which will bring the cost of the photo book way down. And perhaps your favorite place to print photos costs more than 13 cents per print, which would bring the cost of a physical scrapbook project up. So really – the price comparison could be a wash!

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The page templates provided in the default 20-page book are pretty cool but they don’t all fit my personal style. Do I have other options?

Yes, there are a whole bunch of Idea Pages (page templates) to choose from and you can switch those out as you wish.

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There isn’t a lot of journaling on the page templates. What if I have more to write?

You’re right; the way the pages are set up, there are just little bits of journaling here and there. The advantage to this, is that anyone who doesn’t feel confident about their writing, or perhaps doesn’t want to say much, that’s just fine. However, the text boxes are adjustable and you can make them larger for adding more text. I know I’ll be doing this.

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I was expecting to see the Project Life classic layout (like the Design A Photo Pocket Page) but instead I see a totally different collection of layout designs. Are you planning to add the more traditional layout as an option?

Yes! Based on the desire for this (expressed by many of you), Shutterfly is working on adding an Idea Page (page template) so that you have that option. It takes time to implement and test and they are working on it. We really do listen, we hear you, and we work hard to provide solutions. We are grateful to Shutterfly for hearing you too and as soon as they have that layout template ready, we’ll announce it.

Just to clarify: When Shutterfly adds this classic Project Life “Design A” Idea Page to the collection, you will automatically see that in your page template options, even if you’ve already started a book. In fact, I know many of you will want to create the entire photo book with that layout design so that it mimics the physical product and everything is lined up and organized, and the journaling cards go through the middle and everything. Some of you are familiar with a similar, linear format that we used to have with Ziblio. If you want that, you can certainly have that by making every page the “Design A” template. In fact, I’m contemplating doing that myself, at least on some of the pages. If you want to hold out until that is available, you certainly can. Just keep your pictures in one place and you can quickly drop them in when the time comes (crossing our fingers for very soon).

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I was hoping to see more Project Life Journaling Cards.

Because we are adding the Design A page template, it makes sense to add some Journaling Cards as well. Note: Shutterfly has completely maxed out the number of embellishments that we can offer per Project Life design. In other words, we are pleased to at least be able to squeeze in 10 Journaling Cards per design, but unfortunately we’re not able to add ALL of the journaling cards that you find in the physical product (Core Kit).

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What do you do about the memorabilia and the “stuff” of life? It doesn’t seem like I can implement this into a photo book like I can with the physical product.

You’re right, to an extent. There are pros + cons to each option, and that’s why you have to choose what works best for you. Can you include actual, physical, dimensional “stuff” to a photo book? Well – not really. Can you scan or photograph those items (receipts, movie tickets, programs, awards, ribbons, etc.) and make them a part of your story in a photo book? Absolutely. That’s what I do.

Let’s say you strongly prefer the photo book (personally, I love that the end result is a skinny, professionally bound book simply because we already have so many full-sized scrapbooks in our home from being a lifetime scrapbooker). Let’s say that you also don’t want to let go of the “stuff”. Solution: Get a 12×12 Binder + Big Envelope Pages (currently sold out but available again early February) and keep a binder with a Big Envelope Page full of memorabilia for each year – or however you decide to use them. Naturally, organizing + displaying memorabilia in our Photo Pocket Pages is also a great idea. Having a 12×12 binder specifically for all the “stuff” that doesn’t fit in your photo books would certainly be an option to consider.

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I’ve created other photo books on Shutterfly and there are certain design elements I like from other designs. Can I use them in my Project Life photo book?

You bet! In fact, two of our very own Creative Team members have also designed books for Shutterfly (Ali and Liz) and I bet they have very cool elements that many of you would love.

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Will you still be able to do the cover of the book as a single photo like you did for your family yearbooks? I loved that look, and am ready to jump in and try Shutterfly.

You have as much flexibility with the cover as you do with any of the other pages. Shutterfly makes the whole experience customizable. Again, I want to re-emphasize that you do not have to be creative or spend time altering pages in a Project Life photo book. It’s designed to drop in your pictures, add a little journaling, and be done.

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Will there be a school version available in the future?

Let’s hope! One step at a time, my friend.  : )

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How true-to-color does the finished product from Shutterfly come out?

Color calibration and resolution is different for every computer so it’s hard to judge what your expectations are based on the computer you’re looking at, but Shutterfly print tests every style to ensure the final product accurately reflects the designer’s intent and their color palette was developed specifically with accurate, high quality color in mind.

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Can I save each page as a jpg on my computer for printing?

Shutterfly is introducing a new feature in February which will enable you to download a pdf of your book for easier proofing before you order. The pdf WILL have a watermark and is intended for proofing only.

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I want to print my pages outside of an album and use them for a hybrid album. I don’t see the option to just print pages in 12×12 format.

Unfortunately, you can’t print the pages in your book one-by-one. They only come in a bound album. If you’d like to create digital scrapbook pages for say, a hybrid scrapbook, you will love the Project Life products available in digital format at JessicaSprague.com.

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Do I pay for it only after I order it? I’m assuming I keep working on it until it’s done and then place the order and pay.

Yes, you are only charged when you order. Take as much or as little time as you’d like to create the book. As I mentioned, I will literally build upon our family yearbook a week at a time in 2012 and will print at the end of the year.

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What is the maximum file size for pictures when uploading them? Can you upload RAW format, or does it have to be jpg?

Only jpg formatted photos can be uploaded. I don’t think there is a maximum size but the bigger the file the longer it will take to load. Shutterfly recommends a maximum file size of 4-6MB.

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Does Shutterfly ship internationally? I live in Australia and am curious about that option, and the cost.

Yes! Shutterfly does ship internationally. Shipping costs are based on book size and can be found HERE.

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I have trouble with the captions. I can’t seem to get them the right size.

You can resize the text boxes by going into ‘customize’ mode and changing the size of the box. Additionally, you can change the font size by clicking on the text box.

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Is there a way to have plain white boxes with rounded corners to use for journaling that can be adjusted to ANY size? I played with the grid ones that I found and they can be adjusted in size but have to maintain their proportions it seems. If I want a square or just an itty bity rectangle that is wider than it is tall I want that option. You don’t always need or have room for the proportions of the grid ones on there.

Unfortunately, you can only change the size of embellishments (including the journaling cards) in proportion to their original size. However, if you don’t see what you want in the Project Life kit, you can also search Shutterfly’s extensive palette of embellishments to see if something closer to what you want is available there. There are several shapes and sizes of tabs or frames that could fulfill your need.

To search, click on the “embellisments” tab to the far left of your screen. Then click on the link for “get more stickers”. This will bring up a search box that includes EVERY embellishment available in all 70+ styles Shutterfly offers! For your particular search, click “Categories” then click on the boxes for “Frames” and/or “Organizers”. All sorts of options will appear. Click on the ones you’d like to add use, then click “Add to Project”. These will now appear in your project’s embellishments palette on the left side of your screen. Remember, these can also be re-sized using customize mode.

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Will we be able to use coupons or Shutterfly discount codes to purchase the book?

Absolutely!

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I’ve been creating a book on Shutterfly and overall, I love it. But there are a few things with the program that make it difficult. 
1.) No zoom 2.) No copy + paste 
3.) No undo when you are in customize page mode
 4.) No redo anywhere
. Any chance you have connections with Shutterfly and can get these things addressed?


These are all great ideas. #3 is on the short list to address in the next couple of months (however just to be clear if you haven’t already “applied changes” you can just click “cancel” to undo any changes you have made to the page). Shutterfly will definitely look into your other requests as they plan for future enhancements.

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Where is the copy function so I can duplicate pages?

Shutterfly does not currently have a “copy” function but is currently working on one which should be available in the coming weeks.

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I am loving it but it doesn’t auto save. I lost tons that way and had to redo it all.

Shutterfly is in the process of reviewing an auto save function to make sure it will work as intended and expect updates shortly. We encourage you to save your project frequently on your own to avoid the loss of work.

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Please beg Shutterfly to upgrade their iPad app. I want to do my Project Life on it soooo bad!

The current creation path is built in flash which doesn’t work on the iPad. Shutterfly is DEFINITELY working on opportunities to create books on the iPad (and other tablets) but due to the extensive work required to accomplish this and ensure it runs smoothly, it’s probably not something that will be available this year.

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Can I order more than one book at the end of the year? I know my girls will want their own copy. I understand you can order more pages, I didn’t see where you could order more than one book. What would be the cost of each additional book?

Yes! You can order as many copies as you want at any time. You will select the quantity you need when you begin the order process. One of the biggest advantages of creating your book in Shutterfly is that you can even order the book in different sizes for different recipients! So if you want a big, beautiful 12×12 book but your girls only want it in 8×8 – NO PROBLEM! Isn’t that so cool? Shutterfly also SAVES your project indefinitely so if you decide you want to order more copies of your book as gifts at Christmas or for a birthday or Mother’s Day or whatever, you can go back into your account and just order another book (again, in any size). Costs vary by size but each book of the same size will be the same price. Prices do not vary with quantities.

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{ Once again … } If you need tech support or have specific questions about your project (or prices or coupon options or other questions), please do not ask here on my blog or contact our Customer Service, as we are not the experts. Shutterfly is all set up with customer support for anyone creating a Shutterfly book. You can contact their customer service department by:

Email: customerservice@cs.shutterfly.com
Phone: 888.225.7159 (Monday – Friday, 6am – 5pm Pacific Time)