How to Make a Photo Book from Google Photos

This guide walks you through creating a printed photo book directly from your Google Photos library, using the built-in Print Store feature. You’ll select photos, choose a layout and cover, and order a physical book without ever leaving the app or website. Before starting, make sure you’re signed into the Google account that holds the photos you want to use, and that you have a valid payment method saved to that account.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account with photos stored in Google Photos
• The Google Photos app (Android/iOS) or access to photos.google.com in a web browser
• A payment method (credit/debit card) linked to your Google account
• A shipping address for delivery

Step-by-Step

1. Open Google Photos. Launch the app on your phone or tablet, or go to photos.google.com on your computer. Sign in if prompted.
2. Tap or click the “Print store� option. On the mobile app, tap your profile picture (top right), then select “Print store.� On the web, click the “Print store� link in the left sidebar (it looks like a small shop icon).
3. Choose “Photo book.� You’ll see several product types (prints, canvases, etc.). Select “Photo book� to start a new book.
4. Pick your photos. Google Photos will suggest a selection based on your recent activity or a specific date range. You can also tap “Create new� to manually choose photos. To select manually, browse your library and tap each photo you want to include. A blue checkmark appears on selected photos. You can select up to 100 photos for a standard book.
5. Tap “Next� or “Create.� After selecting photos, confirm your choice. Google Photos will automatically arrange them into a draft book.
6. Choose a theme and layout. You’ll see a preview of your book. Tap “Themes� to pick a background style (e.g., Minimal, Classic, Bold). Tap “Layout� to choose how many photos appear per page (single, two, or collage). You can change the layout for individual pages later.
7. Edit individual pages. Swipe or scroll through the preview. Tap any page to edit it: drag photos to rearrange, pinch to zoom/crop, tap the “+� to add more photos, or tap the trash icon to remove one. Use the text tool to add captions or titles.
8. Design the cover. Tap the cover page (first page) to choose a cover photo, add a title, and pick a cover color (hardcover options include linen, leather, or photo cover).
9. Review your book. Tap the “Preview� button to see a full-screen, page-by-page view. Check for blurry photos, awkward crops, or missing pages. Make any final adjustments.
10. Tap “Next� or the cart icon. This takes you to the order screen.
11. Choose book size and paper. Select a size (e.g., 8×8 or 12×12 inches) and paper type (glossy, matte, or lay-flat). Prices update as you change these.
12. Enter shipping and payment details. Confirm your shipping address and select your payment method. Review the total cost, including shipping and tax.
13. Place your order. Tap “Place order� or “Buy now.� You’ll receive an email confirmation. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location.

Common Mistakes

• Selecting too many photos. The standard book caps at 100 pages/photos. If you select more, Google will either trim the list or you’ll have to remove some during editing.
• Ignoring photo resolution. Very old or heavily zoomed photos may look pixelated when printed. Google Photos warns you with a “low qualityâ€� tag – avoid using those for large page layouts.
• Not checking page order. The auto-arrangement often places photos chronologically, but it can miss your intended story. Always scroll through the entire preview before ordering.
• Forgetting to save your draft. If you close the app mid-edit, your work is lost unless you tap “Saveâ€� (usually a checkmark or “Doneâ€�) and return to the Print Store menu to find your draft under “In progress.â€�
• Assuming the cover is free. Some cover materials (leather, lay-flat) cost extra. Check the price breakdown before confirming.

Tips

• Curate before you start. Create a dedicated album in Google Photos with the exact photos you want. Then when you open the Print Store, choose “From albumâ€� to avoid scrolling through your entire library.
• Use the “Auto-createâ€� feature. Google Photos often suggests themed books (e.g., “Summer 2023â€�). These are a fast starting point – you can still edit every page.
• Keep captions short. Long text blocks can look cluttered. A few words or a date works best.
• Check for duplicate photos. The auto-arranger sometimes includes near-identical shots. Remove extras to keep the book balanced.
• Order a proof copy for important books. If this is a wedding or milestone book, order one copy first to check print quality before buying multiple.

Troubleshooting

• Print store not showing up. The Print Store is only available in certain countries. If you don’t see it in your app or sidebar, it’s likely not offered in your region. You can still download your photos and use a third-party service.
• Photos won’t load in the editor. This is usually a slow internet connection. Close the editor, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and reopen. If it persists, restart the app or browser.
• Can’t drag photos on mobile. On a phone, you tap a photo to select it, then use the arrows (left/right) at the bottom of the page to move it. Dragging works better on a computer.
• Order fails at payment. Verify your card details and that your billing address matches the card. If using a Google Play balance, ensure it covers the full amount.
• Book arrives damaged or with misprints. Contact Google Store support through the order confirmation email. They typically offer a replacement or refund within 30 days.
• You want to reorder the same book. Go to Print Store → “Ordersâ€� → find the book → “Reorder.â€� It will use the same design and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Google Photos photo book cost? Prices vary by size, page count, and cover type. An 8×8 softcover with 20 pages typically starts around $10–15, while a 12×12 lay-flat can cost $40+. The final price is shown before you confirm the order.

Can I add more than 100 photos? The standard book is limited to 100 pages/photos. For larger books, you would need to create multiple volumes or use a third-party service that supports more pages.

Will my photos be printed in the original quality? Google Photos uses the highest resolution version of each photo you have stored. If you have “Storage saver� quality (compressed), the print will still look good for standard sizes, but may not be suitable for very large formats.

Can I edit the book after ordering? No, once the order is placed, the design is locked. You can, however, save the draft and reorder later with changes – that counts as a new order.

How long does shipping take? Typical delivery is 5–10 business days within the country you order from. International shipping may take longer. You’ll get a tracking link in your confirmation email.

Is there a mobile app specifically for photo books? No, the Print Store is built into the Google Photos app itself. There’s no separate app to download.

Related

• Samsung Note 4 Reset Password When Locked Out
• Fix Windows 10 Error 0x80070057 Restore
• How to Add QuickBooks Data to Microsoft Word