You’ve taken the photos — the ones that capture laughter, chaos, pride, and everything in between. Now it’s time to do something real with them. This isn’t a guide about nostalgia; it’s about designing your story with purpose and style.
In the next few minutes, you’ll discover how to turn those moments into lasting memento. From sleek layflat albums that open flat across panoramic spreads to softcover photo books perfect for everyday memories, we’ll explain all the photo book types in plain English—the covers, the paper, the binding, the sizes, and help you choose the right photo book type for each moment, mood, and milestone.
Why Does Choosing The Right Photo Book Type Matter?
The right photo book type doesn’t just showcase your pictures; it defines the mood, the flow, and the impact of your memories. A premium layflat book makes wedding and travel photos feel cinematic, while a softcover photo book captures the lighthearted energy of everyday life. The materials, paper finish, and binding all shape how your story is experienced — whether it’s bold and modern or warm and nostalgic. Choosing thoughtfully turns a simple collection of images into something lasting .
What Are The Main Photo Book Types And Features?
Let’s explore the essential elements that define the different photo book types. These choices are what give your book its unique personality. They affect how it looks, how it feels in your hands, and how it will stand the test of time.
Photobook Types and Distinguishing Features
The different photobook types are primarily defined by their cover material, cover structure, and binding method:
- Softcover Photo Book:
- Feature: Lighter and more flexible, like a premium magazine.
- Cover: Customisable soft cover with a glossy finish and perfect binding.
- Best Use: Smaller projects, travel diaries, or a cost-effective choice for creating a series of books.
- Hardcover Photo Book:
- Feature: The classic, sturdy, and most popular choice. Durable and feels substantial.
- Cover: Customisable hard cover with a classic hardback binding.
- Best Use: Big life events like weddings, milestone birthdays, or a special year-in-review.
- Spiral Bound Photo Book:
- Feature: Uses a wire spiral binding that allows the book to open completely flat and fold back on itself.
- Cover: Flexible cover.
- Best Use: Cookbooks, presentations, or journals where hands-free viewing is essential.
- Layflat Photo Book:
- Feature: Uses a special binding method so that the pages open completely flat without a visible crease in the middle.
- Cover: Typically a sturdy hardcover with layflat binding.
- Best Use: Essential for displaying panoramic images or photos that span across a double-page spread.
- Leather Photo Book:
- Feature: Hardcover wrapped in a textured faux/vegan leather material.
- Cover: Faux/Vegan Leather Hardcover.
- Best Use: Provides a classic, durable, and sophisticated look for family archives or special gifts.
- Window Cutout Photo Book:
- Feature: Hardcover with a small, square cutout on the front to showcase a single photo.
- Cover: Faux/Vegan Leather Hardcover with a window.
- Best Use: Professional-looking keepsake designed to highlight a specific image on the cover.
- Classic Leather Photo Book:
- Feature: An elegant presentation with a satin ribbon tied around the cover.
- Cover: Faux/Vegan Leather Hardcover, pre-wrapped with a ribbon.
- Best Use: Luxury gift for anniversaries or formal wedding albums.
- Deluxe Fabric Photo Book:
- Feature: Hardcover bound in a high-quality Italian fabric (e.g., beige, black, grey).
- Cover: Italian Fabric Hardcover.
- Best Use: Professional and tactile finish, suitable for elegant family albums and sophisticated gifts.
- Premium Layflat Photo Book:
- Feature: The highest quality layflat option, featuring ultra-thick 520gsm paper pages that are unbendable.
- Cover: Hardcover, often with an Italian Fabric option.
- Best Use: Heirloom-quality book for the most important memories and professional-grade presentation.
- Acrylic Cover Photo Book:
- Feature: A luxury layflat album with a cover that incorporates a glass-like acrylic panel.
- Cover: Hardcover with an Acrylic front (Full, Edge, or Window) and Italian Fabric wrap.
- Best Use: Maximum impact, professional portfolios, and luxury wedding albums where a modern, high-end finish is desired.
Paper Types and Quality
At Printerpix, we understand that paper quality directly impacts the final product’s appearance and longevity. Our curated selection includes:
- Crisp Glossy Paper (200gsm): Perfect for vibrant, high-definition prints that make colors pop. Ideal for contemporary photography and family albums.
- Lustrous Semi-Gloss Paper (190gsm): Favored by photographers for its natural finish and subtle sheen. Provides excellent contrast while reducing glare.
- Premium Matte Paper (430gsm): Offers a sophisticated, glare-free finish perfect for artistic photography and professional presentations.
- Archival Quality Paper (470gsm): Acid-free, museum-quality paper designed to preserve memories for generations. The premium choice for heirloom albums.
- Luxurious Layflat Paper (520gsm): Our thickest option, mounted on board for exceptional durability and seamless spreads.
Sizing Options
- Square: Modern, stylish, and perfect for all those Instagram snaps! Square books (like 20x20cm or 30x30cm) are incredibly versatile and give a clean, contemporary feel to any story.
- A4/A5 Landscape: Wider than it is tall, this format is made for sweeping views, group photos, and telling a story that flows horizontally. Think staycations in the Lake District or documenting a school sports day.
- A4/A5 Portrait: Taller than it is wide, this is the classic book format. It’s ideal for portraits (obviously!), baby photos, and creating a more traditional, storybook feel.
Printerpix Photobook Comparison Table
| Product Type | Material Used | Cover Type | Binding Type | Page Type | Sizing Chart | Best Use Case | DiscountPrice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover | FSC-certified, 200gsm paper | Customisable Hardcover (Gloss or Matte finish) | PUR Binding (Sturdy Spine) | 200gsm paper, Gloss finish | A5, A4, A3, Square (20x20cm, 27x27cm) | Versatile, best-selling option for general memories, year-in-reviews, and gifts. | £19.99 |
| Layflat | Extra-thick paper (430gsm, 470gsm options) | Customisable Hardcover | Layflat Binding | Layflat pages (open completely flat), Glossy or Silk finish | Square (20x20cm), A4 (30x20cm, 20x30cm) | Panoramic images, double-page spreads, wedding albums, and high-quality presentations. | £31.99 |
| Softcover | 200gsm paper | Customisable Softcover (Flexible, Glossy finish) | Flexible Binding | 200gsm paper, Semi-gloss finish | A5, Square (20x20cm), A4 (30x21cm, 21x30cm) | Lightweight, portable, art projects, books to carry around, and cost-effective gifts. | £15.99 |
| Leather | Faux/Vegan Leather, 200gsm paper | Hardcover with Textured Faux Leather | PUR Binding | 200gsm paper, Semi-gloss finish | A5, Square, A4, Large Square | Thoughtful personalised gifts, family archives, wedding albums, and a classic, durable look. | £27.99 |
| Window Cutout | Faux/Vegan Leather, FSC-certified paper | Hardcover with Faux Leather and a Customisable Window Cutout | PUR Binding | High-quality paper (specific gsm not listed, implied 200gsm) | A5, Square, A4 | Showcasing a single special photo on the cover, professional-looking keepsake. | £11.19 |
| Classic Leather | Faux/Vegan Leather, 200gsm paper | Hardcover with Faux Leather, tied with a Satin Ribbon | PUR Binding | 200gsm paper, Semi-gloss finish | A4 only | Elegant presentation, luxury gift, special occasions like anniversaries and weddings. | £19.18 |
| Spiral | 200gsm paper | Flexible Cover (Customisable) | Spiral/Wire Binding | 200gsm paper, Semi-gloss finish | Square (20x20cm), A4 (30x21cm, 21x30cm) | Easy to flip pages, lies completely flat, ideal for cookbooks, presentations, and journals. | £9.48 |
| Premium Layflat | Premium Layflat Paper (520gsm) | Hardcover (Italian Fabric Cover option available) | Layflat Binding | 520gsm (thickest option), Seamless spreads | A4 (30x20cm, 20x30cm), Square (20x20cm) | Highest quality layflat option, flawless print quality, unbendable pages, premium heirloom. | £53.99 |
| Acrylic Cover | Italian Fabric, Acrylic, Layflat Paper (430gsm, 470gsm, 520gsm) | Hardcover with Acrylic (Full, Edge, or Window) and Italian Fabric | Layflat Binding | Extra-thick, layflat pages (430gsm minimum) | Square (20x20cm, 30x30cm), A4 (30x20cm), A3 (40x30cm) | Heirloom quality, maximum impact, panoramic shots, weddings, and professional portfolios. | £96.59 |
| Deluxe Fabric | Italian Fabric, Glossy paper | Hardcover with Italian Fabric Cover (Beige, Black, Grey) | Classic Binding (up to 100 pages) | Glossy paper (specific gsm not listed, implied 200gsm) | A4, A5, Square (20x20cm, 27x27cm) | Professional, elegant look, suitable for family albums, year-in-reviews, and special gifts. | £15.99 |
How Can You Choose Your Photo Book In 3 Simple Steps?
Step 1: Match the Moment
Think about your story. A Layflat book suits once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings. A Hardcover works beautifully for family yearbooks or milestone recaps. For casual memories or kids’ artwork, a Softcover keeps it light and fun.
Step 2: Pick the Binding and Cover
Choose by purpose. A Hardcover offers long-lasting protection and a premium feel. A Softcover is flexible and shareable. Layflat binding opens completely flat, making panoramic photos and professional shots shine.
Step 3: Choose Paper and Size
Match the finish to your photos. Gloss paper boosts bright, colorful images; Matte paper gives portraits and baby albums a soft, elegant look. A4 landscape suits sweeping views, while square books are perfect for your favorite social snaps.Seasonal Gifting Guide: Christmas, Mother’s Day, & More
Which Photo Book Style Is Best For Your Occasion?
A photo book is more than a collection of pictures. It is a thoughtful, personal way to capture emotion and turn memories into something lasting. Whether it is a wedding, a new baby, or a holiday, there is a photo book style that perfectly fits the moment.
Weddings
Your wedding story deserves to shine. A layflat photo book is perfect for showcasing wide shots of your venue, the first dance, and candid details such as the rings and flowers. You can include short text, like a line from your vows or a favorite quote from a speech, to make the story even more personal.
New Baby and First Year
The first year of your baby’s life passes in a blur of tiny milestones and heart-melting moments. A hardcover photo book with a matte finish is a wonderful way to preserve them. Include photos of everyday memories such as the first bath, bedtime cuddles, and messy smiles. It will become a keepsake that parents and grandparents will treasure for years.
Family Yearbook
A Hardcover Photo Book is the best choice for an annual family story. Start with winter celebrations, move through the joys of spring and summer, and finish with the cozy moments of autumn. Over time, these books create a beautiful family collection that tells your story year after year.
Travel and Staycations
Relive your favorite journeys with a Landscape Photo Book that gives scenic views the space they deserve. Combine breathtaking landscapes with details like tickets, maps, or postcards. You can even add a QR code that links to your travel videos for an interactive touch.
Christmas
A year-in-review photo book makes a thoughtful Christmas gift, especially for grandparents. Wrap it together with a soft Sherpa Fleece Photo Blanket to create a cozy, heartfelt present that celebrates the year gone by.
Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mom with a book filled with laughter, love, and family moments. Add captions that describe what makes her so special, and pair the book with a matching Photo Mug for a gift that starts every morning with a smile.
Father’s Day
Tell Dad’s story with a photo book that captures his hobbies, his adventures, and special moments with the family. Include “then and now” photos to show how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. A Metal Print of a favorite portrait can complete the gift beautifully.
Valentine’s Day
Forget the usual gifts and tell your love story in a Hardcover Photo Book. Begin with your first photo together and end with your most recent adventure. It is a simple and meaningful way to celebrate your journey together.
What’s the Difference Between Layflat & Standard Photo Books?
The main difference lies in how the pages are bound — and how your photos appear when you open the book.
Standard Photo Books
In a standard photo book, the pages curve gently into the center spine. We use PUR binding style for our books. It’s lighter, more flexible, and perfect for casual storytelling — like family yearbooks, travel diaries, or everyday moments. Standard binding is also more budget-friendly and gives you a classic, book-like feel.
Layflat Photo Books
Layflat books are made differently. Each page is printed on thick, premium board and bound so that the spreads open completely flat — with no crease or gutter in the middle. That means your photos flow seamlessly across two pages without losing any detail. It’s ideal for wide landscapes, wedding photos, professional photography, panoramic travel shots etc.
How Many Pages Do I Need For My Photo Book?
There’s no single right answer, but here’s a good rule of thumb when choosing between photo book types. It’s better to have fewer pages with well-chosen, impactful photos than too many crowded pages. Let your pictures breathe!
- Baby’s First Year: 24-48 pages is usually plenty to capture the key milestones.
- Wedding: 40-80 pages allows you to tell the full story of the day without rushing it.
- Travel/Holiday: 24-60 pages, depending on the length of your trip.
- Year-in-Review: 24-48 pages often works well, with 2-4 pages per month.
Remember, you can always start with the minimum number of pages and add more if your story needs it.
How Can I Easily Organise My Photos For A Book?
Okay, deep breath. The camera roll chaos is the biggest hurdle for most people, but we can tame it. Here’s a simple, stress-free way to get your photos ready, no matter which of the photo book types you choose.
- Create a ‘Favourites’ Folder: Go through your photos from the event or year and create a new album on your phone or computer. As you scroll, add any photo that makes you smile to this new folder. Don’t overthink it!
- Sort and Select: Now, look only at your ‘Favourites’ folder. This is a much more manageable number. Start grouping them by moment or month. Aim to choose 1-3 hero shots for each key event or chapter.
- Use Our Tool: Once you’ve uploaded your photos, our auto-fill tool can do the heavy lifting by placing your pictures into a layout for you. You can then easily swap photos, tweak the designs, and add your personal touches. It’s the perfect way to get a first draft done in minutes.
Feeling inspired to get those memories organised? This is the perfect moment to start. Why not open up our editor and just choose a theme? You’ll be surprised how quickly your story starts to take shape.
How Can You Add Videos To Your Photo Book With QR Codes?
Some moments are best remembered in motion — a baby’s first giggle, the cheer of a birthday toast, or the sound of the sea. Adding QR codes lets you bring those moments to life right inside your photo book.
How It Works
- Upload your video to a private platform such as YouTube (set to unlisted) or a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Use a free QR code generator to create a code linked to your video.
- Download and save the QR code as an image file.
- Add the QR code to your photo book layout just like a regular photo.
Where to Place Them
- On the inside cover, linking to a personal video message.
- Next to a birthday photo, playing the “Happy Birthday” song.
- Beside a wedding photo, showing the first dance or ceremony.
- Alongside holiday photos, capturing the sound and motion of your favorite place.
QR codes make your photo book interactive, blending printed memories with the sights and sounds of real life.
Your Memories Deserve A Home
Your memories deserve more than a screen. Turn them into something real, a photo book that keeps your stories close and your moments alive. Start today, choose your favourite photos, and create a you’ll treasure for years.