Is Foldpic really free?

Yes. Your first project is free up to 16 pages, exported as a print-ready PDF at 200 dpi with no watermark on the album pages. Paid options for longer books and extra projects are planned and will be shown before you hit any limit.

Do I need to create an account?

No. You can pick a format, drop in photos and download the PDF without signing up. An account is only offered afterwards, if you want to come back to the same project on another device.

What do I need at home?

A printer that takes A4 or US Letter paper, plain or matte paper (80 to 160 gsm is the sweet spot for most home printers), scissors for the zine, and a stapler for the booklet. The accordion album needs only a ruler to score the folds. One rule to keep in mind: the finished page is a fraction of the sheet, so an A4 sheet gives an A5 book. For A4 pages you need a printer that takes A3, and A3 pages would need A2 — that is a copy-shop job.

Which formats can I make?

Three at launch: an 8-page mini zine folded from one sheet with a single cut, a stapled photo booklet of 8 to 32 pages printed on both sides, and an accordion album printed on one side only so any photo paper works.

Will the pages come out in the right order?

Yes. Foldpic imposes the pages for you, so the printed sheet looks scrambled (some panels are upside down on purpose) but reads 1, 2, 3 once folded. The instruction sheet shows a numbered diagram so you can check before you cut.

Which print settings should I use?

Always 100% or "Actual size", never "Fit to page". Zines and accordion albums print on one side; the booklet prints on both sides with "flip on short edge". Every PDF ships with a settings card and a one-sheet test page.

You can upload photos and review from a phone. Editing works best on a tablet or a computer, and your project is saved on the device you are working on.

What happens to my photos?

They are stored on your device first so nothing is lost if the tab closes. Originals are only uploaded to build your PDF, kept compressed without quality loss, and deleted on the schedule in our privacy page.

Do I need to print on both sides?

No. The 8-page zine is printed on one side only. The back of the sheet ends up hidden inside the folds.

Why are some panels printed upside down?

The top row of panels flips over when the sheet is folded, so they are rotated 180 degrees on the sheet to read correctly in the finished zine.

Can I make it bigger?

Yes. Print the same layout on A3 or Tabloid (11 by 17 inch) paper and each page becomes A6 or 4.25 by 5.5 inches, twice the area of the A4 version.

Does it need a staple?

No. The single slit and the way the panels wrap around each other hold it together. Some people leave a tiny uncut tab at one end of the slit so it holds even more firmly.

What if my page count is not 8?

This format is always 8 pages. For more pages use a stapled booklet, which takes any multiple of 4 from 8 to 32 pages.

Can I print a booklet from a normal PDF?

Only if the pages are imposed into booklet order first. Foldpic exports the imposed print PDF directly; some PDF readers also have a booklet mode, but they often add white borders or get the flip wrong.

What does collate do?

With collate on, the printer prints a complete set of sheets in order before starting the next copy. With it off you get all copies of sheet 1, then all copies of sheet 2, and have to sort them by hand.

Why is my back page upside down?

The wrong flip edge was selected. Reprint with the other option (long edge instead of short, or the reverse).

Why does the print not reach the edge of the paper?

Home printers have an unprintable margin, typically 2.5 to 7.6 mm. Foldpic's templates keep photos inside a safe area so nothing important is lost.

How many pages can a home booklet have?

Any multiple of 4 from 8 to 32 pages works well. Beyond about 8 sheets the folded spine gets thick, the inner pages creep outward and ordinary staplers struggle.

My back pages are upside down. What happened?

The wrong flip edge was chosen. Reprint with the other setting; the rest of the sheets were fine.

Which is it for a Foldpic booklet?

Foldpic's booklet PDF is a landscape sheet with two pages per side, so choose flip on short edge. The print-settings card in the instruction sheet says so.

Does the setting matter for a mini zine?

No. The 8-page zine is printed on one side only.

My printer has no flip setting, only duplex on or off.

Many drivers default to long edge when duplex is simply “on”. Print one sheet, do the hold-to-light test and, if needed, look for “binding” or “orientation” under advanced options.

The print dialog says the page is larger than the paper. Should I fit it?

No. Check the paper size in the dialog matches the PDF (A4 or Letter). If it does, choose actual size; a warning about content near the edge is just the printer margin.

Can I print a Letter zine on A4 paper?

Not well. The sheets have different proportions, so the panels will be the wrong size and the folds off. Make the project on the paper size your printer holds.

How do I check scaling without a test page?

Measure any known dimension: the total width of a printed panel row should equal the sheet's long edge less two printer margins, or use a ruler on any object in the layout with a known size.

What paper should I buy for my first zine?

Ordinary 80 or 90 gsm copy paper. It costs nothing, folds crisply and lets you test the print settings without waste. Move to 100 or 120 gsm once you are happy with the layout.

Can I print a booklet on glossy photo paper?

Only if it is double-sided photo paper. Ordinary glossy sheets are coated on one side, so choose the single-sided accordion or zine instead, or use double-sided matte paper.

Will 250 gsm card go through my printer?

Some photo inkjets accept 250 gsm through the rear tray; most laser printers and office inkjets will not. Check the manual and feed one sheet at a time through the manual slot.

Why does my fold crack and show a white line?

Either the paper is too heavy to fold without scoring, or it is a laser print where the toner has cracked. Score the line first and fold with the printed side inside where you can.

Does paper weight change the print settings?

Set the paper type in the print dialog to match (plain, matte, card, photo). This changes how much ink is laid down and the feed speed, which matters more on thick paper.

Is 1 mm of offset a fault?

No, it is normal on home and small-office printers. A service call is only worth it if the offset is several millimetres or changes from sheet to sheet.

Why is the offset different every time?

Loose tray guides, mixed paper stocks or curled paper make the feed inconsistent. Fan the paper, square the guides and use one paper type per job.

Does misalignment matter for a mini zine?

No. The 8-page zine is printed on one side, so there is nothing to register.

Can I trim the booklet to hide it?

Partly. Trimming the fore-edge, head and foot after folding removes the outer few millimetres where the mismatch is visible, and gives true full-bleed photos.

How many sheets can a normal stapler get through?

Most desk staplers manage 8 to 10 sheets of 80 gsm paper, which is a 32 to 40 page booklet. Heavier paper reduces that, so keep booklets on 120 gsm and up to 5 or 6 sheets.

Where exactly do the staples go?

On the centre crease, at roughly a quarter and three quarters of the page height. Foldpic prints the marks in light grey in the gutter.

Is sewing stronger than stapling?

Yes, and it never rusts. A three-hole pamphlet stitch takes about five minutes per booklet once you have done it twice.

Can I use a stapler on a mini zine?

You can, but you do not need to. The one-sheet 8-page zine holds itself together after the slit and fold.

Can I use glossy photo paper?

Yes. The accordion is printed on one side only, so single-sided glossy or satin inkjet paper is ideal.

How many panels can an accordion album have?

Foldpic makes 4, 8 or 12 panels from one, two or three sheets. Longer albums are possible by joining more strips, but they get unwieldy to stand up.

Does it need a cover?

No, but two pieces of card glued to the end panels make it feel like a book and protect the photos.

Why do the panels lean when it stands?

The creases are not sharp or do not alternate. Score every fold and make sure the pattern is mountain, valley, mountain.

Can I print both sides?

You can print a second strip and glue it back to back, which avoids duplex printing entirely.

How many photos fit in a 16-page album?

About 25 to 40, depending on the layouts. One hero photo per spread plus two or three small ones is a good rhythm.

Can I make a hardcover at home?

Not with a printer alone. You can glue the finished booklet into a card or board cover by hand, or take the PDF to a copy shop for heavier stock.

Will the photos look as good as a professional album?

On good matte photo paper from a modern inkjet, very close. Free projects export at 200 dpi, which is sharp at A5; paid projects export at 300 dpi.

Can I use the photographer's files?

Yes, if your contract gives you print rights, which most wedding contracts do. Full-resolution JPEGs are ideal; avoid downloading from social media, which recompresses them.

What about a guest book?

Print an accordion with one photo per panel and leave the facing panel blank for messages, or make a booklet with alternating photo and blank pages.

How many pages for a first-year book?

24 to 28 pages covers twelve months at one spread each plus a birth page and a first-birthday page. Free Foldpic projects go up to 16 pages, which is a good half-year volume.

Can I add pages after printing?

Not to a stapled booklet. Make the next months a second matching booklet instead.

What paper is safe for babies?

Any ordinary paper is fine; the risk is staples and corners. Fold the staple legs flat and cover them with tape, and consider laminating the cover.

265 questions, answered

Straight answers for making things at home.

Every question people ask us about printing, folding and paper, in one place. Each answer links to the guide it comes from.

Cards, postcards and envelopes

Will 250 gsm card go through my printer?: Some photo inkjets accept 250 gsm through the rear tray; most laser printers and office inkjets will not. Check the manual and feed one sheet at a time through the manual slot. From: Best paper weights for printing zines and photo booklets at home
Do I need a scanner for hospital bracelets and cards?: A phone photo on a plain background is enough. Crop it square and it works in any small slot. From: How to make a baby memory book at home
Do I need to score 160 gsm?: Not strictly, but it folds cleaner and laser prints on 160 gsm will crack without it. From: How to score and fold thick card without cracking
Can I score with scissors?: Yes, with the tip of a closed pair run gently along the ruler. Be careful not to cut. From: How to score and fold thick card without cracking
Which side do I score?: Test a scrap. Scoring on the inside of the fold gives the sharpest crease; scoring on the outside usually cracks printed surfaces less. From: How to score and fold thick card without cracking
My accordion still cracks at the fold.: The card is probably above your printer's or your scoring tool's comfort. Try a heavier score, fold with the print inside, or use 200 gsm instead of 250. From: How to score and fold thick card without cracking
Why is half my card printed upside down?: That half is the inside. Folding the top half behind the bottom half turns it the right way up, so the upside-down print is correct. From: How to fold a quarter-fold card from one sheet of A4 or Letter
Do I need a double-sided printer?: No. A quarter-fold card prints on one side of a single sheet; the folds put the inside on the inside. From: How to fold a quarter-fold card from one sheet of A4 or Letter
What size is the finished card?: A quarter of the sheet: 105 × 148 mm (A6) from A4, about 4.25 × 5.5 in from US Letter, and A5 from A3. From: How to fold a quarter-fold card from one sheet of A4 or Letter
Can I write inside before folding?: Yes, and it is easier flat. Write on the upside-down top half with the sheet turned round, and let the ink dry before you fold. From: How to fold a quarter-fold card from one sheet of A4 or Letter
What size card does A4 make?: Folded into quarters, A4 makes an A6 card of 105 × 148 mm. Folded once, it makes an A5 card of 148 × 210 mm. From: Folded card sizes: what each sheet makes and which envelope fits
Can I make a 5x7 card on a home printer?: Only as a half fold from a 7 × 10 in sheet, usually trimmed from larger paper and printed on both sides. A quarter fold on Letter gives a 4.25 × 5.5 in card instead. From: Folded card sizes: what each sheet makes and which envelope fits
Which envelope fits an A6 card?: A C6 envelope (114 × 162 mm). Foldpic's gift kit can also print an envelope sized exactly to your card. From: Folded card sizes: what each sheet makes and which envelope fits
What paper weight is best for a folded card?: 160–200 gsm card for a quarter fold. Up to about 250 gsm works for a scored half fold. From: Folded card sizes: what each sheet makes and which envelope fits
Is it really free to make a photo birthday card?: Yes. Your first Foldpic project is free, there is no watermark on the card and you do not need an account to download the PDF. From: How to make a birthday card with a photo at home
Can I print it on normal printer paper?: Yes, but it will be floppy. 160–200 gsm card gives a card that stands up; use the rear or manual feed tray if your printer has one. From: How to make a birthday card with a photo at home
Will the photo look blurry?: Phone photos are more than sharp enough for an A6 front. Foldpic shows a warning if a photo is too small for the frame it is in. From: How to make a birthday card with a photo at home
Can I make several copies?: Yes. Print the same PDF as many times as you like, or change the name and print again for the next birthday. From: How to make a birthday card with a photo at home
How long should a birthday card message be?: Two to four sentences. Enough for a greeting, one specific detail and a wish; longer messages belong in a letter. From: What to write in a birthday card: simple formulas and example messages
What do I write if I don't know them well?: Keep it warm and simple: “Happy birthday! Wishing you a relaxed day and a great year ahead.” From: What to write in a birthday card: simple formulas and example messages
Is it rude to send a belated birthday card?: No. A late card with a personal line is better than none. Acknowledge it briefly and focus on them. From: What to write in a birthday card: simple formulas and example messages
Should I type or handwrite the message?: Either. A typed message stays legible; adding a handwritten signature or line keeps it personal. From: What to write in a birthday card: simple formulas and example messages
How soon should I send a thank-you card?: Within about two weeks for most gifts, within 24 hours after a job interview, and within three months for wedding gifts. From: What to write in a thank-you card: a formula and examples for every occasion
What if the gift was money?: Say what it will go towards: “It is going towards our honeymoon in Lisbon.” Avoid naming the amount. From: What to write in a thank-you card: a formula and examples for every occasion
Can I send the same message to everyone?: Use the same printed front and greeting, but add one specific handwritten line about each person's gift or help. From: What to write in a thank-you card: a formula and examples for every occasion
Is a thank-you postcard acceptable?: Yes, for most occasions. It is quicker to send and arrives without an envelope. From: What to write in a thank-you card: a formula and examples for every occasion
Can I print postcards on a normal inkjet printer?: Yes, as long as it can feed card of around 200–250 gsm. Use the rear or manual feed tray and set the paper type to Card or Heavy so the sheet goes through slowly and straight. From: How to print postcards at home: double-sided, cut to size, ready to post
Which duplex setting do I choose for postcards?: Flip on short edge, with the sheet printed landscape. If the backs come out upside down, reprint with the other flip setting. From: How to print postcards at home: double-sided, cut to size, ready to post
What size is a postcard printed four to an A4 sheet?: A6, 148 × 105 mm. Four to a US Letter sheet gives 5.5 × 4.25 in. From: How to print postcards at home: double-sided, cut to size, ready to post
My printer has no automatic duplex. Can I still do it?: Yes. Print side A, reload the sheet printed side down with the same edge leading, then print side B. Test the reloading direction on plain paper first. From: How to print postcards at home: double-sided, cut to size, ready to post
Do I need special permission to print my own postcards?: No. Any postcard that meets your postal service's size and thickness rules can be posted with a normal stamp. From: Can you mail homemade postcards? Size, thickness, stamps and the address side
What paper weight is safe for posting?: 200–300 gsm card. Thinner card can crease or jam in sorting machines. From: Can you mail homemade postcards? Size, thickness, stamps and the address side
Is A6 a valid postcard size?: In most countries, yes. At 148 × 105 mm it is above Royal Mail's 140 × 90 mm minimum and is the common European postcard size. From: Can you mail homemade postcards? Size, thickness, stamps and the address side
Will a US Letter quarter-sheet postcard get the postcard rate?: Yes, if the card is at least 0.007 in thick: 5.5 × 4.25 in is inside the USPS postcard range of 3.5 × 5 in to 4.25 × 6 in. From: Can you mail homemade postcards? Size, thickness, stamps and the address side
Can I write on the picture side?: You can, but keep all postal information on the back so the machines can read it. From: Can you mail homemade postcards? Size, thickness, stamps and the address side
What size card fits an envelope made from one A4 sheet?: An A6 card or postcard (105 × 148 mm), or anything smaller such as a zine or gift tag. From: How to make an envelope from A4 paper: sizes, a printable template and folding
Can I make an A5 envelope from A4?: Not as a one-piece pocket envelope. An envelope for an A5 card needs an A3 or Tabloid sheet. From: How to make an envelope from A4 paper: sizes, a printable template and folding
What glue works best?: A glue stick. It is quick, does not wrinkle the paper and holds well on the bottom flap. From: How to make an envelope from A4 paper: sizes, a printable template and folding
Is a homemade envelope OK to post?: Yes, if it is rectangular, flat, made from paper of at least about 100 gsm and has a clear address area. From: How to make an envelope from A4 paper: sizes, a printable template and folding
What is the quickest photo gift to print at home?: A folded photo card: one sheet, two folds, about three minutes. From: Photo gift ideas you can print at home: cards, strips, calendars, zines and albums
What photo gift suits grandparents?: A mini desk calendar with a photo for each month, or a photo booklet of the past year. From: Photo gift ideas you can print at home: cards, strips, calendars, zines and albums
Can I print these on any home printer?: Yes. Cards, strips, zines, calendars and accordions print on one side; only booklets and postcards need double-sided printing, which can be done by hand if your printer lacks duplex. From: Photo gift ideas you can print at home: cards, strips, calendars, zines and albums
What paper should I use for photo gifts?: 160–250 gsm matte card for cards, calendars and bookmarks; glossy photo paper works for one-sided formats such as strips and accordions. From: Photo gift ideas you can print at home: cards, strips, calendars, zines and albums
What size should a gift tag be?: Around 50 × 90 mm with a punched hole, printed four to a sheet on 200–250 gsm card. From: Gift tags and wrapping for handmade photo gifts: printable tags, sleeves and envelopes
How long should a paper sleeve be?: Twice the width of the piece, plus its thickness, plus a 15 mm overlap for gluing. From: Gift tags and wrapping for handmade photo gifts: printable tags, sleeves and envelopes
Can I put a photo on a gift tag?: Yes. A small square of the cover photo on the tag hints at what is inside; Foldpic's gift kit puts the cover photo on two of the four tags. From: Gift tags and wrapping for handmade photo gifts: printable tags, sleeves and envelopes
What paper is best for tags and sleeves?: 160–250 gsm card, matte or kraft, so tags stay stiff and sleeves fold cleanly. From: Gift tags and wrapping for handmade photo gifts: printable tags, sleeves and envelopes
What size is each month card?: A quarter of the sheet: 148 × 105 mm (A6) from A4, or 140 × 108 mm from US Letter. A3 card gives A5 months if your printer takes A3. From: How to make a desk calendar at home with your own photos
Can I add birthdays to the calendar?: Yes. Special dates are marked on the grid and listed under it on their month. From: Photo calendar ideas for each month: how to choose 12 photos
Which stand is best for laminated cards?: Two holes and a ring, because laminated cards slip in a binder clip. From: DIY desk calendar stand: five ways to make a calendar stand up
How many pages should a birthday magazine have?: Eight is perfect for one evening: a one-sheet zine. Choose a 16-page booklet if you have many photos and stories. From: How to make a magazine for a friend's birthday (printed at home tonight)
Do I need a special printer?: No. The 8-page zine prints on one side of a single A4 or Letter sheet on any home printer. From: How to make a magazine for a friend's birthday (printed at home tonight)
Can I make copies for everyone at the party?: Yes. Print the same PDF as many times as you like; each copy takes about five minutes to fold. From: How to make a magazine for a friend's birthday (printed at home tonight)
Is it free?: Yes. An 8-page zine is well inside Foldpic's free limit and has no watermark on the pages. From: How to make a magazine for a friend's birthday (printed at home tonight)
What paper should I use for a card?: 160 to 200 gsm matte card if your printer feeds it, through the rear or manual tray. Plain 100 gsm paper works but feels more like a leaflet. From: Photo greeting card maker — print it at home
Why is half the card upside down on the sheet?: That half becomes the inside. When you fold the top half behind, it turns the right way up. It is correct. From: Photo greeting card maker — print it at home
How big is the finished card?: A quarter of the sheet: 105 × 148 mm (A6) from A4, 108 × 140 mm from US Letter, and A5 from A3 if your printer takes it. From: Photo greeting card maker — print it at home
Can I make an envelope too?: Yes. Switch on the envelope in the gift kit on the print step; it comes as a separate one-page PDF with fold and glue lines sized to the card. From: Photo greeting card maker — print it at home
Can I post home-printed postcards?: Usually yes, if they are on card of about 200 gsm or heavier, the standard postcard size, and the address side is clear. Check your postal service's rules for minimum size and thickness. From: Photo postcard maker — four postcards from one sheet
My printer cannot print on both sides. What now?: Print side A, put the sheet back into the tray printed side down with the same edge leading, then print side B. Try it on plain paper first. From: Photo postcard maker — four postcards from one sheet
The backs came out upside down.: Your printer flipped on the other edge. Reprint with the other flip setting (short edge vs long edge). From: Photo postcard maker — four postcards from one sheet
What paper is best for postcards?: Double-sided matte card, 200 to 300 gsm. Glossy photo paper usually only prints well on one side, so it is not ideal for postcards. From: Photo postcard maker — four postcards from one sheet
Is the birthday card maker free?: Yes. Your first project is free up to 16 pages and a card uses four, so there is nothing to pay and no account to create. Nothing is watermarked on the card. From: Make a birthday card with their photo — free, print at home
What paper should I print a birthday card on?: 160 to 200 gsm matte card through your printer's rear or manual tray. Plain 100 gsm paper works too but feels more like a leaflet than a card. From: Make a birthday card with their photo — free, print at home
Why is half of my card upside down on the page?: That half becomes the inside of the card. Fold the top half behind the bottom half and it turns the right way up. It is meant to print that way. From: Make a birthday card with their photo — free, print at home
Can I make a card for a child's party with several photos?: Yes. Use a template with two photos inside, or make a photo-booth strip to tuck into the card as a keepsake. From: Make a birthday card with their photo — free, print at home
Can I make wedding thank-you cards with a photo from the day?: Yes. Put your favourite photo on the front and a second one inside. If the photographer has not delivered yet, a phone photo from a guest works well. From: Photo thank-you cards you print and fold at home
What should I write in a thank-you card?: Name the gift or the help, say how you will use it or what it meant, and add one personal line. The story prompts in the editor can get you started. From: Photo thank-you cards you print and fold at home
How many cards come from one sheet?: One card per sheet. The quarter fold uses the whole sheet so the front, inside and back all get printed at once. From: Photo thank-you cards you print and fold at home
Do I need an account?: No. Design and download without signing up. An account only matters if you want to back your project up or open it on another device. From: Photo thank-you cards you print and fold at home
How many invitations can I print?: As many as you like. You download one PDF and print it as many times as you need on your own printer. From: Make photo invitations and print them at home
What size is the invitation?: A6 (105 × 148 mm) from A4 paper, about 108 × 140 mm from US Letter, and A5 from A3. A6 fits a standard C6 envelope. From: Make photo invitations and print them at home
Can I print invitations on cream card?: Yes. Any card your printer accepts works; 160 to 200 gsm through the rear or manual tray looks best. Set the paper type to card or heavy. From: Make photo invitations and print them at home
Should I write the date in words or numbers?: Words read more like an invitation: Saturday 14 June at seven. Numbers are fine for very casual events. From: Make photo invitations and print them at home
Can I post postcards I printed at home?: Usually yes, on stiff card at a standard postcard size with a clear address side. Rules vary by country, so check your postal service's minimum size and thickness. From: Turn your travel photos into real postcards
How do I print double-sided postcards at home?: Print both sides with flip on short edge. Without automatic duplex, print side A, put the sheet back printed side down, and print side B. Try it on plain paper first. From: Turn your travel photos into real postcards
How do I cut four equal postcards?: Cut once across and once down through the tick marks at the sheet edges. A paper trimmer or a craft knife against a ruler gives the cleanest edge. From: Turn your travel photos into real postcards

Calendars, strips and bookmarks

Can the calendar start in the middle of the year?: Yes. Choose any start month and year; the twelve cards follow on from there and can run across two calendar years. From: How to make a desk calendar at home with your own photos
What paper should I use?: 200–300 gsm card. Matte or satin photo card works because nothing prints on the back. From: How to make a desk calendar at home with your own photos
How do I make it stand up?: Clip the top of the stack with a binder clip and fold its wire handles back as legs, or punch two holes and use a ring with a small easel. From: How to make a desk calendar at home with your own photos
How many photos do I need for a calendar?: Twelve, one per month. Layouts with two photos let you use up to 24 if some months have more to show. From: Photo calendar ideas for each month: how to choose 12 photos
Can I start a baby calendar in the birth month?: Yes. Choose any start month and year and the dates follow from there. From: Photo calendar ideas for each month: how to choose 12 photos
What resolution do calendar photos need?: About 1,200 pixels across for a 100 mm wide photo. Any original phone photo is enough; screenshots and forwarded images may not be. From: Photo calendar ideas for each month: how to choose 12 photos
What size binder clip holds a desk calendar?: A 32 mm clip holds twelve cards of 200–300 gsm comfortably. Use a 41 mm clip if you have added covers. From: DIY desk calendar stand: five ways to make a calendar stand up
Will an A6 calendar fit a CD case?: Almost: the case takes about 142 mm, so trim each 148 mm card to 140 mm first. From: DIY desk calendar stand: five ways to make a calendar stand up
Can I make it hang on a wall instead?: Yes. Punch one hole in the centre of the top edge and hang the stack on a pin or a small nail. From: DIY desk calendar stand: five ways to make a calendar stand up
How big is a home-printed photo strip?: About 59 × 210 mm from A4 and 56 × 216 mm from US Letter: five strips across one landscape sheet. From: How to make photo booth strips at home from your phone photos
Can I print photo strips on glossy paper?: Yes. Strips print on one side only, so single-sided glossy photo paper works. From: How to make photo booth strips at home from your phone photos
How many photos go on a strip?: Three or four. Four frames gives the classic booth look; three gives bigger photos and room for a caption. From: How to make photo booth strips at home from your phone photos
Do I need special software?: No. Foldpic lays the strips out in the browser and gives you a PDF with cut marks. From: How to make photo booth strips at home from your phone photos
What size should a bookmark be?: About 50–60 mm wide and 150–210 mm tall. Five to an A4 sheet gives 59 × 210 mm. From: How to make a photo bookmark at home
What paper is best for bookmarks?: 250–300 gsm card so it does not curl. Matte card hides fingerprints better than gloss. From: How to make a photo bookmark at home
Can I make bookmarks double-sided?: Print two sheets and glue the bookmarks back to back before punching the hole. From: How to make a photo bookmark at home
Should I laminate a photo bookmark?: For heavy use, yes: laminate first, cut with a sealed border, then punch the hole. From: How to make a photo bookmark at home
How do I join two strips?: Lay strip two to the right of strip one with the panels aligned and tape the seam on the back with clear tape, or glue a narrow overlap. The instructions include a diagram. From: Make an accordion photo album that stands on a shelf
Can I use both sides of the strip?: Not in this version. Foldpic prints the accordion on one side so it works with photo paper and any printer. A double-sided accordion is on the roadmap. From: Make an accordion photo album that stands on a shelf
Can I make one album per month?: Your first project is free. Extra projects will use the Creator plan, which is coming soon. Until then you can edit the same project and reprint it. From: Make a baby memory book at home
How do I cut the strips straight?: Use the tick marks at the top and bottom edges: line a ruler up with both and cut with a craft knife, or use a paper trimmer. From: Photo strips and bookmarks — five keepsakes per sheet
What size is a strip?: One fifth of the sheet's long edge by its full height: about 59 × 210 mm from A4 and 56 × 216 mm from US Letter. From: Photo strips and bookmarks — five keepsakes per sheet
Can I start the calendar in any month?: Yes. Choose the start month and year in the editor's Calendar panel; the twelve cards follow from there and can run across two years. From: Mini photo desk calendar — twelve months you print at home
Is the photo booth strip maker free?: Yes. A sheet of five strips uses five pages, well inside the free first project. No account and no watermark. From: Make photo-booth strips from your phone photos — free
What size are the strips?: One fifth of the sheet's long edge by its full height: about 59 × 210 mm from A4 and 56 × 216 mm from US Letter. From: Make photo-booth strips from your phone photos — free
Which photos work best?: Close-up photos with faces near the middle. A strip is narrow, so group shots with small faces get lost. From: Make photo-booth strips from your phone photos — free
How do I cut them straight?: Line a ruler up with the tick marks at the top and bottom edges and cut with a craft knife, or use a paper trimmer. From: Make photo-booth strips from your phone photos — free
What size is a photo bookmark?: About 59 × 210 mm from A4 paper and 56 × 216 mm from US Letter, a fifth of the sheet's width. From: Make photo bookmarks you print at home
How do I add a ribbon?: Punch the marked circle with a single hole punch, fold a 25 cm ribbon in half, push the loop through and pull the ends through the loop. From: Make photo bookmarks you print at home
Should I laminate them?: Laminating makes them last for years. Punch the hole after laminating so the seal stays intact around the edge. From: Make photo bookmarks you print at home
Can I make a 2027 calendar now?: Yes. Choose any start month and year in the Calendar panel; the twelve months follow from there. From: Make a photo desk calendar for 2027 — print it at home
How do I make the calendar stand up?: Clip the top edge of the stack with a binder clip and fold its two wire handles back as legs, or punch two holes and add a ring and a small easel. From: Make a photo desk calendar for 2027 — print it at home
What size is each month?: 148 × 105 mm (A6 landscape) from A4 paper and 5.5 × 4.25 in from US Letter. From: Make a photo desk calendar for 2027 — print it at home

QR codes and collecting photos

What about a guest book?: Print an accordion with one photo per panel and leave the facing panel blank for messages, or make a booklet with alternating photo and blank pages. From: How to make a wedding album yourself at home
Do guests need to download an app?: No. The QR code opens a web page in the phone's browser. Guests type their name and pick photos; there is no app and no account. From: QR code for wedding guest photos: collect every guest's pictures for free
Is the wedding photo QR code really free?: Yes. Creating a shared collection is free, and so is the album up to 16 pages. From: QR code for wedding guest photos: collect every guest's pictures for free
How many photos can guests upload?: Up to 500 photos per collection. The link stays open for 60 days or until you stop collecting. From: QR code for wedding guest photos: collect every guest's pictures for free
What happens to the photos when I stop collecting?: The link closes and the guests' photos are deleted from Foldpic's server. Any photos you already added to your project stay in it. From: QR code for wedding guest photos: collect every guest's pictures for free
How big should the printed QR code be?: At least 3 cm wide on a table card, 8–10 cm on a sign people scan from a step away. From: QR code for wedding guest photos: collect every guest's pictures for free
Can a QR code store a voice message directly?: No. A QR code stores a link. The recording has to live somewhere online with a public link, and the code opens that link. From: How to put a voice message QR code in a photo book
Does Foldpic host the audio?: No. Foldpic prints the QR code for a link you provide, for example from Google Drive, iCloud, YouTube, Spotify or Apple Music. From: How to put a voice message QR code in a photo book
How small can the QR code be?: Foldpic never prints it smaller than 16 mm. 20–25 mm is comfortable on an A5 page. From: How to put a voice message QR code in a photo book
What if the link stops working later?: The printed code will point to a dead page. Keep the file in a folder you will not move or delete, and keep your own copy of the recording. From: How to put a voice message QR code in a photo book
Will the code scan on any phone?: Modern iPhone and Android cameras scan QR codes directly. Test with two phones before printing the full book. From: How to put a voice message QR code in a photo book
Do relatives need an account or an app?: No. They open the invite link in their phone's browser, type their name and pick photos. From: How to collect photos from family for a photo book (without a group-chat mess)
How long does the collection stay open?: 60 days, or until you stop collecting. It holds up to 500 photos. From: How to collect photos from family for a photo book (without a group-chat mess)
Can I include old printed photos?: Yes. Photograph the prints flat in daylight with a phone and send them through the same link. From: How to collect photos from family for a photo book (without a group-chat mess)
What happens to the photos afterwards?: When you stop collecting, the relatives' copies are deleted from Foldpic. Photos you added to your project stay in it. From: How to collect photos from family for a photo book (without a group-chat mess)
How many photos fit in a booklet?: A 16-page booklet holds about 25–35 photos, printed on four sheets of A4 or Letter. From: How to collect photos from family for a photo book (without a group-chat mess)
Can guests see each other's photos?: No. Photos go only to the person who created the link. Guests just see how many photos have been added so far. From: Collect wedding photos from guests with one QR code — free
Where should I put the QR code?: On every table, at the bar and on the welcome sign, with one line like “Help us fill our album: scan to add your photos”. From: Collect wedding photos from guests with one QR code — free
Are the photos full quality?: They are resized on the guest's phone to a long edge of about 3,000 pixels, which is plenty for any page of a printed album. From: Collect wedding photos from guests with one QR code — free
How do I turn a voice message into a QR code?: Record it on your phone, upload or share it to a service that gives a public link (Google Drive, iCloud, YouTube unlisted), set the link to anyone-can-view, and paste it into the QR memory panel in the editor. From: Add a voice message QR code to a printed photo book
Will the QR code stop working?: Only if the link stops working. The code itself never expires, so keep the recording where it is and keep sharing switched on. From: Add a voice message QR code to a printed photo book
Can I change where the code points after printing?: No. The link is printed into the code. Test it with a phone before you print. From: Add a voice message QR code to a printed photo book
Does Foldpic store my recording?: No. Foldpic only prints the link. The audio or video stays with the service you shared it from. From: Add a voice message QR code to a printed photo book

Printing and paper

Is Foldpic really free?: Yes. Your first project is free up to 16 pages, exported as a print-ready PDF at 200 dpi with no watermark on the album pages. Paid options for longer books and extra projects are planned and will be shown before you hit any limit. From: Foldpic
Do I need to create an account?: No. You can pick a format, drop in photos and download the PDF without signing up. An account is only offered afterwards, if you want to come back to the same project on another device. From: Foldpic
What do I need at home?: A printer that takes A4 or US Letter paper, plain or matte paper (80 to 160 gsm is the sweet spot for most home printers), scissors for the zine, and a stapler for the booklet. The accordion album needs only a ruler to score the folds. One rule to keep in mind: the finished page is a fraction of the sheet, so an A4 sheet gives an A5 book. For A4 pages you need a printer that takes A3, and A3 pages would need A2 — that is a copy-shop job. From: Foldpic
Which formats can I make?: Three at launch: an 8-page mini zine folded from one sheet with a single cut, a stapled photo booklet of 8 to 32 pages printed on both sides, and an accordion album printed on one side only so any photo paper works. From: Foldpic
Will the pages come out in the right order?: Yes. Foldpic imposes the pages for you, so the printed sheet looks scrambled (some panels are upside down on purpose) but reads 1, 2, 3 once folded. The instruction sheet shows a numbered diagram so you can check before you cut. From: Foldpic
Which print settings should I use?: Always 100% or "Actual size", never "Fit to page". Zines and accordion albums print on one side; the booklet prints on both sides with "flip on short edge". Every PDF ships with a settings card and a one-sheet test page. From: Foldpic
Can I use my phone?: You can upload photos and review from a phone. Editing works best on a tablet or a computer, and your project is saved on the device you are working on. From: Foldpic
What happens to my photos?: They are stored on your device first so nothing is lost if the tab closes. Originals are only uploaded to build your PDF, kept compressed without quality loss, and deleted on the schedule in our privacy page. From: Foldpic
Do I need to print on both sides?: No. The 8-page zine is printed on one side only. The back of the sheet ends up hidden inside the folds. From: How to fold an 8-page zine from one sheet of paper
Why are some panels printed upside down?: The top row of panels flips over when the sheet is folded, so they are rotated 180 degrees on the sheet to read correctly in the finished zine. From: How to fold an 8-page zine from one sheet of paper
Can I make it bigger?: Yes. Print the same layout on A3 or Tabloid (11 by 17 inch) paper and each page becomes A6 or 4.25 by 5.5 inches, twice the area of the A4 version. From: How to fold an 8-page zine from one sheet of paper
Does it need a staple?: No. The single slit and the way the panels wrap around each other hold it together. Some people leave a tiny uncut tab at one end of the slit so it holds even more firmly. From: How to fold an 8-page zine from one sheet of paper
What if my page count is not 8?: This format is always 8 pages. For more pages use a stapled booklet, which takes any multiple of 4 from 8 to 32 pages. From: How to fold an 8-page zine from one sheet of paper
Can I print a booklet from a normal PDF?: Only if the pages are imposed into booklet order first. Foldpic exports the imposed print PDF directly; some PDF readers also have a booklet mode, but they often add white borders or get the flip wrong. From: How to print a booklet at home (duplex, flip edge and collate explained)
What does collate do?: With collate on, the printer prints a complete set of sheets in order before starting the next copy. With it off you get all copies of sheet 1, then all copies of sheet 2, and have to sort them by hand. From: How to print a booklet at home (duplex, flip edge and collate explained)
Why is my back page upside down?: The wrong flip edge was selected. Reprint with the other option (long edge instead of short, or the reverse). From: How to print a booklet at home (duplex, flip edge and collate explained)
Why does the print not reach the edge of the paper?: Home printers have an unprintable margin, typically 2.5 to 7.6 mm. Foldpic's templates keep photos inside a safe area so nothing important is lost. From: How to print a booklet at home (duplex, flip edge and collate explained)
How many pages can a home booklet have?: Any multiple of 4 from 8 to 32 pages works well. Beyond about 8 sheets the folded spine gets thick, the inner pages creep outward and ordinary staplers struggle. From: How to print a booklet at home (duplex, flip edge and collate explained)
My back pages are upside down. What happened?: The wrong flip edge was chosen. Reprint with the other setting; the rest of the sheets were fine. From: Flip on short edge vs long edge: which duplex setting for a booklet or zine
Which is it for a Foldpic booklet?: Foldpic's booklet PDF is a landscape sheet with two pages per side, so choose flip on short edge. The print-settings card in the instruction sheet says so. From: Flip on short edge vs long edge: which duplex setting for a booklet or zine
Does the setting matter for a mini zine?: No. The 8-page zine is printed on one side only. From: Flip on short edge vs long edge: which duplex setting for a booklet or zine
My printer has no flip setting, only duplex on or off.: Many drivers default to long edge when duplex is simply “on”. Print one sheet, do the hold-to-light test and, if needed, look for “binding” or “orientation” under advanced options. From: Flip on short edge vs long edge: which duplex setting for a booklet or zine
The print dialog says the page is larger than the paper. Should I fit it?: No. Check the paper size in the dialog matches the PDF (A4 or Letter). If it does, choose actual size; a warning about content near the edge is just the printer margin. From: Actual size vs fit to page: why scaling ruins zines and booklets
Can I print a Letter zine on A4 paper?: Not well. The sheets have different proportions, so the panels will be the wrong size and the folds off. Make the project on the paper size your printer holds. From: Actual size vs fit to page: why scaling ruins zines and booklets
How do I check scaling without a test page?: Measure any known dimension: the total width of a printed panel row should equal the sheet's long edge less two printer margins, or use a ruler on any object in the layout with a known size. From: Actual size vs fit to page: why scaling ruins zines and booklets
What paper should I buy for my first zine?: Ordinary 80 or 90 gsm copy paper. It costs nothing, folds crisply and lets you test the print settings without waste. Move to 100 or 120 gsm once you are happy with the layout. From: Best paper weights for printing zines and photo booklets at home
Can I print a booklet on glossy photo paper?: Only if it is double-sided photo paper. Ordinary glossy sheets are coated on one side, so choose the single-sided accordion or zine instead, or use double-sided matte paper. From: Best paper weights for printing zines and photo booklets at home
Why does my fold crack and show a white line?: Either the paper is too heavy to fold without scoring, or it is a laser print where the toner has cracked. Score the line first and fold with the printed side inside where you can. From: Best paper weights for printing zines and photo booklets at home
Does paper weight change the print settings?: Set the paper type in the print dialog to match (plain, matte, card, photo). This changes how much ink is laid down and the feed speed, which matters more on thick paper. From: Best paper weights for printing zines and photo booklets at home
Is 1 mm of offset a fault?: No, it is normal on home and small-office printers. A service call is only worth it if the offset is several millimetres or changes from sheet to sheet. From: How to fix duplex misalignment when printing booklets at home
Why is the offset different every time?: Loose tray guides, mixed paper stocks or curled paper make the feed inconsistent. Fan the paper, square the guides and use one paper type per job. From: How to fix duplex misalignment when printing booklets at home
Does misalignment matter for a mini zine?: No. The 8-page zine is printed on one side, so there is nothing to register. From: How to fix duplex misalignment when printing booklets at home
Can I trim the booklet to hide it?: Partly. Trimming the fore-edge, head and foot after folding removes the outer few millimetres where the mismatch is visible, and gives true full-bleed photos. From: How to fix duplex misalignment when printing booklets at home
Can I use glossy photo paper?: Yes. The accordion is printed on one side only, so single-sided glossy or satin inkjet paper is ideal. From: How to make an accordion photo album at home
Can I print both sides?: You can print a second strip and glue it back to back, which avoids duplex printing entirely. From: How to make an accordion photo album at home
Can I add pages after printing?: Not to a stapled booklet. Make the next months a second matching booklet instead. From: How to make a baby memory book at home
What paper is safe for babies?: Any ordinary paper is fine; the risk is staples and corners. Fold the staple legs flat and cover them with tape, and consider laminating the cover. From: How to make a baby memory book at home
How many photos fit in a travel zine?: Eight panels at one photo each, or more if you use a two-up or four-up layout on some pages. Six to twelve photos is the sweet spot. From: 8 travel photo zine ideas you can print from one sheet
Can I put a map in the zine?: Yes. A screenshot of the route works well on the centre spread. Make sure it is a high-resolution screenshot or it will print soft. From: 8 travel photo zine ideas you can print from one sheet
Should I use the zine or the booklet for a long trip?: For more than a dozen photos, the stapled booklet at 16 pages gives room to breathe. Or make one zine per city. From: 8 travel photo zine ideas you can print from one sheet
Can I send a zine in the post?: A folded A4 zine is about 74 by 105 mm and a few grams, so it goes in a standard envelope at letter rate in most countries. From: 8 travel photo zine ideas you can print from one sheet
Is 200 dpi good enough for a photo book?: Yes for a booklet held in the hand. It is the free export setting in Foldpic; 300 dpi on paid projects gives a small improvement visible mostly in fine detail. From: What resolution do photos need for a printed album? (the dpi maths)
How big a photo do I need for an A5 page?: About 1166 by 1654 pixels at 200 dpi or 1748 by 2480 at 300 dpi. Any phone photo from the last decade is larger. From: What resolution do photos need for a printed album? (the dpi maths)
Why does my photo print blurry when it looks sharp on screen?: Usually because it was a screenshot or came through a messaging app and has been reduced to around 1600 pixels wide. Get the original file. From: What resolution do photos need for a printed album? (the dpi maths)
Does the printer's dpi setting matter?: The printer's own dpi (600, 1200, 4800) is about ink dot placement, not image resolution. Leave it on the default for the paper type you chose. From: What resolution do photos need for a printed album? (the dpi maths)
Can I print an A4 zine on Letter paper?: Not reliably. The panels will be the wrong shape and the folds off. Make the project on the paper you will print on. From: Mini zine on A4 vs US Letter: sizes, differences and which to pick
Is a Letter zine smaller than an A4 one?: Slightly narrower and slightly taller. Letter panels are 2.75 by 4.25 inches; A4 panels are 74 by 105 mm, about 2.92 by 4.13 inches. From: Mini zine on A4 vs US Letter: sizes, differences and which to pick
What is the biggest one-sheet zine I can make?: Foldpic supports A3 and Tabloid, which give A6 or 4.25 by 5.5 inch pages. Larger sheets exist but few home printers take them. From: Mini zine on A4 vs US Letter: sizes, differences and which to pick
Does Foldpic support both?: Yes, and A3 and Tabloid too. Pick the paper when you start, and the layouts adjust to its proportions. From: Mini zine on A4 vs US Letter: sizes, differences and which to pick
Do I fold with the print inside or outside?: Printed side out for the first fold, so the cover ends up on the outside at the end. From: Zine folding guide with diagrams: every fold, every line, explained
Should I ask for booklet mode?: No. Foldpic's print PDF is already imposed. Booklet mode on top of it will scramble the order. Ask for plain double-sided printing. From: Printing a zine at a copy shop vs at home: what to ask for
What file should I bring?: The print PDF from Foldpic. It is sized to your paper, so the shop needs no adjustments. From: Printing a zine at a copy shop vs at home: what to ask for
Can a copy shop fold and staple booklets?: Many can, for a small charge per copy. Ask for saddle-stitch on the centre fold; they have the long-arm stapler you may not. From: Printing a zine at a copy shop vs at home: what to ask for
Why did the copy shop's version have white borders?: It was scaled to fit. Ask for 100 percent and a test sheet. From: Printing a zine at a copy shop vs at home: what to ask for
Is a home-printed photo book cheaper?: Per copy, yes: a 16-page booklet is four sheets and some ink. You do not get a hardcover or layflat, and you need a printer. From: Photo book at home vs Mixbook and Shutterfly: honest cost comparison
Does Foldpic print and ship?: No. Foldpic makes the PDF and the folding instructions; you print at home or at a copy shop. From: Photo book at home vs Mixbook and Shutterfly: honest cost comparison
Will Instax prints fit on an A4 accordion?: Mini prints, yes: the panel is 74 by 210 mm. Square and Wide need the A3 or Tabloid accordion. From: How to make an Instax mini album at home
Can I print on the back of the accordion?: The accordion is single-sided by design. To show prints on both sides, make two strips and glue them back to back. From: How to make an Instax mini album at home
What size is a zine printed on A4?: Each page is an eighth of the sheet: about 74 × 105 mm (A7). US Letter gives about 70 × 108 mm. From: How to make a photo zine from your phone photos
Do photos look good on plain paper?: Yes, at 100–120 gsm with clear, high-contrast photos. Glossy photo paper works too because the zine prints on one side. From: How to make a photo zine from your phone photos
Is the zine maker really free?: Yes. Your first project is free up to 16 pages, and an 8-page zine uses 8. You do not need an account to design or download it, and the pages carry no watermark. From: Free online zine maker — print it at home
What paper size do I need?: Any one sheet of A4 or US Letter for a pocket-size zine (A7 panels from A4). Each panel is an eighth of the sheet, so bigger panels need a bigger printer: A6 panels need an A3-capable printer, and A5 panels would need A2 paper, which means a copy shop. Pick the size when you start so the layout matches your printer. From: Free online zine maker — print it at home
Do I need a duplex printer?: No. The 8-page zine prints on one side only, so any inkjet or laser printer works, and you never have to line up the back of the sheet with the front. From: Free online zine maker — print it at home
Why do some panels print upside down?: That is correct and intentional. When the sheet is folded and cut, the top row of panels flips over, so they are printed rotated 180 degrees to read the right way up in the finished zine. From: Free online zine maker — print it at home
Can I make a zine with more than 8 pages?: Choose the stapled booklet instead. It uses the same editor but prints two pages per side on both sides of each sheet, and goes from 8 to 32 pages in steps of four. From: Free online zine maker — print it at home
Can I add text as well as photos?: Yes. Every template has text slots for a title, captions and short body text. Type straight into the slot; the style you picked sets the fonts. From: Free online zine maker — print it at home
What size are the finished pages?: Half of your sheet. A4 gives A5 pages (148 by 210 mm) and US Letter gives 5.5 by 8.5 inch pages on any home printer. An A4-page album needs an A3-capable printer (Tabloid gives Letter-size pages the same way), and A3 pages would need A2 — no home printer offers that, so it is a copy-shop job. From: Make a stapled photo booklet on your own printer
Do I need a printer that prints on both sides?: Automatic duplex is easiest, but manual duplex works: print side A of every sheet, reload the stack as the guide shows, and print side B. The test page checks your flip direction first. From: Make a stapled photo booklet on your own printer
How many sheets does a 16-page booklet use?: Four. Each sheet holds four pages, two per side, so sheets equal pages divided by four. From: Make a stapled photo booklet on your own printer
Why do the back pages sometimes come out upside down?: The printer flipped on the wrong edge. Reprint with the other flip setting. The guide tells you which one to choose for a landscape sheet, and the test page shows you if it is wrong before you waste paper. From: Make a stapled photo booklet on your own printer
Is 16 pages enough for a photo booklet?: Sixteen A5 pages comfortably hold 25 to 40 photos with captions, depending on the layouts you choose. Bigger booklets up to 32 pages are supported and will need a per-project unlock. From: Make a stapled photo booklet on your own printer
What paper is best?: 160 to 250 gsm card or matte photo paper feels best and stands up well. Score the fold lines first with an empty ballpoint and a ruler so the card does not crack. From: Make an accordion photo album that stands on a shelf
Can I print on glossy photo paper?: Yes. The album is single-sided, so single-sided glossy inkjet paper works. Check your printer's maximum paper weight and use the rear or manual tray for heavy sheets. From: Make an accordion photo album that stands on a shelf
How is this different from Mixbook or Shutterfly?: They print and ship a bound book and do not let you download a printable PDF. Foldpic only gives you the PDF, plus instructions, and you print it at home. If you want a hardcover, they are the right choice; if you want the file, Foldpic is. From: Make a photo album online and print it at home
What formats can I choose?: A stapled booklet of 8 to 32 pages, an accordion album that stands on a shelf, or an 8-page one-sheet zine. Wedding, baby and travel pages use the same three formats with different templates. From: Make a photo album online and print it at home
How much does it cost?: Your first project is free up to 16 pages at 200 dpi with no watermark on the pages. Larger albums and extra projects will use a per-project unlock and a Creator plan that are coming soon. From: Make a photo album online and print it at home
Do I need special paper?: No. 100 to 160 gsm matte paper is enough for the booklet. Heavier card or photo paper is nice for the accordion, which prints on one side only. From: Make a photo album online and print it at home
Will my photos be sharp enough?: The editor warns you if a photo will print soft at the size you have placed it. As a rule, a 12-megapixel phone photo is far more than an A5 page needs. From: Make a photo album online and print it at home
What paper makes it feel like an album?: 120 to 160 gsm matte paper for the pages and, if your printer allows, a 200 gsm sheet for the cover. Score the cover fold first so it does not crack. From: Make your own wedding album at home
Is a home-printed album good enough for a wedding?: It is a lovely small album, not a replacement for a lay-flat book with thick board pages. Many couples make one for the mantelpiece and gifts, and order a large album separately if they want one. From: Make your own wedding album at home
Which paper should I print on?: 100 to 160 gsm matte paper on an inkjet or laser printer. Keep glossy photo paper for the accordion format, which prints on one side only. From: Make a baby memory book at home
Does it need a duplex printer?: No. The accordion prints on one side only, so any printer works and there is nothing to align. From: Make a travel photo album that unfolds like a map
How big is a mini zine page?: One eighth of the sheet. From A4 that is A7, about 74 by 105 mm; from US Letter it is 2.75 by 4.25 inches. A3 or Tabloid gives pages twice that size. From: Make a mini zine from one sheet of paper
Do I need scissors?: Yes, for the one slit in the middle of the sheet. A craft knife works too. Nothing else is needed. From: Make a mini zine from one sheet of paper
Can I print it double-sided?: No, the mini zine is single-sided by design. The inside of the folds is blank, which is what holds the pages together without staples. From: Make a mini zine from one sheet of paper
Can I make a 16-page mini zine?: Not as a one-sheet fold in this version. Use the stapled booklet for 16 pages, or make two 8-page zines. From: Make a mini zine from one sheet of paper
Does it work for a school project?: Very well. Students design in reading order in the browser, print one sheet each, and fold along the printed guide marks. No account is needed. From: Make a mini zine from one sheet of paper
What resolution do my photos need?: A mini zine panel from A4 is about 74 by 105 mm. At 200 dpi that is about 580 by 830 pixels, so any phone photo or film scan is more than enough. From: Make a photo zine from your own pictures
Can photos run to the edge of a panel?: Panels on the outer edge of the sheet keep a small margin because home printers cannot print to the edge. Panels that meet at a fold can run across it. From: Make a photo zine from your own pictures
Can I print in black and white?: Yes. Choose a mono style so the layout is designed for it, then print in greyscale. Toner printers make crisp photo zines on 100 to 120 gsm paper. From: Make a photo zine from your own pictures
Can I print a 12 by 12 inch scrapbook page?: Not directly. Foldpic makes A5, half-Letter, A4 or Letter pages from folded sheets. For big square pages you would need a printer that takes 12 by 12 card and a different tool. From: Make a printable scrapbook you can fold and staple
Are the tape and torn-edge effects printed?: Yes, they are part of the template artwork and print with your photos. You can add real tape on top afterwards if you like. From: Make a printable scrapbook you can fold and staple
What paper suits a scrapbook?: 120 to 160 gsm matte paper takes glue and pens well. Kraft-coloured paper matches the vintage styles if your printer feeds it. From: Make a printable scrapbook you can fold and staple
Can I leave blank pages for handwriting?: Yes. Choose a text-only or blank layout for any page. Pages stay in the same booklet and fold in order. From: Make a printable scrapbook you can fold and staple
How many pages can a scrapbook have?: 8 to 32 in steps of four. The first 16 pages are free; larger books will need a per-project unlock that is coming soon. From: Make a printable scrapbook you can fold and staple
Is this the same as a digital scrapbook?: You design it digitally, but the point is to print it. The PDF is imposed so the printed pages fold into a booklet, which digital scrapbook makers do not do. From: Make a printable scrapbook you can fold and staple

Folding and putting it together

How many sheets can a normal stapler get through?: Most desk staplers manage 8 to 10 sheets of 80 gsm paper, which is a 32 to 40 page booklet. Heavier paper reduces that, so keep booklets on 120 gsm and up to 5 or 6 sheets. From: How to staple a booklet without a long-arm stapler
Where exactly do the staples go?: On the centre crease, at roughly a quarter and three quarters of the page height. Foldpic prints the marks in light grey in the gutter. From: How to staple a booklet without a long-arm stapler
Is sewing stronger than stapling?: Yes, and it never rusts. A three-hole pamphlet stitch takes about five minutes per booklet once you have done it twice. From: How to staple a booklet without a long-arm stapler
Can I use a stapler on a mini zine?: You can, but you do not need to. The one-sheet 8-page zine holds itself together after the slit and fold. From: How to staple a booklet without a long-arm stapler
Which way is a valley fold?: Toward you: the crease sits at the bottom of a V when you look at it. A mountain fold goes away from you and the crease stands up. From: Zine folding guide with diagrams: every fold, every line, explained
Where exactly is the cut?: On the centre crease that runs the long way, from the first vertical crease to the third, so it passes through the two middle panels only. From: Zine folding guide with diagrams: every fold, every line, explained
Can I use this guide for a 16-page zine?: No. The 16-page one-sheet zine is printed on both sides and folded differently. For 16 pages, use a stapled booklet. From: Zine folding guide with diagrams: every fold, every line, explained
Photo corners or glue?: Photo corners if you might rearrange, glue dots or double-sided tape if you want it permanent. Avoid liquid glue, which can warp the print. From: How to make an Instax mini album at home
How long can the album be?: Four, eight or twelve panels. Four panels come from one sheet; eight or twelve join two or three strips with tape on the back. From: Make a travel photo album that unfolds like a map
Can I use landscape photos on tall panels?: Yes. Layouts include a landscape photo with a caption below, and stacked pairs of landscapes. Or crop to portrait in the slot by dragging. From: Make a travel photo album that unfolds like a map
Can I make a booklet instead?: Yes, the stapled booklet uses the same travel templates on A5 pages if you prefer something that opens like a book. From: Make a travel photo album that unfolds like a map

Using Foldpic

How many panels can an accordion album have?: Foldpic makes 4, 8 or 12 panels from one, two or three sheets. Longer albums are possible by joining more strips, but they get unwieldy to stand up. From: How to make an accordion photo album at home
Does it need a cover?: No, but two pieces of card glued to the end panels make it feel like a book and protect the photos. From: How to make an accordion photo album at home
Why do the panels lean when it stands?: The creases are not sharp or do not alternate. Score every fold and make sure the pattern is mountain, valley, mountain. From: How to make an accordion photo album at home
How many photos fit in a 16-page album?: About 25 to 40, depending on the layouts. One hero photo per spread plus two or three small ones is a good rhythm. From: How to make a wedding album yourself at home
Can I make a hardcover at home?: Not with a printer alone. You can glue the finished booklet into a card or board cover by hand, or take the PDF to a copy shop for heavier stock. From: How to make a wedding album yourself at home
Will the photos look as good as a professional album?: On good matte photo paper from a modern inkjet, very close. Free projects export at 200 dpi, which is sharp at A5; paid projects export at 300 dpi. From: How to make a wedding album yourself at home
Can I use the photographer's files?: Yes, if your contract gives you print rights, which most wedding contracts do. Full-resolution JPEGs are ideal; avoid downloading from social media, which recompresses them. From: How to make a wedding album yourself at home
How many pages for a first-year book?: 24 to 28 pages covers twelve months at one spread each plus a birth page and a first-birthday page. Free Foldpic projects go up to 16 pages, which is a good half-year volume. From: How to make a baby memory book at home
I have 14 pages. What happens?: The booklet becomes 16 pages with two blanks at the back. Use them for a dedication or a final photo. From: Why booklet page counts must be a multiple of 4
Can I make a 10-page booklet?: No. The nearest options are 8 or 12 pages. From: Why booklet page counts must be a multiple of 4
How do I check an imposed PDF by hand?: Every pair of page numbers on one side of a sheet should add up to the total page count plus one. From: Why booklet page counts must be a multiple of 4
What is the maximum for a home booklet?: 32 pages, or eight sheets, is a sensible limit. Beyond that the spine gets thick, the inner pages creep outward and ordinary staplers struggle. From: Why booklet page counts must be a multiple of 4
Can I download my Mixbook or Shutterfly book as a PDF?: No. Mixbook's own FAQ says you cannot download your project as a PDF, and Shutterfly does not offer one either. The output is the printed book only. From: Photo book at home vs Mixbook and Shutterfly: honest cost comparison
Which is better for a wedding album?: For the one heirloom copy, a hardcover or layflat from a service. For parents' copies, drafts and a shelf accordion, home printing. From: Photo book at home vs Mixbook and Shutterfly: honest cost comparison
What size pocket do I need for an Instax Mini?: About 55 by 87 mm inside, a millimetre larger than the 54 by 86 mm print, so it slides in without forcing. From: How to make an Instax mini album at home
How many photos go in an 8-page zine?: Eight to twelve: one per page, plus two-photo or film-strip layouts on one or two pages. From: How to make a photo zine from your phone photos
How do I get photos from my phone into the zine?: Use the phone upload QR code in the editor: scan it, pick photos and they appear in the project on your computer. From: How to make a photo zine from your phone photos
What size is each panel?: A quarter of the sheet's long edge by the full short edge. On A4 that is about 74 by 210 mm, on US Letter about 2.75 by 8.5 inches. A3 gives 105 by 297 mm panels but needs an A3-capable printer; anything bigger would need A2 paper, which is a copy-shop job. From: Make an accordion photo album that stands on a shelf
How big is the finished album?: A5 (148 by 210 mm) from A4 sheets, or 5.5 by 8.5 inches from US Letter. Print on A3 or Tabloid for A4 or Letter-size pages if your printer takes them. From: Make your own wedding album at home
How many photos fit in 16 pages?: Around 25 to 40 with a mix of hero pages and grids. A 32-page album, which will need a per-project unlock, roughly doubles that. From: Make your own wedding album at home
Can I make an album for the parents too?: Yes. The PDF is yours, so print as many copies as you want. Change a dedication page and download again for a personalised version. From: Make your own wedding album at home
Can I add text like weight and birth date?: Yes. Baby templates have text slots for a title, date, and short stats or captions. Type directly into the slot in the editor. From: Make a baby memory book at home
How many photos fit?: A 16-page booklet holds about 25 to 40 photos depending on the layouts. Grid pages take four to six photos, hero pages take one. From: Make a baby memory book at home
Is it safe to upload baby photos?: Photos are stored on your own device while you work. If you choose to save to an account later, they are uploaded so you can continue on another device, and you can delete the project at any time. From: Make a baby memory book at home
Can I make a bigger photo zine?: Yes. Print the same zine on A3 or Tabloid for panels twice the area, or switch to the stapled booklet for 8 to 32 A5 pages. From: Make a photo zine from your own pictures

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