How to Create a Custom Sized Album

SmartAlbums includes album presets for over 100 labs worldwide. If your print lab isn't listed, you can create a custom-sized album using your lab's specifications.

Can't find your lab? Ask them to contact us so we can add them to our preset list.

To create a custom-sized album:

Click File > New Project (or start a new project)
Click the Custom tab
Enter your album specifications (see details below)
Click Next to start designing

Optional: Click Save Presetto reuse these settings for future projects. Saved presets appear in the Saved Presets dropdown.

Understanding Album Specifications

Before creating your custom album, gather this information from your print lab:

Spread Dimensions

Enter the full spread width, not a single page
Example: For a "10x10" album, enter 20 inches for the width (two 10-inch pages)
Always confirm spread dimensions with your print lab

DPI (Resolution)

Most albums use 300 DPI
Some labs require 240 or 200 DPI
Check with your lab if you're unsure

Safe Zones

These are guides to keep important content away from edges
They don't affect your export - they're visual guides only
Follow your lab's recommended safe zone measurements

Album Start and End Pages

Some labs require albums to begin or end with a single page instead of a full spread. Here's how to interpret your lab's requirements:

"The album begins on the left" means it starts with a "Full spread".
"The album begins on the right" means it starts with a "Single page/side".
"The album ends on the left" means it ends with a "Single page/side".
"The album ends on the right" means it ends with a "Full spread".

Full Spread Templates

Checked: Allows image frames to cross the center of the spread
Unchecked: Disables layouts with images crossing the middle
Most albums should have this checked

Trim

This is how much gets cut from the printed pages before binding
For more details, see Inside Trim & Bleed Fill

Troubleshooting

I'm not sure what specifications to use

Contact your print lab and request:
- Full spread dimensions
- DPI/resolution
- Safe zone measurements
- Trim specifications
- Whether the album begins/ends on a single page

My saved preset doesn't appear in the dropdown

Make sure you clicked Save Preset before creating the project
Check the Saved Presets dropdown in the Custom tab
Try restarting SmartAlbums

The exported album doesn't match my lab's requirements

Double-check all dimensions with your lab
Verify you entered the full spread width, not single page width
Confirm the DPI setting matches your lab's requirements
Review the trim and bleed settings

Images are too close to the edge

Use the safe zone guides as reference
Adjust your layouts to keep important content inside the safe zones
Remember: safe zones are guides only and don't affect the export