How to Change Your Photo Book Options on Mixbook: Size, Format, and Paper

If you've already created a photo book on Mixbook and want to change the size, format, or paper type, don't worry! Adjusting these options for your project is easy, even if you’ve already completed the book. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process.

When you start a new photo book project, you get to select the format/orientation (square, portrait, or landscape), size, paper finish, and cover finish up front. If you’re later unsatisfied with the options you initially selected, you can make modifications.

Change Size, Paper Finish, and Cover Finish at Checkout

Note that while the Mixbook Studio™ is the place for creating your photo book and making all kinds of customizations, you cannot change size, paper, cover, or format options in the studio space. However, you can easily make these changes at checkout.

When you have finished creating your photo book and all that’s left is to make desired changes to size, paper finish, or cover finish, click “Order” at the top-right of the studio space. This will take you to a new page where you can select your preferred options* for:

• Book type: Softcover, Hardcover, Lay Flat, or Album
• Size: XS, S, M, L
• Paper Finish: Everyday Semi-Gloss, Signature Matte, Signature Lustre, Premium Lustre, Premium Matte
• Cover Finish: Glossy or Matte

(*Available options vary by photo book theme)

Simply select your preferred options during the checkout process, then click “Add to Cart” to proceed.

Some options will add to the total cost of the photo book. Refer to Mixbook’s photo books pricing page for full details.

How to Change a Photo Book’s Format

To change the overall orientation/format of your photo book to landscape, portrait, or square, use the copy function. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to Mixbook and go to "My Projects."
2. Find the project you want to adjust. Click the "Copy" link in the menu to the right of the project.
3. In the pop-up window, select the desired format: square, landscape, or portrait.
4. Check the box to include your original photos from the first draft of the project, if desired.
5. Click the “Copy Project” button.

After a few seconds, your new project will appear in your “My Projects” queue. It will have the original title of the project followed by (copy). Click on the project title to open it in the Mixbook Studio™. The project, now with a new format, is ready for editing or ordering.

Tips for Maintaining Your Original Design and Layout

When changing the format of your Mixbook photo book, there may be slight layout and design differences. Be sure to look carefully at all the pages of your book and check for any undesired adjustments. To make the most out of your design changes:

• Enlarge photos to fill the space better when switching between square and portrait/landscape.
• Check the orientation of chosen photos to ensure they fit the page well.
• Try different layout options using the Auto-Layout tool.
• Add stickers and text to enhance your project and fill any blank spaces resulting from the orientation change.

Previewing and Editing a Modified Photo Book

Always use the “Preview” button before ordering so you can make sure you’re happy with your changes. Previewing your photo book allows you to digitally flip through your book, so you can spot any design tweaks that may be needed. You can check that you're happy with your chosen stickers and decorations. You can also ensure all the photos go together with your chosen theme, whether that’s a simple look or something from our designer collection.

If you want to make more changes after previewing your creation, simply exit the preview and go right back to editing your photo book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some helpful FAQ about changing the size, format, and cover finish, and paper finish of a photo book:

Why can't I change the options of my photo book directly in the Mixbook Studio™?

Once you’ve chosen the format of your photo book, all the recommended layouts and design details are oriented to fit this format. Copying your project to a new photo book project with a different format lets you explore how the new format changes the layout options (while preserving the original book draft).

Changing the orientation will often shift how the photos appear in your design, and you may have to enlarge or shrink them to fit the new space.

Remember, you can always wait until the checkout to adjust the book size and paper choice. These adjustments don’t affect the book design or layout in the same way that changing its format does.

Are there any downsides to copying a project to change photo book options?

You’ll notice a few changes, but none that can't be fixed with a little editing and attention to detail. After copying a project as detailed above, the layout will be different and some of your photos may not appear in exactly the same position on the page.

Some photos may be cropped differently, particularly if moving from landscape or portrait to square. This is usually easy to adjust, and in many cases, copying your existing project to a new format is quicker than starting again from scratch.

Can I change photo book options after I've placed my order?

Yes, but be quick! You have a short window of about 30 minutes to make any changes. After that, the order is finalized and sent for printing.

Are there any limitations on which options can be changed and how?

You cannot change size, format, or paper type within the Mixbook Studio™. However, you can adjust the paper type, cover type, and book size at checkout. To adjust the format/orientation of a book, you must use the copy function explained above.

More Photo Book Options Available with Mixbook

Whether you’re creating a year-in-review photo book as a gift or simply indulging in some digital scrapbooking, there are numerous options for making great use of your photos with Mixbook. Use the tabs on the left-hand side of the studio space to adjust your background, add stickers, or add text in the font of your choice. For each photo, there’s also an editing taskbar that allows you to flip, rotate, or even change the shape of pics.

For newbie Mixbookers, there’s even a handy “Help” button and a guided tour of the studio.

Photo books are a beautiful, space-saving, long-lasting alternative to traditional photo albums. They make ideal keepsakes and heirloom gifts.

Bring your memories together — get started with Mixbook today!