Did you know that you can actually design and even order a photobook all inside of Lightroom using the Lightroom book module?  Yep, ya sure can and it’s pretty awesome.

We all know that photos really come alive when showcased in print so making photo books in Lightroom is a great way for you to take your photos to the next level and actually produce a great quality product that you can share with your family & friends and have as a nice keepsake.

Creating a Photo Book 

Adobe Lightroom contains lots of image organization and optimization features. With Adobe Lightroom partnering with Blurb, the editing software allows users to make a book. 

While some people consider print a thing of the past. As a photographer, you know how the prospect of printing photos or turning your shots into tangible material brings beauty to your pictures. 

From making an excellent portfolio piece, marketing collateral, or offering photo books to clients, this Lightroom feature will streamline your editing processes.

Photo Book Module Settings

These are book settings you need to modify first before you start the layout: 

Sizing

Before you begin with the book layout process, decide on the format and size. The size impacts the layout of your images, as well as captions or other text. 

At the top, in the module’s right side panels area is the Book Settings. Near the tip of that panel is the size pop-up menu, which contains the standard sizes supported by Blurb.com. 

The Cell menu helps you size individual photos with the Padding slider. If you click on the triangle icon next to Cell, you can see the Padding adjustments and input exact numbers.

Covers and Backgrounds 

The Book Module provides several choices for cover designs. You can access three cover types for your book’s print version. 

  • Softcover Book: Available for most types of projects. It features durable library binding and a flexible, high-gloss laminated cover. There are no end sheets or cover flaps. 
  • Hardcover ImageWrap: This cover includes a durable matte finish, library binding, and end sheets. While this type has no cover flaps, it allows you to print a picture directly on the front and back cover. 
  • Hardcover Dust Jacket: It comes with a default black linen that you can upgrade to a charcoal or oatmeal color. This one uses a hardcover case wrapped with laminated full-color printed glossy dust jackets and end sheets.

Furthermore, the Background panel in Lightroom enables you to add background color and graphic elements to your layout. You can likewise select one photo as the background, set a logo page, and use the Opacity Slider to adjust transparency. If you want to create JPG or PDF files, there’s also a No Cover option available.

Text and Type

In Lightroom, the Text and Type menus let you add captions, photo text or other texts. The menu displays several available typefaces and other customizing options.

This also allows you to choose a font, color, style, point size, and opacity. Click the triangle to specify additional typographic options, as well as alignment, tracking, leading, kerning, columns, gutter, and baseline shift.

Pages

Choose the Page Numbers checkbox to show numbers on the pages. There are a number of factors when putting a page number:

  • Location: Enables you to pick the position of the page number on a page. 
  • Display: Lets you decide whether you want to display the page numbers on the left or right page or both. 
  • Add Page: Add a page, which also includes the template, next to the currently selected page. 
  • Add Blank: Add a blank page next to the currently selected page. 

How to Use Lightroom’s Built-In Book Module 

While in the Library Module in Grid View, begin by creating a Collection of pictures. Hold down the Command + N keys to select non-consecutive photos. 

Once selected, click on the plus (+) sign. You’ll see it on the Collections in the left-hand panel of the software’s interface. From there, you can add, remove, or change the sequencing of images at any time in the process.

Cull Photos 

This is an optional step, especially if you can work from your Lightroom Catalog. In general, choose as many pictures as you want, as long as you can add them to your layout.

Choose Layout and Options

Select a portrait orientation, landscape orientation, or square. Remember that in the Settings part, you get to pick the sizing, covers, backgrounds, and number of pages. All of these contribute to the estimated price.   

When you start working, you’ll need to select the layout from the Auto Layout menu. Click on the arrow beside the preset options in the Page panel to view all custom page templates. 

Based on the contents, Lightroom will also offer templates such as Travel, Wedding, and Portfolio for you to create a photo book. After picking, the Favorites category lets you save the templates and use it again. 

Design Page Spreads

Lightroom has several pre-designed page options, and this includes the Auto Layout feature that adds the photos in order.

Go to the Auto Layout panel in the right side Panels area. From the preset pop-up menu, choose Edit Auto Layout Presets to bring out the Auto Layout Preset Editor dialog. 

Another option is to select a pre-designed page layout by right-clicking on the arrow beneath each yellow highlighted page. Decide how many pictures you want to appear on each page.

Choose what each layout will look like on each side. Assign areas where you want to add text. Determine if the pictures will fill the photocell or fit fully inside it. While this is an optional step, you can choose Save Current Settings as New Preset.

Assign a name to the present. From the thumbnail strip at the bottom of the screen, drag and drop the pictures to the chosen image box within the selected layout. 

Make Corrections 

While editing, you might want to do some retouching. You can solve this by navigating back to the Develop Module. Lightroom will apply any changes. 

Black lines and grey edges close to the borders of each page serve as print production guides. These lines enable you to control the amount of bleed around the pictures and any text you insert. Print a sample copy to review before doing the final printing.

Save and Send to Blurb

After designing your book, create a book by clicking the Create Saved Book button at the very top of the book thumbnail screen. After naming the book, click “Send Book to Blurb”. 

While Blurb offers excellent print quality, it may not be available in many countries. Yet, you can use the Book Module to export your books as an Adobe PDF. Then, print them by the printer of your choice.

Order 

Your default browser will open Blurb’s website after uploading the book. You have two weeks to order the book before Blurb will delete it from your account. During the ordering process, there are few upgrades you can make, such as paper type, book cover upgrades, and end sheet.

Final Thoughts

While creating a book in the Lightroom book module isn’t hard at all, it is still easiest to show you rather than tell you so I’ve created two videos to help you easily walk through the process 🙂

I have no doubt that you’ll be able to easily follow along with me and know exactly how to create a photo book in the Lightroom book module!

Looking for more Lightroom tips?  Click here for my full collection & click here to grab my FREE Lightroom presets!

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