Album & page formats

Debbie Hodge — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:45:11 +0000

A first decision to make is what size paper you’ll use as your page canvas. And that decision will probably be driven by how you want to print, store, and present your scrapbook pages.

8"x8" hardcover bound photobooks from Shutterfly

If you’re making “paper” pages (i.e., you’re affixing photo prints–and, perhaps, mats & other elements–with adhesive to a cardstock base VS creating your page digitally) think about the kind of album you’d like to use. Consider size and binding as well as your own style preferences.

If you’re making “digital” pages, and you’d like physical albums, you can:

1) print them (yourself or at professional printer) and then put them into albums, or

2) have the pages printed into a bound book by a processer like Shutterfly.

Standard page formats for which you can easily buy albums are as follows.

scrapbook page sizes and formats

8″x8″ (or even 6″x6″)

These are good for gift albums, albums focused on a narrow theme or one event.

8.5″x11″ and 12×12″

D-ring albums holding scrapbook pages in page protectors.

These are the most commonly used page sizes for scrapbooking album pages and making family albums with these formats will be easiest. They present enough space for photos, title, & journaling. They store well in the average home, and product is widely available. You can also store both sizes in many of the 12×12″ albums on the market.

(*Note for digital scrappers, consider making your pages on 12″x12″ canvases so that you will then have the option to print at 12″x12″ or a smaller 8″x8″ size.)

The two sizes offer different page design options, since, with 8.5″x11″ you’re working with a rectangular canvas, while the 12″x12″ size is a square canvas.

D-ring binder that holds both 12"x12" pages and 8.5"x11" pages -- in page protectors

18″x18″ or larger.

Oversized albums make a great statement. Be prepared to spend more money on your supplies and a bit more time tracking them down. Make sure you can store albums this size in a cool dry spot.

Pocket Pages in varying sizes.

Buy pocket pages the same size as your chosen album format and integrate scrapped pages with photos presented this way.

two-pages or one?

Two one-page layouts facing each other in a Shutterfly photobook

With each layout that you do, you’ll also need to decide whether you’re use two side-by-side canvases or one canvas that will sit next to another, separate layout.