Shutterfly vs Photobook America Photo Books Comparison

I have three groupon vouchers for Photobook America that were given to me as a gift.  I’m in the midst of trying to format my books and, honestly, if I didn’t have the prepaid vouchers to use, I’d give it up and go elsewhere. 

First, Photobook America apparently no longer has downloadable software available to allow one to do the formatting offline….which means one must use up computer bandwidth trying to learn their online software.  Unless you have unlimited high speed computer access, this can be a major problem.  

Second, the online “editor” is not at all intuitive to use.  And the supposed  “guide” is next to useless.  10 pages that tell you NOTHING about how any of the tools work and absolutely no explanation regarding the limitations of those tools.  They don’t even say what types of picture files can be uploaded or what the maximum uploaded file size is.  Turns out that only png and jpeg files will work.  No explanation about whether or HOW a picture can be cropped using their tools.  No explanation about resizing uploaded pictures.  No explanation about how to ensure that images are lined up neatly if you want them that way.   Etc. Etc. Etc.  I speak as someone who taught myself to use Photoshop plus  several different computer-assisted drawing programs. (I even designed my own 3500 sq ft home using CAD architectural program after teaching myself to use the program.  So I’m pretty computer savvy.)  

Third, Photobook America’s “chat” service doesn’t seem to be available EXCEPT during regular business office hour (9AM-5PM EST) and sometimes not even then.  The chat button just disappears so you can’t even ask for assistance when you get frustrated at odd hours.  

Fourth, their “contact us” page REQUIRES you to insert an order ID number before you can send them a message.  This is NOT HELPFUL since all the technical issues with creating a photobook occur BEFORE one submits an order… so you don’t HAVE an order ID and thus cannot use the “contact us” page.  During one of my early chats, I did get a phone number (1-646-918-5879) but that number is only answered during regular business hours.  

Finally, while Photobook America does allow you to add text, your ability to POSITION that text EXACTLY where you want it is extremely limited. There is no way to focus in on the pages and whenever you try to reposition text the text boxes “jump”….probably half an inch or more at a time. Smaller adjustments are simply not possible.  And, if you accidentally grab one of the corners of a text box while trying to reposition the box, then the text box changes sizes (as one would expect) BUT the text inside the box also changes sizes which is totally unexpected!  So, if you’re trying to put text in two side-by-side boxes so as to create newspaper style columns of print and you’re not paying extremely close attention, you could easily wind up with something like  12 point font in one column and 14.6 pt font in the one right beside it.  Needless to say, that is going to look downright sloppy and unprofessional.  

If all you want to do is create a quick “scrapbook” look… like one manage with scissors and colored paper from the craft store, these limitations might not bother you.  But if you’re trying to create a truly professional looking memory book, Photobook America doesn’t seem to have the necessary chops to do it.

 I’ll update this review (or add another one) if/when I ever get these books finished and see the final product.