Photo Book quality: A simple guide to paper & covers

It starts with the cover: Choosing the right foundation for your story

Your Photo Book’s cover is the first thing you touch and see. It's the first impression. Choosing the right one depends on the story you're telling.

Hardcover

• The look and feel: Durable, timeless, and substantial. The sturdy carton cover is designed to resist dog-eared pages and protect the inner pages from everyday knicks and wear, while the printed spine gives it a true bookshelf finish.
• Best for: Family heirlooms, Wedding Photo Albums, a "Year-in-Review" book, a Travel Photo Book of a big trip, or any milestone gift.

Softcover

• The look and feel: Flexible, durable, and modern. This option has a chic, magazine-like feel that’s perfect for a casual keepsake, while its premium, extra-thick cover paper still offers great protection for the pages inside.
• Best for: Shorter trips, a baby’s first year, fun projects for kids, or a heartfelt gift for a friend.

A guide to Photo Book paper: Understanding the differences

The weight and finish of the paper you choose for your book will dramatically impact how your photos look and feel.

First, what is GSM? It stands for Grams per Square Meter, and it’s a simple measure of paper thickness and durability. The higher the GSM, the thicker and more premium the paper feels.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the beautiful Photo Book paper options you can choose with Journi:

The magic of the binding: What is a Layflat Photo Book?

Wondering which Photo Books are the best quality for showcasing your most epic shots? A Layflat Photo Book is the answer. It’s our premium option for a reason.

In a standard Photo Book, the pages curve into the spine. In a Layflat book, two pages are carefully glued together back-to-back, creating an extra-thick page that opens to a perfectly flat, seamless spread.

This is perfect for:

• Stunning travel photography: Ensures every detail of your landscape shots is perfectly visible, right up to the inner edge of the page. No more distortion in the middle!
• The ultimate coffee table book: The extra-thick pages and seamless lay-flat design create an effortless, gallery-like viewing experience for you and your guests. It's a book that invites people to pick it up.
• Wedding albums & professional portfolios: The extra-thick pages and seamless feel give your most important memories the luxurious, high-end presentation they deserve.

3 reasons why beautiful printing matters

Your memories deserve to be printed with care. At Journi, we partner with printing experts in the  United States, the UK, Australia, and Germany who use state-of-the-art technology to ensure every photo is sharp, vibrant, and true to life.

We are committed to being the best Photo Book maker you can trust. 

We focus on:

1. Image enhancement: Our AI automatically enhances each image, adjusting for the perfect contrast and color balance. It’s like having a pro editor that makes sure every photo looks its absolute best in print.
2. Durability: Our printing and binding are designed to last, so your book becomes a cherished family heirloom.
3. Sustainability: All our paper is FSC-certified, meaning it’s sourced from responsibly managed forests. We also plant trees for every order placed to offset our carbon footprint!

High-quality Photo Books, made simple

Now that you're an expert on what makes a quality Photo Book, you can see why our customers love Journi. 

We've combined the best materials with smart AI that does the hard design work for you. You get to focus on the fun part, reliving your memories and adding personal touches, while we obsess over the quality of the final product.

Your photos are too precious for average quality. See and feel the Journi difference for yourself.

Your quality questions, answered

Is the Layflat binding really worth the extra cost?

For those extra-special, once-in-a-lifetime moments, absolutely. The Layflat option transforms your Photo Book from a beautiful album into a luxurious, gallery-style experience. It's the best choice for wedding photos, professional portfolios, and epic travel shots where you want your panoramic images to be displayed seamlessly without a single detail lost in the center crease.

I'm still not sure: should I choose matte or glossy paper?

It really depends on the vibe you're going for! Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Choose matte for a timeless, artistic feel. It's perfect for black-and-white photos, wedding albums, and a professional, fingerprint-resistant finish.
• Choose glossy for a vibrant, color-popping look. It's fantastic for making photos from your sunny beach vacation or a colorful birthday party look extra bright and lively.

Will the photos from my phone look good when they're printed?

Yes, and here's why. It’s a common concern, which is why we've built smart technology to help. Our AI automatically enhances your images, adjusting the contrast and brightness to ensure they look their absolute best in print. As long as your original photo isn't extremely blurry or dark, our system will optimize it for a sharp, vibrant result.

How durable is the book? Will it really last for years?

Absolutely. We craft our Photo Books to be family heirlooms. We use thick, premium paper, sturdy covers, and strong, durable binding that's designed to withstand years of being opened, shared, and loved. With simple care, like keeping it out of direct sunlight, it will be a treasured keepsake for generations.