Help

Tips and tricks to creating your custom Pixtorie album

Here are some recommendations from the Pixtorie team so that you can make the most of your very own Pixtorie album.

• Try to match dominant photo colors with dominant colors of a layout. For example if your photo has a lot of green (Jenny is wearing a green dress and is standing on green grass), we recommend that you look for layouts that use green or compliment green. When an effort to match colors is made - the outcome is out of this world!
• When adding your own special words in the title and journaling areas - we recommend that you fill out the areas completely. This is especially the case for the journaling area. Your layouts will look the best and hold the most memories if you are able to pack these areas full of fun memories.
• Use the decorative text for titles. Decorative is unique and fun. Even more importantly, the decorative text selections have been designed to compliment the title area and colors of each layout. You can not go wrong with decorative text!

Cover

Cover selection

When you navigate to the "Create a Scrapbook" area on the website, you will notice on the left hand side of the screen a blank page thumbnail. Directly under that blank page you will see a "Choose Cover" button. Simply click on the "Choose Cover" button and a new window will pop-up. This new window will display all the cover options that are available. Locate and click on the cover that suits your fancy. Your selected cover will be displayed in the main portion of the "Create A Scrapbook" screen. Next, use the photo editing tools to choose the special photo that you want displayed in the 4" X 6" window in the front cover of your Pixtorie album.

Layout

What is a layout?

In general, a Pixtorie layout can be thought of as a single page in a scrapbook. More specifically, a Pixtorie layout is a careful selection of archival quality papers, embellishments and photos which are arranged tastefully onto an album base page and result in a page just like one you would find in any finely crafted scrapbook. A layout can have a specific theme, for example, "Halloween," where color-specific papers and embellishments are used to illustrate the theme. On the other hand, another layout can have more of a general theme and use papers and embellishments that are versatile and could be used for a Birthday, Pool Party or whatever you can dream up. The sky's the limit with Pixtorie! Using the Pixtorie web tool, you can simply search through the selection of layouts already designed by the Pixtorie team and select and personalize the ones that best capture and showcase your family's special moments. Easy as that!

Search/Browse layouts

In order to aid you in the search for the perfect layout for your special photos the Pixtorie web tool has built-in search and browse capabilities. Each layout is associated with one or more categories. You can think of layout categories along the same lines as how greeting cards are organized. The majority of greeting cards have a specific theme-birthday, thank you, baby shower, etc. When you shop for a card, most of the time you know which type of card you want and you immediately find that selection of cards. The same principle applies to searching through our layouts. The search/browse functionality in the web tool brings you to the location where the layouts of your desired theme will be located. Below provides an explanation of each

Search
The Search function is the more powerful of the two tools. Simply check off your criteria across any or all of the category groups and the web tool will locate all layouts that fit into the categories that you selected. The layouts that match your selections will then be returned to you, displayed in order of highest match to lowest match. In the upper right-hand corner of the thumbnail layouts, you will see a fractional number. The top number represents the number of actual matches of search criteria and the bottom number represents the total number of search criteria you selected.

Browse
The browse function allows you to "drill down" into a category group and does not allow you to search across category groups. For example, you can "drill down" into a color category group, but not into a color category group within a specific type of theme.

What is a layout variation?

Layout variations are variations of the same layout that are available to accommodate different photo orientations. For example, let's say you search through the layouts and locate the layout style and theme that best fits your photo. After clicking on the layout to select it, you will then be taken to the "Select Layout Variation" screen. In this screen you can locate the layout variation that best fits your photo. For example, if the preview of the layout that you initially found and selected accommodates a 4" X 6" portrait, but your photo is a 4" X 6" landscape, you will want to select the 4" X 6" landscape layout variation. This will result in the same layout, except that it accommodates a 4" X 6" landscape photo. Please note that not every layout has all the photo orientations available. The Pixtorie team does its best to ensure each layout can accommodate as many photo orientations as possible, but at the same time, not all orientations can be available for every layout because the overall aesthetics of each layout are of the utmost importance.

How many layouts are included in the album?

There is a maximum of 12 single-sided layouts (pages) per Pixtorie album. You must select at least six layouts for your album.

What is the maximum number of photos that can be put onto a layout?

Pixtorie currently offers a maximum of 2 photos per layout. As we expand our product line, we will include more layout options that offer the ability to include more photos per layout.

Personalizations

What are Personalizations?

A layout contains areas that are specified for personalization. This is how you customize the Pixtorie layouts to make them your very own. There are four types of personalization that can be found on a layout - Photo, Title, Journaling and Date. Personalization areas become very evident once you select a layout that you would like to customize. Below provides an explanation of each personalization.

Photo Personalization
Each layout has area(s) designated for you to include your personal photo(s). Photo personalization areas can be identified on a particular layout by locating the "Choose Photo" button. Simply click on the "Choose Photo" button and you will be taken a screen that displays all the photos you have uploaded. From there, either upload a new photo or choose a photo from your Pixtorie personal photo gallery. Once you select a photo, you will see that photo populate into the layout. It's like magic! At that time you will have the photo editing tools available in case you would like to perform any adjustments to your photo.

Title Personalization
Match your photos with the perfect words to capture the moment for years to come! Each layout has an area dedicated to hold a special title for a layout. Title personalization areas can be identified on a layout by locating the "Choose Title" button. The neat thing about the Pixtorie web tool is that the "Choose Title" functionality offers you two options for title text.

Option 1 - Custom text. If you are a wordsmith, this option will suit you perfectly! Let your imagination run wild and enter your own words that will truly make the layout your own.

Option 2 - Title Suggestion. If you just cannot think of the perfect words to pair with your perfect photo, Pixtorie has pulled up their sleeves and worked hard to pull together a list of cute, witty and catchy title suggestions that fit many of the special moments that families share. Simply surf through the suggestions and select the one that suits the mood.

Option 3 - Decorative Text. Decorative text builds on the title suggestion concept and adds more decorative, illustrative elements to the text. Decorative text is a lot of fun and can add a lot of distinctiveness to your layout. We highly recommend playing around with this feature!

Journaling Personalization
Titles can be thought of as short phrases, while journaling allows you more room to expand on the special stories that your photos hold. This is a great area to include specific details about the events and/or people in your photos. It is a perfect way to further capture the special moments and make them timeless for future years of enjoyment. Journaling personalization areas can be identified on a layout by locating the "Enter Text" button. Simply click on the button and start typing away.

*Not all layouts have journaling personalization available. Additionally, journaling is not required on layouts. If a layout has an area designated for journaling, you have the choice to fill it in or leave it blank.

Date Personalization
One of the key elements to scrapbooking is preservation of memories. Pixtorie helps you achieve this goal by providing the ability to associate dates with your memories. Date personalization areas can be identified by locating the "Enter Date" button. Simply click on the button and enter the desired date.

*Not all layouts have date personalization available. Additionally, date personalization is not required on layouts. If a layout has an area designated for a date personalization, you have the choice to fill it in or leave it blank.

How do I check my spelling?

The check spelling functionality is offered on both the custom title and the journaling personalization areas. In either of these areas, look for the "abc" displayed in the tool bar associated with the personalization area. Just click on the "abc," and if there are misspelled words in your personalization areas, you will be directed to the Pixtorie spell check tool. The Pixtorie spell check tool will display misspelled words and offer suggestions for correct spelling. Pixtorie strongly recommends that you use the Pixtorie spell check tool on all of your text areas prior to submitting an order.

Photos

How do I get my pictures to Pixtorie?

Before you can upload photos, you need to sign up for an account. Once you have an account, there are two locations where you can upload your photos to your personal Pixtorie account.

• Click on the "My Account" link. The "My Account" link can be found in the top bar of each Pixtorie website page. Also, the "My Account" link can be found when you are in the "Create a Scrapbook" tool, located on the right-hand side of the screen under "Options." If you are not already logged in, simply enter you username, and password, and you will enter your account. On the left-hand side of the screen there is a link for "My Photos." Click on the "My Photos" link and a new screen will appear that shows all the photos you have uploaded to date. If you would like to upload new photos just click the "Upload photos" button.
• Click on the "Choose Photo" button on a layout. When you are personalizing a layout, you have the ability to upload photos at that time. Click on the "Choose Photo" button and a new screen will appear that shows all the photos you have uploaded to date. If you would like to upload new photos just click the "Upload photos" button.

Once you click the "Upload Photos" button -

• A new window will appear. Click the browse button. This will allow you to browse through the folders of your computer to locate the digital image file that you wish to upload.
• Once you locate the photo file you wish to upload, highlight the file and click open. After completing these steps you will see the filename populate the first box in the upload screen. If you wish to associate a name with the file simply type in the name into the adjacent box which is titled "Enter name/description".
• If you wish to upload multiple images at once, just repeat the above steps for the remaining spaces provided. You are able to upload 5 images at once.
• Once you have made your selection(s) and you are ready to upload, simply click on the upload button.
• Once the photo has been successfully uploaded you will see a green bar that states your photo was uploaded successfully. If you want to upload more at this time, click the "Upload More" button and you will be on your way. If you are finished with uploading, click the close button and you will be taken back to your photo gallery where you can view the uploaded image.

Why won't my picture upload?

• Resolution of digital image does not meet minimum resolution requirements of 930 x 620. The Pixtorie website currently has resolution restrictions built into the web application, which will prevent you from uploading an image if the resolution is too low. This feature is to ensure that you will not be disappointed with the quality of your prints in your album.
• File already exists. If you try to upload a file that has the same filename as a previously uploaded image - the application will stop the upload. Please rename the file that you want to upload.

If you are still experiencing issues with uploading photos please email customercare@pixtorie.com and we will gladly assist you!

What size photos are offered?

Pixtorie currently offers 4" X 6" and 5" X 7" size photos.

What photo editing tools are available?

Pixtorie offers you a few photo editing tools, just in case you would like to take that special photo an extra mile:

Black and white
Transform your color photos to black and white in a snap. Just click on the color palette icon in the photo edit toolbar and your photo will be changed to black and white.

Rotate photo
Rotate your photos in increments of 45 degrees until you find the perfect orientation for them! Simply click on either of the arrows, depending on the direction you would like to rotate, and your picture will be adjusted accordingly.

Move photo
Grab and move your photo around in the photo personalization area to ensure that you include the most important area of the photo in the photo personalization area. To move photo simply move your mouse pointer to the photo you wish to move. You will see the pointer change to a hand. Once you see the hand, click and hold down your left mouse button while you move the photo around. The shape of the photo and the space on the layout will dictate how you can move the photo.

Read more specific information on why the "Move Photo" functionality is important in the help section titled "Why were my pictures cropped?"

If you make changes to your photos, the changes will be saved automatically as soon as you navigate to a different/new layout in your album.

Why were my pictures cropped?

The height and width of most digital images do not fit perfectly into a 4" X 6" or 5" X 7" print size. More specifically, digital cameras do not capture digital images to fit standard print sizes. The digital images produced from a digital camera are usually slightly squarer than a 4" X 6", and a bit more rectangular than an 8" X 10" print. Because of this, it makes it impossible to print a photo without first cropping the digital image to fit the print space. This is the standard practice of the photo industry.

To ensure that your digital images fit properly into the 4" X 6" and/or 5" X 7" photo personalization areas and subsequently print size, the Pixtorie web tool automatically crops your digital images to fit into the desired personalization area on a layout. The Pixtorie web tool also offers "Move Photo" functionality, which will allow you to move your photo around in the photo personalization space to ensure that the most important areas of the photo are included when it is printed.

Features of the My Photo area

The "My Photos" area is packed full of features that allow you to organize and store your photos in a simple manner. Features of "My Photo" area include:

• Add a "Photo Group." Photo Groups allow you to easily organize your photos into meaningful groups. For example, create a "Photo Group" and label it "Christmas 2005." Then upload or move all your Christmas 2005 photos to the "Christmas 2005" photo group. Anytime you want to locate a picture from Christmas 2005, you will easily be able to do it by clicking on the "Christmas 2005" photo group.
• Delete "Photo Group." If you no longer want a photo group and all the photos associated with the photo group, just click on the trash can that appears when you mouse over the photo group name.
• If you want to upload new photos, simply click on the "Upload Photo" button and you are on your way.
• Photo Tool Bar. Mouse over any of the pictures in your "My Photo" area and you will see the Photo Tool Bar appear. Here is a description for all the tools in the photo toolbar:
  • Curved Arrows - Allows you to easily rotate your photo, at 45 degree increments, clockwise and counterclockwise.
  • Straight arrow - Allows you to easily move the photo to a different photo group.
  • Trash Can icon - Allows you to delete your photo from your account.

Send to a Friend

What is Send to a Friend?

We at Pixtorie want you to be able to share your unique Pixtorie on-line creation with all your friends and family! This is why we have built in the "Send to a Friend" functionality. Just create a Pixtorie on-line scrapbook album and click the "Send to a Friend" link on the right-hand side of the "Create A Scrapbook" page. From there you will need to enter your name, your e-mail address, your friend's name, your friends e-mail address and a message to your friend. Once you fill in all the information, just click the "Send" button. Your friend will then receive an email, which includes an invitation to view your on-line scrapbook creation, your personal message and a link to your on-line Pixtorie scrapbook. Once your friend clicks the link, they will be taken straight to your album on the Pixtorie website. From there your friend can view and order your special Pixtorie creation!