I received a fantastic question from a reader this week. How do you get a 24×12 layout ready for printing? I replied, making sure the reader meant a horizontal 24×12 layout. Indeed she did, she was asking about a 2 page spread.
The design technique involves designing two scrapbook pages as if it was one cohesive design. Here’s an example from a magazine… which would make a great sketch template too!
There are two ways to handle preparing a spread for printing and your choice depends on what type of album you have.
If you have a post-bound album:
- You can create pages where the layout is continuous across the center line.
- To do this, design your layout at 24 inches wide x 12 inches tall.
- When finished, flatten the image.
- Create a new 12×12 layout and copy the flattened 24×12 image to this new foundation.
- Drag it all the way to the left and save as a high resolution jpg.
- Then drag it all the way to the right and save in the same manner.
- Send the two pages to your favorite printer.
If you have a 3-ring album:
- You should design a 2 page spread as two separate 12×12 pages.
- Tile the images within your photo editor to help plan a visually appealing layout.
- Save and print as your would normally.
- Alternately, you can follow the directions for post bound.
- In this case, you should ensure the center line has no images crossing it.
I hope this helps! Every Saturday I answer your questions. Ask anything!
you have nooooooooooo idea how glad I am that you tackled this question. I have stayed completely away from two-page templates because I never understood how the final product would fit into an album or printed “book” without losing the mid-section of the 24×12 layout. You have made my day more than you know. I never even asked this question because I assumed that it was a silly question and that people who were completing these layouts were just putting them in a gallery. I am not sure I quite understand all of the steps, but I think it will make more sense when I actually try to do what you’ve explained. I am thinking in a printed and bound photo book there might be some of the image that goes into the “gutter”….should we avoid journaling on the inner edges of our pages??
Thank you for having such an awesome website with such competent answers to questions that inquiring minds want to know!!!
Hugs,
Candi
Thank you! I’ve been doing this a much harder way, and I had a hunch that you would have a simple and practical way to do it.
Thank you Jennifer… I am learning sooooo much from you!!!
I am so glad I stumbled upon your site.
I’m having a great time.
Ginnie