How to Create a Photobook (Service Mode)
In Service Mode, you upload your photos and our designer lays out the whole book. You review the final design before it goes to print.
When to Choose Service Mode
- You want a professionally designed photobook without spending hours in the editor
- It's a gift and you want a polished result
- You have lots of photos and want help curating them onto pages
Service Mode is available only for photobooks. Photo prints don't need design — they print as-is.
What You'll Need
- Your photos (high-resolution, well-lit JPGs or PNGs are best)
- A QARTA account (free)
- The photo count required by your chosen size (see below)
Photo Counts by Size
The minimum and maximum number of photos depends on the variant you pick:
| Size | Cover | Pages | Photos (min–max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15×20 cm | Hardcover | 32 | 32–40 |
| 20×20 cm | Softcover | 24 | 24–32 |
| 20×20 cm | Softcover | 30 | 30–40 |
| 20×20 cm | Hardcover | 48 | 48–60 |
| 20×20 cm | Hardcover | 96 | 60–120 |
| 20×26 cm | Hardcover | 96 | 96–140 |
If you're not sure how many photos you have, the editor will tell you when you're below the minimum or above the maximum.
Step-by-Step
1. Pick a Photobook and Size
Go to Photobooks, choose a title, then select the size and page count you want.
2. Click "Service Mode"
On the product page you'll see two buttons: "Create Design" (Design Mode) and "Service Mode". Pick Service Mode.
3. Upload Your Photos
- Drag photos from your computer or pick them from your gallery
- Add them in roughly the order you want them to appear (chronological works well)
- Stay within the min–max range for your size
4. Submit for Design
Once you've uploaded enough photos, submit the project. Our designer starts working within 1–2 business days.
5. Review the Draft
When the draft is ready, you'll get an email with a link. Open it and:
- Page through every spread
- Note any pages where photos are cropped or placed in an order you don't want
- Send your feedback in the chat or by email — we'll revise
6. Approve & Pay
Once you're happy with the design, approve it and complete checkout. Production starts immediately.
Timeline (Service Mode, end-to-end)
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Designer creates layout | 1–2 business days |
| You review and request changes | depends on you |
| Printing & quality check | 3–4 business days |
| Shipping (Tbilisi) | 1–2 business days |
| Shipping (regions) | 2–4 business days |
| Total (Tbilisi) | 7–9 business days |
| Total (regions) | 7–11 business days |
Tips for the Best Result
- Upload the originals, not screenshots or downsized copies. The designer needs full resolution.
- Group photos by event so the designer can build natural-feeling spreads.
- Pick a sensible photo count — uploading the minimum gives a clean, airy book; the maximum gives a denser, story-rich one.
- Tell us about must-have photos — note any photos that should land on a specific page or cover.
Common Questions
Can I switch from Service Mode to Design Mode later? No — they're separate projects. Start a new project in the other mode if you change your mind.
Can I request revisions? Yes. We typically do small layout/order tweaks within the same project for free. Major redesigns may take an extra round.
How is Service Mode priced vs Design Mode? Service Mode costs about ₾20–₾50 more than Design Mode for the same size, reflecting the designer's time.
Need help? Email hi@qarta.ge or message us in the chat.