Frequently Asked Questions
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Due to the technical limitations of the app, the audio files must be .mp3
In case you have a different format, it is easily converted to .mp3 with appropriate utilities.
For a 40 page 30cm square Large Luxurious book, we would recommend between 80 and 120 photos. If you keep the number of pages fixed, the more photos you insert, the smaller the average size of the photos. You can of course have less than 40 pages, or add additional pages. Your choices may be guided by the quality of the photos themselves, and the importance of the book.
For books of smaller dimensions, your page real estate is less, so your photos will obviously be smaller, all other factors being equal. Similarly, if you choose an A3 Large Landscape, you can have the same number of photos but have them larger, or you may wish to make use of the additional space to accommodate more photos.
For photos and articles etc. that need to be in sharp focus, you will need to arrange for these to be scanned.
If you have access to a scanner (?via a friend, or work, or local library), we recommend that you configure the scanner for 600dpi (dots per inch). Many scanners are set up with a default of 300dpi which is a good default for scanning documents that don’t need scaling up. However, to give maximum flexibility for cropping and/or enlargement of your chosen images when you layout your photo book, a minimum 600 dpi is recommended for standard sized photos. Smaller photos may need a higher setting while large photos can be scanned with a lower dpi setting.
For (typically large) children’s artwork you may have some success in photographing such images. You should try to ensure that the lighting is as even and diffused as possible. It is worth trying to photograph these outside in the shade or on an overcast day, avoiding the uneven lighting of a flash. Pay particular attention to achieving a sharp focus, and avoid shallow depth or field, otherwise part of the drawing may be blurry.
If that all sounds too difficult, Cahoots offers scanning services to assist in the process of creating a photo book. See our scanning page for details.
You should collect your set of image/audio pairs and submit them to us. (Contact us for the best way to do this). Your image and audio files should be named the same – so it is clear they are paired with each other. We will also need to provide you a QR code that will need to be printed in, or attached to, your photo book.
We strongly advise against cropping images externally, as most photo book design tools have the facility to do a “virtual crop”. This means there is added flexibility to tesselate multiple images into a set of defined placeholder shapes, since in some cases, cropped images will not fit optimally into the relevant placeholder.
If adjusting colours, brightness, and contrast, do keep in mind that every monitor will show colours differently (unless properly calibrated to the output device). Also, as monitors are backlit, images will appear more vibrant than when printed on paper. We therefore advise caution when undertaking such work until you get a feel for the effect on the printed page in your photo book.
If your scanner can recognise multiple photos and generate a files for each of them then there will be no issue from working more efficiently. You can scan multiple photos in a single scan if you wish. The advantage is that you will save some time in the scanning process.
However, if your scanner will create a single file with multiple images, keep in mind that you will then need to crop each scan multiple times to match the size of the part of your scan that contains the photo you are placing in your book. This takes time, so the times saved in scanning may well be lost by the extra effort required to place each photo in the book.
Additionally, you will not be able to make use of any software functions that highlight used images or can hide used images, as the software will not be able to track whether or not a single scan contains multiple photos. Thus, unless you have scanned items in the exact same order you need them placed in the photo book, you may lose some time keeping track of what photos remain to be placed, and risk leaving some out accidentally or placing some twice.
If at all possible, it is best to have one photo or item per file.
Colourwise, our workflow is designed so that your printed photos will look very similar to how they look on a properly calibrated screen. For those who understand colour profiles, our software assumes sRGB colour space, as this is the default for most consumer digital cameras and smartphones.
In terms of resolution, typically your camera’s photos will have dimensions in 1000’s of pixels on each axis, and be close to 1 or more Megabytes in size. Don’t worry if that is too technical for you. Most photo book software will flag any photos it considers to be “poor resolution” (Cinch will show a red warning flag).
If ignored, in extreme cases, these images may appear excessively blurred or pixelated. Frequently we encounter such images if they have been taken from Facebook or other online sources. These images have a resolution that is satisfactory for screen viewing, but have to be significantly smaller in print to look as good. In some cases clients have chosen to keep bad resolution images in their book. Even though they know the printed output may not be so good, the images represent important memories that need to be accommodated in the book.
If your photo is displaying a resolution warning you have three options to improve it. You can reduce the amount of cropping, and/or you can make the photo itself smaller on the page. Otherwise, you should try to re-scan at higher resolution, or try to obtain the original image file that may have a higher resolution that the file you are using. If you have received the image by sms text message, or email, it may have been automatically downsized prior to sending. You may wish to ask the sender to forward the image at “actual” or “original” size.
We have discontinued our VIP points system. Points were only valid for a maximum of 18 months. Please contact us if you believe you have a points balance still valid for use.
We have discontinued our VIP points system. Points were only valid for a maximum of 18 months. Please contact us if you believe you have a points balance still valid for use.
We have discontinued our VIP points system. Points were only valid for a maximum of 18 months. Please contact us if you believe you have a points balance still valid for use.
As long as your file has not yet been forwarded to our production partner, we can cancel your order, after which you can submit your updated file. Please contact us promptly and quote the order number if you wish to attempt to cancel a specific order. It goes without saying that it is crucial to carefully review your book before submitting.
We can take your PDF and send it to our partner to produce a beautiful hardcover book for you, provided your file meets certain requirements. Importantly, it must have the same dimensions as any of our book sizes. Please contact us to discuss the specifics as they relate to your project.
Regrettably, we must charge a small setup fee for our time to import your JPEG files into Cahoots software, or to setup your PDF file to process it in our workflow. If your files are compliant with our recommended specifications, your setup fee will be in the order of $20 for a 40 page book. If there are subsequent changes and iterations required (in the event dimensions and/or bleed is not correct, or content is not correctly placed for acceptable results), our processing fees will necessarily be higher.
Our regular panoramic layflat paper is 300gsm coated stock with a silk finish. The paper has a crease along the centre of the spread that alows the paper to freely lie flat. This not only provides great visibility to details that would otherwise be lost in the gutter of a traditionally bound book, but there is no wrestling with the pages to keep them fully open. Because of this, a thicker stock is able to be used, adding to the quality feel of the book. The layflat uprade is worth considering for those special books. Note that regular layflat books will have a subtle white crease along the central fold, so it is something to keep in mind if you are considering placing content across the central fold.
Since layflat photo books do not lose content in the gutter, they can really make an impact when an image is displayed across the centre of the spread. If yo wish to have the freedom to lay out content across left and right pages, we recommend our premium layflat product range which has no visual discontinuity between left and right pages.
We have some sample layflat books in the Subiaco office for you to view, if you are able to drop by (make a no obligation appointment). If your book will be 80 pages or less (or 140 or less for premium layflat books), choosing a panoramic layflat book will allow enjoyment of 100% of every beautiful page, without wrestling with your book to keep the pages open. Learn more about our books
Regrettably all our books are now outsourced for production. Therefore we are unable to produce a set of pages or a test print. We now print photo books with a number of different partners. The images in our sample books across all providers look exactly the same so we are confident the colours in your book will be accurately reproduced. If necessary, you could opt for the lowest outlay (EVERYDAY range), before committing to a more expensive product, if you need to be assured of the final result you expect.
Supplied images are assumed to be in sRGB colourspace as this is the default for all digital photos.
If you are editing your images, please be aware that all monitors show colours differently (especially laptops, where the angle of viewing gives a different result). Therefore the printed images in the book may not look the same as on your monitor, but the colours in the photo book will be accurately reproduced according to the supplied file(s).
EVERYDAY books are fulfilled by our global partner and generally take at least 3 weeks to be received at your postal street address (no P.O. Boxes!).
Alternatively, our other product ranges (regular LAYFLAT and PREMIUM LAYFLAT) are produced by other production partners located on the east coast and in SE Asia. These books typically take up to 2 weeks to be ready for collection (by appointment) at Cahoots, or deposited with Australia Post according to the selected postage option during checkout.
As we no longer produce books ourselves and rely on Australia Post for delivery (where selected), Cahoots is unable to make any guarantees relating to delivery. Quoted timeframes are typical, but subject to extension during peak periods (e.g. Christmas, Mothers Day etc.)
Once your order has been received, you will see an acknowledgement page with order number. You should also receive an email containing the same information. (Check your spam folder if it appears to have gone astray.)
If ordering a Cinch project, you will have passed through the checkout and payment process and your book file will be transferred to us.
If ordering a book created with desktop software (e.g. YouDesign), you will need to upload the file(s) to us. Once having created an order (see supplied instructions on the cheat sheet downloaded with your YouDesign template file), you will receive a link to upload your book file(s). HINT: Look for the green button on the order acknowledgement page.
Please note that if you opted for bank transfer, your book will be on hold until funds are received.
Contact us if you experience difficulties with the order process.
Since mid 2024, Cahoots are now offering panoramic LAYFLAT books which have double page spreads printed on a single sheet of paper. Unlike our previous “hinged layflat” books, there is no potential displacement of images across the gutter of the double page spread.
While you are therefore free to place images and text across left and right pages, please note that the fold along the gutter of a regular LAYFLAT book creates a thin visible white crease which will run across any content that straddles the spine.
However, this is not the case with the PREMIUM LAYFLAT books which are printed on heavier weight paper stock. Please check the details on our web page About Our Books
To order your layflat photo book (either regular layflat or premium layflat), choose the appropriate layflat product (for Cinch) or download the layflat product’s YouDesign file template when you start your project. It is important to select the correct product, as the page size is different across product ranges and book formats. Changing between products can be problematic due to page size differences, so it is important to select the correct product range and format when starting your Cinch project. If using commercial photo book design software, it is possible to dynamically update the dimensions to suit the desired product, BUT you must carefully review existing content to ensure it is appropriately within the content “safe zones”, and/or aligned with spine, cover and page edges.
To determine the cost difference between a standard book and a layflat equivalent, use our book cost calculator.
Since early 2022 we have discontinued the VIP points loyalty program. If you believe you still have accumulated points to use, please get in touch. Note however that any points will have expired 18 months after the date they were earned.
We are however pleased to advise that we keep tabs on customer order frequency and proactively offer personal discount codes to those customers with a history of regular orders. If you think you have been overlooked, please reach out to us.
Since mid 2024 Cahoots is no longer able to produce books locally in Perth. Therefore we are unable to offer an expedited service for urgent books. Our PREMIUM LAYFLAT product range generally offers the quickest turnaround at 1-2 weeks. However, the delivery and production estimates quoted on our website are “typical” timeframes only and cannot be guaranteed, especially during peak times such as pre-Christmas, Mothers Day etc.
EVERYDAY books are fulfilled by our overseas partner and generally take at least 3 weeks to be received at your postal street address (no P.O. Boxes!).
Alternatively, our other product ranges regular LAYFLAT books are produced by our production partner located on the east coast. These books typically take approximately 2 weeks (plus delivery if required).
PREMIUM LAYFLAT books are produced in SE Asia and take ~1-2 weeks (plus delivery if required).
Cahoots is unable to make any guarantees relating to production time and delivery. These timeframes should be taken as a guide only.
If you engage Cahoots to design your book (Do It For Me), the time taken to finalise the book layout is normally between 3 and 5 business days, depending upon our workload. Thus, if opt for our Do It For Me service, you should ideally allow 1 week for book design in addition to the production times outlined above.
If using desktop software such as YouDesign Photo Book, you can create an order online and following the checkout process you will be able to upload your finalised PDF (or set of JPG spreads) via our file upload page.
For Cinch projects designed in your web browser, they can be submitted via the order button top right of the web browser window. You will then be taken to the checkout to pay for your order.
Should you have continuing difficulties submitting your project, it is possible to send your file to us using a third party service. Feel free to contact us if you have any difficulties with the ordering process.
All our books have a 20 page minimum.
Maximums of 80, 140, 200, and 300 pages are possible depending upon the selected product range, and the tool used to design the book.
Please refer to our product range comparison table for key specifications.
EVERYDAY books are printed on 170gsm silk finish stock.
Regular LAYFLAT books are printed on 300gsm silk finish stock.
PREMIUM LAYFLAT books are printed on 400gsm stock (lustre or matt) with no visual discontinuity along the central crease. The matt paper is non-reflective. Lustre is almost as flat but exhibits a very subtle sheen.
Feel free to visit our Subiaco office (by appointment only) where you can view sample books made with these papers.
All books are available with wrap around printed covers. Availability of gloss or matt cover lamination varies by product range.
Our PREMIUM LAYFLAT books offer an additional choice of 15 fabric covers that can optionally be upgraded with foil lettering or photo inset. Matching slip cases can also be supplied by special request at the time of order.
Where options are available, you can configure your selection in the Book Options setting (top left of Cinch workspace), or via the product order page (e.g. in the case of books ordered from YouDesign output).
If you require exact reprints of any book previously printed by us, please get in touch as we may be able to provide you with a reprint from a backup of the associated print file. We can also provide an archive copy of this same print file (which could be professionally printed at any time in the future). A nominal fee applies for this service.
Unfortunately, No.
As a general rule, you should aim to complete your photo book projects within a couple of months. We do not advise working on a single project for years, as technology and platforms and costs are continually changing (often beyond our control). If you have a truly long-term project, we strongly recommend breaking it down into separate volumes that can be printed as completed.
Our Cahoots Easy Editor for Windows and Cahoots Pizazz for macOS and Easy Designer for Windows and macOS were all licensed from third parties and once the agreements are terminated, we are no longer able to process files from those applications. By extension, this means that all your .epb and .dtp/.dtpx files will no longer be of any practical use. However, in some cases you may possibly be able to cut and paste between old and new applications to most easily recreate your book with updated tools.
The decision to cease support for Easy Designer was not taken lightly. We realise it is one of the best Windows based photo book design applications available. However, the macOs version has lagged well behind the Windows version. Additionally, the ongoing payment of the associated license fees by Cahoots was viewed as not sustainable in the longer term.
Given the previous disruptions caused by software changes, Cahoots is now moving to a generic photo book design software platform. In so doing we are turning our backs on the traditional photo book business model. With a personal license for YouDesign Photo Book software (or any of our other recommended tools), you will be able to generate full resolution print-ready files that can be taken to any print house with book production facilities (or simply create lower resolution versions for sharing). By using YouDesign Photo Book or other commercial book design applications, you will no longer be tied to Cahoots as your book production partner. (But naturally we stand ready to produce your project should you select us to do so.)
Although every customer will need to purchase their own YouDesign Photo Book software license, Cahoots will subsidise the cost by offering two voucher codes for subsequent use. (T&C’s apply – contact us for clarifications or queries )