The new software will be released today (at last!) and here’s a heads up on what some of the major changes are. In order to update your old software, just click on the “Update” button when you run the software.

The first thing you’ll notice is that we now offer a range of Greeting Cards and Calendars. In addition, we have a new 8×6 Compact SmileBooks Photo Book and you will now also be able to order the 16.5×12 Panorama Professional SmileBook with an image wrap hard cover! We’ve changed the name of the 8×8 photo book from Mini to Medium, so don’t let that confuse you.

The following photo books will now have a maximum of 154 pages in their image wrap hard cover on digital print paper options: 8×11 Classic, 11×8 Panorama, 12×12 Deluxe, 11×14 Portrait Professional and the 16.5×12 Panorama Professional SmileBook.

For all SmileBooks photo books printed on silver halide photo paper (those with a lay-flat binding), the maximum page number of 82 stays the same.

Some of the tools and functionalities have been moved or have a new look so i’ve included some “before” and “after” screenshots help get you started:

Here’s the photo book editor in the old software with the shopping cart and save functions (1) and the preview, zoom, page and rotation functions (2).

Version 4.5.9 - Preview mode & Save/Shopping Cart functions

 In the screenshot of the new software, you’ll notice that the shopping cart icon has been replaced with an “Order now!” button and the save functions have moved to the top of the screen along with the button for activating the SmileBooks Assistant (1a). The whole preview mode, zoom, page and rotation section (2a) has moved.

Version 4.6.5 - Preview mode & Save/Shopping Cart functions

In the old software, in order to add frames/borders around your photos, you’d click on the button (3) to activate the tool:

Version 4.5.9 - Border/Frame tool

Version 4.6.5 - Border/Frame tool

The text tool (4) has moved from…

Version 4.5.9 - Text tool

 …to here…

Version 4.6.5 - Text tool

 You can still set images to full bleed on either one page or across both pages with a right mouse click under “More image options”.

A huge change is that you’ll now be able to switch from digital printing paper to silver halide photo paper! This option applies to 8×8 Medium, 8×11 Classic, 11×8 Panorama and 12×12 Deluxe SmileBooks. This feature can be found in product information area (5) along with the cover type options and the page number selection tool. We’ve also added price information to this section and if you click on the “Change size” button, you’ll be able to change an 8×8 into a 12×12, a 8×11 into a 11×14 or a 11×8 into a 8×6 photo book and visa versa. This function is ideal for anyone wanting to make a large photo book to keep and a smaller version to give away as a gift.

Version 4.6.5 - Product information area

In a rush to get the new version out today, you’ll notice that the book sizes in the “Change size” function are still in cm’s. Some of the book names are incorrect as well. If you try to change 12×12 or 8×8 photo books, you’ll notice that the Medium book is called Square. For 16.5×12, 11×8 or 8×6 size changes, you’ll notice that the Panorama is called a Classic. We’ll get this fixed in the next few days.

Version 4.6.5 - Change size window with incorrect product names

The photos in these screenshots were taken from my vacation to Venice 2 week’s ago. Once i’ve finished making my SmileBook, i’ll share it with you and show you how to use the new share function.

If you need any more information, leave a comment and i’ll be more than happy to help!

On Monday i’ll be showing you all the new features in the SmileBooks Assistant. There’s a fantastic new section on style selection which will help you make themed photo books with a few easy clicks!