Flatten a copy (or save as a layered PSD master). Export as a High-Quality JPEG (Level 10-12) or a TIFF . Upload to your album lab. Why "Exclusive" Beats "Cheap" Every Time Let’s talk ROI (Return on Investment). A cheap $3 background pack for 12x36 albums usually contains 100 backgrounds. But those 100 backgrounds are just resized from 12x12 squares. They look stretched.
Take your client photo (ideally a panorama or a wide group shot). Press Ctrl + A (Select All), Ctrl + C (Copy), then go to the Smart Object window and press Ctrl + V (Paste). Ctrl + S to save, then close the tab.
Don't settle for stretching a square into a rectangle. Seek out PSD backgrounds built for 1:3 ratios—files that include smart objects, gutter guides, and print-ready textures. Your albums (and your bottom line) will thank you.
Double-click the Smart Object thumbnail in the Layers panel. A new window pops up (this is your "photo container").
Turn on the "Guide" layer (usually hidden by default). Zoom in to 100% at the center fold. Is the subject's face more than 0.5 inches away from the center crease? If yes, drag the Smart Object slightly left or right using the Move Tool.
