How to Create Printable Cards From iPhoto

Advancements in digital photography gives us options to do some amazing things. Instead of taking a roll of film to the store for development, we take our camera home and upload the pictures we took onto a computer. From there, we can pick and choose which pictures make it into a print version later on. We can even get our pictures printed from a remote service that mails us the finished product. Apple offers a service through their software, iPhoto, that allows us to create cards with our own pictures that arrive at our door shortly after ordering them. Follow this procedure to create your own personal card with iPhoto.

Things You'll Need

• Macintosh computer running Mac OS 10.4 or higher
• iLife '06 or higher
• Internet access
• Digital images to choose from in iPhoto

Instructions

Create Your Card Layout

1. Open iPhoto and find an image that you would like to use in a card. In this example, we'll create a generic greeting card.

2. Select the image you have chosen and click the "Card" button at the bottom of the iPhoto window.

3. In the Greeting Card dialog box, pick a theme that you would like to use. In this case, pick the "Picture Card" option and click "Choose." iPhoto switches to the card editing view that allows you to create custom text for your greeting card.

4. Click in the "Insert Title" area and enter some text in the field. For example, enter "Greetings!" in the title field. Also, enter some generic text in the "Insert your information here" area. For example, enter "Hope your family is doing well."

Buy and Ship Your Card

1. Once you are satisfied with the text you entered in the greeting card, click "Buy Card" in the lower right-hand side of the iPhoto window.

2. In the Order Card dialog box, there are several options to complete. If you do not have an account with Apple, take the time to do that now by clicking "Account Info" and "Create Account."
   If you do have an account with Apple, make sure you are signed in by clicking "Account Info" and double-checking the information in the form.

3. After signing in, be sure to go over all the options for your new card. First, enter the quantity of cards you want printed in the "Quantity" field. The default value is 1, but you can order as many as you like.

4. After choosing a quantity, make sure that the "Ship To" option is correct. If it is not, you need to make changes to your account by clicking "Account Info."

5. Next, you need to choose an option from the "Ship Via" section. The two options listed are "Standard" and "Express." Standard shipping costs less than Express, but Express shipping ensures your card will arrive sooner.

6. After completing the options in the Order Card dialog box, review the Total and click "Buy Now." iPhoto sends the information to Apple, and you should receive a receipt via email shortly from Apple confirming your purchase.

Tips & Warnings

• You can change the Theme of your card at any time by clicking the "Themes" button below your current card design area.

• You can pick a white or black background color by clicking the "Background" button below the card design area.

• In certain card themes, you can change the Design of the card by clicking the "Design" button.

• You can choose an Orientation for your card by clicking the "Horizontal" or "Vertical" options in the Orientation selection box.

• You can adjust the settings of the picture in your card by clicking the picture and clicking the "Adjust" button. This allows you to zoom in or out on the image.

• You can change the fonts and font sizes of the text in your card by clicking the "Settings" button.

References

• Apple Support for iPhoto