Photo Book Guide
Hardcover or softcover — which photo book is right for you?
Both use the same premium printing and professional binding, and both are fast and easy to create from your own photos. The difference is how the finished photo book looks, feels and travels — here's how to choose before you order.
The short answer
Choose hardcover for a photo book that becomes a permanent keepsake — the kind you display and hand down. Choose softcover for a lighter, more flexible photo album that's easy to carry, share or send. Both start from the same paper, the same printing and the same professional binding — only the cover changes, and either one takes just a few simple steps to create and order.
Hardcover vs softcover, side by side
| Hardcover | Softcover | |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | 2.5mm matte-laminate hardcover | Flexible laminated softcover |
| Weight & feel | Substantial and rigid | Light and flexible |
| Durability | Built for years on a shelf | Sturdy enough for everyday handling |
| Binding | Professional PUR binding | Professional PUR binding |
| Printing | Premium full-colour printing | High-quality digital printing |
| Page count | From 24 pages | From 24 pages |
| Best for | Milestone trips, keepsakes, display gifts | Everyday memories, travel-light books, quick gifts |
Choose hardcover if…
You want the trip to become an object you keep on a shelf for years — a milestone holiday, or a photo book you're giving as a lasting gift.
- You want it to last for years, not just this season
- It's going on display, not just in a drawer
- You're giving it as a significant gift
- The trip was a once-in-a-while occasion
Choose softcover if…
You want something lighter to carry, quicker to send, and just as beautifully printed — ideal for everyday trips and photo books you'll order often.
- You want a lighter, more flexible book
- You're ordering photo books often, not just once
- It needs to travel easily in a bag
- You want a quick, thoughtful gift without the extra weight
Questions about your photo book
Is one cover type more durable than the other?+
Hardcover is the more rigid, longer-lasting option — its matte-laminate cover is built to withstand years of handling. Softcover is still durable for everyday use, but its flexible cover suits lighter, more frequent handling better than permanent shelf display.
Can I switch between hardcover and softcover while designing?+
Yes. Your layout, photos and text carry over — only the cover and binding change, so you can decide the cover type at the very end, once the photo book itself is finished.
Do hardcover and softcover cost the same to order?+
Both use the same paper and printing, so pricing follows the format and page count you choose rather than the cover type. Full pricing will be available at checkout — join the beta for early access and a discount on your first photo book order.
Is a Memtach photo book harder to make than a regular photo album?+
No — it's actually faster to create. Memtach organises your trip automatically by day and place, so you start from an already-arranged photo book instead of a blank photo album you have to fill page by page.
Can I arrange the photos the way I want?+
Yes, you can. Every page allows full personalization — you can change the layout and arrange the photos entirely according to your preferences. If you prefer a faster option, use auto-fill, which arranges the photos in chronological order.
Will my photos look the same in print as on screen?+
Slight color differences are possible — screens display colors using light, while printing uses ink. Even so, your photos will look as close to the original as possible.
Can I start creating a book now and finish it later?+
Yes. Your diary photo book is automatically saved in the app, so you can continue whenever you like and order it at any time.
Your smart travel companion
Travel beautifully. Remember every travel adventure forever.
Plan, discover and capture your adventures with Memtach. Then turn your memories into a premium photo book you'll treasure forever.
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