Bob Books | Frequently Asked Questions

1 INSTALLATION

1.1 How do I install the Bob Books photo book software?

First, download our software from the Bob Books website or follow the link www.bobbooks.co.uk/download/. Select your desktop as your download destination. It will take a few moments to download the installation program. To start installation, double-click the Bob Books photo book icon on your desktop. The installation wizard will lead you through the process. Once successfully installed you can start using the Bob Books photo book software instantly. To run the program, double-click the Bob Books photo book icon on your desktop. Now you have the option to start designing your photo book straight away or you may choose to open an existing book.
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2 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 What are the system requirements?

The Bob Books photo book software is compatible with all Windows operating systems (from 2000, NT 6.0, XP Home Edition to Professional) and on any Intel based Mac. The photo book software cannot be used on any other operating systems (e.g. Mac, Linux). Bob Books recommends a high-performance processor of at least Pentium III (or comparable). You will also need a minimum 256 MB RAM. 10-20 MB of free memory is sufficient on your hard disk; this depends on the number of ‘My Layouts’ and backgrounds you have stored. Ideally 500 MB of free memory will allow you to design and save freely.
If the Bob Books photo book software takes a long time to start please check that your computer meets our system requirements. Older computers may struggle to perform at the required processing speed.

2.2 Do I have to have an internet connection?

Internet access is required for downloading, updating the photo book software and to order your completed Bob Book. You must also have an internet connection for the initial start-up of the photo book software. A high-performance connection (ISDN or DSL) is recommended. You will require an e-mail account so we can keep you informed about the status of your photo book order.

2.3 Can I use my digital photographs?

There are many advantages to digital photographs – you can view the pictures on your PC or e-mail them to friends. However not every digital image is suitable for printing. A photograph that looks good on screen may be difficult to print. If the resolution is too low it will affect the printed quality. We suggest that your digital photographs are always taken at the highest resolution to ensure the best standard of print.

2.4 Are my images of a high enough quality?

When using the Bob Books photo book software to create your Bob Book you may use photographs from a digital camera or photos which have been scanned. For the images to be useable they must be scanned in at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and saved in the RGB format, ideally as JPEGs. Scans of 150 dpi and 72 dpi will be too low in quality to be used, however will still be printed. The Bob Books photobook software will warn you if you place in a low resolution image. The image box frame will turn yellow if the resolution of the image it contains is bordering on being too low or red if it cannot be used. If so, you should either replace it with a higher resolution photograph or resize the image box.

2.5 Which image format should I use?

Colour reproduction changes from screen to screen therefore the colours in the printed book may differ slightly to your digital photographs. Please use the RGB colour format to ensure that the colours will remain as close to your digital photograph as possible. If your photographs are in the CMYK mode, please convert them to RGB.
You can use images saved in all established formats (BMP, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PNG), however TIFF files with LZW-compression cannot be used. We recommend saving your files as JPEGS to avoid complications.
Please complete your Bob Book exclusively with our photo book software. Please use the integrated order assistant for ordering your photo book. This will automatically generate all files required for successful ordering. Other formats, particularly PDF and image files, cannot be utilised.

2.6 Can I use any font?

The Bob Books photo book software lets you add captions to your photos, even text or poems. You can create your text in any size or colour. To enable correct reproduction, the fonts that you can use are limited to the fonts supplied as standard with a Windows computer. At the moment it is not possible to use different fonts, particularly Cyrillic or Arabic fonts. If you wish to use another font we suggest that you convert it into an image and add it as an image to your individual photo book.
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3 USING THE BOB BOOKS PHOTO BOOK SOFTWARE

3.1 How do I get started?

For a more detailed explanation please refer to our Help section in the Bob Books photo book software.
Imagine that the workspace in the middle of your screen is your desk. In front of you lies a double page spread; this is the main design area for your photo book. On the left hand side you will find your photos, on the right hand side are the design templates. The photo book page overview is located underneath the work area. Here you can quickly move between the pages of your photo book. There are many layout formats to pick to best compliment your photographs. We suggest that you keep all the photos you wish to use in one folder and keep it in an easily accessible place such as your desktop. This way you can view all of your available images at a glance.

3.2 How do I arrange my images?

The photo book software provides layout templates so that you can easily arrange your pictures and text. You can use different templates for every page and adjust them how you wish. All the templates and backgrounds are available on the right hand side of the main design area. Simply drag the desired template onto the page using the mouse to start working with it.

3.3 Which books can I make?

Bob Books photo books are extremely versatile and can cater for every idea you have. Choose your own personal cover and the amount of pages you need. The amount of pages available range from 24 to 120 pages. You may change the number of pages in your photo book whilst designing. Each increment will add an extra eight pages.
We currently have available three sizes for your photo book. Below you will find their dimensions: 
Portrait: 20.5 cm x 27 cm
Square: 20.5 cm x 20.5 cm
Landscape: 20.5 cm x 15 cm

3.4 Can I scan images?

You can scan paper prints, slides (if your scanner has the ability) or even sketches and drawings. Scan the picture in at 300 dpi and roughly to the scale you would like it to appear in your Bob Book.
A hint for professionals: Please use only images within RGB-colour scale with a picture depth of 12 bit. LZW-compressed TIFF images cannot be processed.

3.5 How do I update the software?

The current version of our Bob Books photo book software is v1.4.9.3. Our photo book software will always automatically check for updates. If an update is available, our photo book software will always ask for your permission before downloading.
Please refer to the support section in the Bob Books photo book software to see what version you are creating your photo book with.
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4 ORDERING MY BOB BOOKS PHOTO BOOK

4.1 How do I order my Bob Book?

After you have finished designing your photo book, simply choose the order icon in the menu bar. The order wizard will lead you through the process. The wizard will check if anything has been forgotten and whether the image quality is suitable for printing. Upon completion of your order the software will upload your file via the internet and send it to our factory to be made. Ordering by post is not possible. You will be notified of your order status by e-mail and again when your order has been completed and is ready to ship.
Production and delivery time of an order will take 12 to 15 workings days.

4.2 Will I be notified of my order?

As soon as your photo book order is received, you will be informed via e-mail and when your photo book order is nearing completion, you will receive another e-mail.

4.3 When will I receive my photo book order?

The average processing time is twelve working days with an additional two to three days added for shipment by the Bob Books delivery partner. Unfortunately, a guaranteed time of delivery on a certain date is not possible so please place your photo book order in plenty of time. For delivery to Europe please allow four to five days and for delivery outside Europe five to eight days for additional deliver time.

4.4 What if I am not happy with my Bob Book?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your Bob Book. We therefore welcome all your suggestions. If you have questions on designing your photo book or using the photo book software please contact us. If your Bob Book has been damaged or you are not completely satisfied, please return the faulty photo book to us. If your objection is warranted we will immediately arrange a free replacement to be printed.

4.5 What if my Bob Book photo book is not what I expected?

If you have delivered your images at the required resolution but the print quality of your final book is not satisfactory, please contact us and return the faulty photo book to us if requested by the Bob Books team. The staff at Bob Books will investigate your complaint and, provided that no warnings by the Bob Books order wizard were overlooked, we will immediately arrange a free replacement to be printed.

4.6 Are there any discounts available?

The nature of the manufacturing process means that there are no savings to be made by printing multiple copies. However, we do offer a 5% discount for orders of five or more copies of the same photo book. There is also a saving to be made on the posting of orders of ten or more copies of the same book within the UK.
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5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

5.1 How do I contact Bob Books?

You can contact Bob Books by phone, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm on +44 (0)20 7243 7404 or via e-mail: support@bobbooks.co.uk

5.2 What happens if I use low quality images?

The Bob Books photo book order wizard will check that all images have the required resolution, that the text used is not over its allocated limit and that there are no empty image boxes. This ensures that you will be satisfied with the quality of your photo book. If you are warned of possible problems, the order wizard will also provide you with instructions on the best action to take. Please take the advice seriously and check the pages it highlights carefully. Please be warned that after sending your order, your book cannot be changed.

5.3 Is my data protected?

There is always a risk exchanging data via the internet, as data may be lost due to viruses. Protect your system with an updated virus protection program and a firewall and regularly save data on an independent data medium such as an external hard disk or DVD-RW.

5.4 How is my Bob Book made?

Your book is manufactured using the latest digital printing technology and our 'hot glue' binding process assures long lasting durability.

5.5 What paper does Bob Books use?

Bob Books uses high quality paper, called silver digital, which is especially suited to reproducing images in digital printing process. The paper has a semi-gloss finish and a weight of 170 gsm.

Any questions? Here you can find answers to any questions you might have about Bob Books.