AlbumForge vs Blurb BookWright
AlbumForge
albumforge.com
Blurb BookWright
store.blurb.comSide by side
| Figure | AlbumForge | Blurb BookWright |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 10 |
| Spec score · Photo Book Software | 9.4 (#1) | 9.4 (#2) |
| Offline use | The software is described as working locally and offline, with photos staying on the user's computer. | The desktop software supports working offline, while an internet connection is required for publishing. |
| Purpose | AlbumForge creates photo albums as PDFs for printing. | BookWright is desktop bookmaking software for designing custom books. |
| Support | The terms page says paid versions receive email support within 48 hours and the Family version priority support within 24 hours. | Blurb directs customers to its Help portal for answers and customer support contact. |
| What it does | AlbumForge is desktop software for creating photo albums as PDFs and other shareable formats on the local computer. | BookWright is Blurb’s free desktop application for designing and publishing books and other printed projects. |
Plans
AlbumForge
- DISCOVEREDFree
- DISCOVEREDFree
- BASIC€29, paid once
- BASIC$29, paid once
- PRO SOLIDAIRE€49, paid once
- PROSOLIDARY$49, paid once
- FAMILY & EDUCATION$89, paid once
- FAMILY & EDUCATION€89, paid once
Blurb BookWright
- BookWright softwarePrice not published
- Softcover photo book$12 a month
- ImageWrap Hardcover photo book$32 a month
- Linen Hardcover with Dust Jacket photo book$32 a month
- Layflat photo book$60 a month
- BookWrightFree
- BookWrightFree
- Paperback book, Economy Color, 5×8 in$3.99, paid once
- Paperback book, Standard B&W, 5×8 in$4.99, paid once
- Premium Magazine$7, paid once
In their own words
AlbumForge
AlbumForge is desktop software for creating photo albums as PDFs for printing. Its maker describes album creation as a three-click process and says the software works locally and offline, keeping photos on the user's computer. It can process 1,500 photos in five minutes, according to the maker. AlbumForge reads GPS data in photo EXIF metadata and places locations on an interactive map; map tiles may need a temporary internet connection, and the map source is OpenStreetMap. The user guide lists PDF, HTML website, JPEG, and PNG exports. AlbumForge runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and is described as designed for families, seniors, and teachers. The free DISCOVERED plan allows 40 photos per album and includes five templates, standard PDF export, offline use, and no watermark. Paid licenses start at €29, and the download page offers a 30-day full-access trial without requiring a credit card. Higher tiers include unlimited photos on PROSOLIDARY and five licenses with FAMILY & EDUCATION.
Blurb BookWright
Blurb BookWright is desktop software for designing custom books, including photo books, paperbacks, hardcovers, magazines, notebooks, and wall art. It provides customizable templates, freestyle grids, typography and cover tools, bleed lines, and trim guides. Image tools support scaling, cropping, enhancement, and auto-retouching powered by Perfectly Clear by EyeQ. Text Flow fits text into frames and accepts Rich Text Format imports, while Photo Manager imports photos from Adobe Lightroom, SmugMug, and Dropbox. Users can work offline in the desktop software, but publishing requires an internet connection and a free Blurb account is needed for features and publishing options. Finished projects can be printed on demand, ordered in bulk, or purchased as PDFs. BookWright is free to use; users pay for a book when they send it to print. Listed requirements include Windows 7, 8, or 10, or macOS 10.13 or later, with 2GB RAM and 500MB storage. Books can be up to 440 pages.