AlbumForge vs Once Upon
AlbumForge
albumforge.com
Once Upon
onceupon.photoSide by side
| Figure | AlbumForge | Once Upon |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 3 |
| Spec score · Photo Book Software | 9.4 (#1) | 7.6 (#21) |
| Automatic layouts | Its automatic-album engine groups images using EXIF dates, locations, orientation and scene similarity, then chooses layouts. | Photos are automatically arranged when imported, and users can explore alternate layouts. |
| Support | The terms page says paid versions receive email support within 48 hours and the Family version priority support within 24 hours. | Support says it aims to answer within 24 hours and accepts messages in any language, replying in English or Swedish. |
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
Once Upon
- Softcover Medium photo book$21, paid once
- Hardcover Medium photo book$25, paid once
- Hardcover Large photo book$37, 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.
Once Upon
Once Upon has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.