I was working with a client last evening sorting out their album design, and yet again marveling at PJ Remix. We were looking at what we might do with their design to take it away from the ordinary. The expression Pimp My Album came to mind ... and things went crazy! There were tassels, dice, bling, and all sorts of flame shaped graphics ... quickly recognised as possibly on the absurd side of album creativity. It did get me thinking how I might accessorise my beautiful classic album. I thought I would start a list! The obvious beginning is a case ... there are two available (three if you include To View More >>

Since you're reading The Junction, you're probably pretty much up with the play on Photojunction, and this post won't apply to you. Here goes anyway. Maybe you can pass it on to a friend who needs it! Believe it or not there are still people out there using Photojunction Retro. If you don't know what Retro is, it's a very cool program that was state of the art five years ago, when it was replaced by Remix. All I can say is let it go. Just like Don Johnson's stubble and no socks policy in Miami Vice, it's had its day. The kindest thing you can do is put it down. Seriously, if you want up to date To View More >>

We're working hard on systems to make designing, ordering and printing your albums easier.  The latest thing we've done is commission PJ to add some features to Remix just for us. They’re in the latest final release - v1.2 - and they’re awesome: “Smart filtering” to avoid invalid selections when you order an album. A simpler version of LabFTP to use with Remix – no asking dumb questions when PJ already knows the answers. Dramatically better handling of Duo albums (here’s a movie , but really, it’s so simple you probably don’t need it). Remix now handles “cut-in” apertures! To View More >>

This post is now superseded by new functionality in Photojunction v1.22 and later). If you use Queensberry to design your albums we want to make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s how to go about it. (The PJ work sounds more complicated than it is, but we’re here to help if you need it. Follow the links for further information.) 1. Open up PJ Remix and click the Start New Project button. This fires up the Project Set-up Wizard for you to enter your Client and Event details and import the images. 2. Click Finish when you're done setting up the Project. Remix will import the images and To View More >>

Some of you have noticed that our recently discontinued cover materials have disappeared from PJ Remix, and asked what's going on. Fair enough too. We haven't been as clear about it as we should, and we apologise for not explaining this earlier. Although some cover materials have gone from PJ Remix, it doesn't necessarily mean we can't supply them. In fact our policy is, if possible, to make them available for two years after removing them from our swatch book. So how do you order them in PJ Remix? It's fairly simple... 1) Choose 'Other' in the Cover Material options. 2) Then click 'Add Note' and To View More >>

                  How do you know what size and shape to make an album cover image? How do you account for the aspect ratio and cover wrap-around (the part of the image you can't see)? If it sounds hard, it's not. Just design the cover in PJ Remix. It's exactly like designing pages only easier. You can see the aspect ratio and the wrap-around. And problems rarely occur because it's so obvious when images don't fit. We've already blogged about album covers, especially here and here, so we won't repeat ourselves. If you're not sure how to send us the image there's a link about that too. To View More >>

The latest PJ Remix beta was released last week. Here are links to three great new features: the ability to add text to layouts, the ability to import PSDs as images (instead of JPEGs) and templates, and a function to create proof sheets. Plus all the usual tweaks and fixes! Here's another one Queensberry users will like - you no longer need LabFTP to upload your orders. It all happens within Photojunction itself. The software even talks to our server and assigns a Queensberry reference to your order. If you'd like to try the new version but aren't set up to get beta updates, here's what to do. To View More >>

Wading through our "how-to" posts was quite a job. Trying to single out the best was just as difficult, but worth the effort. Here are my favourites. Hopefully you'll find them handy when dealing with Queensberry and Photojunction, and evaluating your own workflow... There's so much good stuff in the  Smooth Sailing series I reckon you should check them all, but here are a few: Photo Front covers (easy peasy) - If designing Photo Front covers sounds hard. It's not. Here's how to easily do it. What can delay your orders? -  Here are a few simple things that frequently delay people's orders (long To View More >>

We know the feeling – you know there must be a way to do something, but you just can't figure it out.    Here's an example: there's no standard "title" aperture in PJ Remix, so how do you add a title? There are actually two ways to do it. The easier way (but maybe also easier to get wrong) is simply this: Add a blank aperture to the layout using the Add button (left image, above) Change the aperture to Customise (right image, above) Uncheck the Constrain Proportions box and enter the values directly. Easy as long as you remember the values: 112 wide by 200 high , as above. Whether you use To View More >>

We're describing the perfect way to send us your print-and-bind order... After exporting your files you definitely shouldn't jump straight to LabFTP and send us the files - we wouldn't know what to do with them! Instead, always use the Remix Order Wizard. (You'll find it under the Album menu). Remix will validate your order and create an order "bundle" that contains everything we'll need to process your order - provided you follow these instructions: 1. Run your order through the Send Order Wizard. You'll find a tutorial here. The Wizard will ask what service you want (eg Print & Assemble) To View More >>