All Shutterfly accounts are free and feature unlimited photo storage, as well as unlimited file sizes for photo and video uploads. Once you create a Shutterfly account, you can choose to upload files from a computer, mobile device, iPhoto, Facebook, Instagram or Picasa. If you have a very large group of images to upload, you can mail them to Shutterfly on a CD or DVD, and Shutterfly will then upload the images to your account for free. Shutterfly has a simple editing tool for uploaded images. You have the option to crop, apply a border, apply a color effect, rotate and fix red-eye. There is also a Videogram feature that enables you to compile photos and music into a shareable video for friends and family. Both of these tools are free to use with your Shutterfly account. The biggest benefit of using Shutterfly is gaining access to its keepsake and gift items. You can choose from photo books, cards, stationery, prints, calendars, home décor items, posters and many other photo gifts. Shutterfly offers templates and tips for items like photo books and stationery, so you'll be able to easily create appealing gift items even if you don't have any previous experience. Shutterfly has a Help Center in which you can search specific questions and find answers in the FAQs. Shutterfly does not offer tutorials but does feature some free design tips throughout the site. If you'd like to share your photos, you'll need to send notifications to friends and family members through Shutterfly. Shared albums and photos are not made available to the general public, however anyone who has received a share link can view, save or re-share the photos, as well as order prints and other gift items featuring those photos. You can also protect your photos with a password, so only those who know the password can see your images. If you'd like to get a bit more social, you can share your Shutterfly photos to Facebook or other social media sites - however Facebook is the only social network that can be linked directly to your Shutterfly account at this time.

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The Bad

Limited storage
Limited accepted formats
No online community

A major downside of using Shutterfly for storage is the way it limits your download options. You can upload large or high-resolution photos to Shutterfly and the site will save them at full-size - however you won't be able to download them at full-size. If you're sharing with friends and family so that they can also use the images, a simple right-click won't let them download the photo at its fullest quality. This is somewhat of a security measure, however it could also limit your sharing capability - or the ease with which you can retrieve photo files if you don't have them saved anywhere else than Shutterfly. To get full-size copies of all your files on Shutterfly, you'll have to pay a small fee and have an archive CD created that will then be mailed to you. The CD will cost you $9.99 and up, depending on how many images you have. Photo files must be in JPEG format to upload them to Shutterfly. If you commonly have PNG or other formats, this may create an inconvenience for you because you'll have to convert the files to JPEG before uploading. Shutterfly may not be best for amateur or professional photographers, as it doesn't offer any online community, method for obtaining feedback or tutorial resources. In addition, the limited sharing options will make it difficult to showcase work. The highly-secure sharing and the ample gift item options make Shutterfly ideal for families looking to save their memories, though.

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The Bottom Line

Shutterfly is okay: although we're a little bit wary of Shutterfly, the site seems to be a useful free resource overall. You'll be able to take advantage of unlimited uploads, decent editing tools, secure sharing methods and easy design templates for gift items. Remember that you won't be able to easily retrieve full-size copies of your photos, though; it may be best to use Shutterfly for sharing and creating gift items instead of as your sole storage location - be sure to back up copies of your photos elsewhere for quick (and cheaper) access to your photo files.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.7

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43 Reviews

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44%

4 grade

23%

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1 grade

19%

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Robyn Brady Kent, OH

Shutterfly helped me make the most beautiful wedding album for my husband and I and I had one made from our last family trip to St. Thomas in June 2020. Easy and always perfect pictures. Also, I get free unlimited 4x6 prints and I just have to pay shipping. I am a little old school in that I still like to have the actual "print" to frame. Digital is ok, but I prefer a photo album. I also made our mom's a puzzle for Mother's day last year that turned out great and they absolutely loved it. Lots of other unique gifts ideas for everyone in the family. You won't be disappointed in these products!

5 years ago

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Shari Evers Lehi, UT

Shutterfly is amazing! I make a photo album every year for each of my five kids. Being able to upload the photos right from my phone onto the app saves so much time. The photo album designs makes it super simple to create and navigate. And when I need photo prints I can order them through Shutterfly and pick them up the same day at a local Walgreens! Love!

8 years ago

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Kimmi Riverton, UT

For Christmas I give my kids a photobook from the previous year. After learning a few tricks it is now easy but a little time consuming to create these books. I am pleased with the quality of the product. My kids flip through these books often and they have held up just fine.

6 years ago

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Jacinda E Sandy, UT

I just used it to help my sister get the calendar she makes for my mom each year of all the grandkids. Easy to add pictures on a desktop. Tried to add pictures from my phone to the mobile app... Did not work. Overall I like sharing pictures using Shutterfly.

8 years ago

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Pete Centerville, UT

I've had 3 or 4 books made for me and my family that are all pictures from recent vacations that we went on. The books are well made and the pictures look great in them. It's nice to have a book like that to help you remember the good times.

8 years ago

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Nicholas Genes Los Angeles, CA

I love how they turned their photo printing into unlimited photo storage. They figured out a way to give me what I needed and add their super cheap photo printing to it. Awesome!

6 years ago

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Eric San Diego, CA

Shutterfly is great for sharing photos and even better for getting your photos onto other objects. We have used this for things from Christmas cards to making scrap books. Love it!

7 years ago

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Cassidy Gundersen Orem, UT

Shutterfly makes the cutest little photo books. I make one every year for my husband for our anniversary. Their prices are affordable and their options are really cute and customizable. They make great gifts too!

8 years ago

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Hannah Pleasant Grove, UT

I love Shutterfly. I order all my photo books from them, and the quality is always stellar. I've also ordered Christmas cards from them with the same results. I'll continue to use them in the future!

8 years ago

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CoasterRider Show Low, AZ

I have been a customer of Shutterfly for many years. I've never been disappointed in their quality or service. Good photos good price and delivery is fast.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Shante Reeder Ogden, UT

I love looking here for unique gifts. Over the years I have purchased calendars, cups, and greeting cards. The quality and price is great!

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Hallieford Arlington, TX

I love Shutterfly for storing pictures. I get emailed with pictures that I uploaded 10 years ago. It’s fun to go down memory lane.

6 years ago

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Wendy Park City, UT

I made a photo calendar using Shutterfly. It was easy to do and fairly inexpensive with the coupon I found online.

5 years ago

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Corinne Craig Eagle Mountain, UT

I’ve used Shutterfly for over 12 years! There’s always a great coupon. And the product quality is great.

6 years ago

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Nana Asiata Herriman, UT

My aunt makes photo albums using Shutterfly. The quality is great and they make the album making nice and simple.

8 years ago

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EmmaoiR ,

It's an incredibly versatile tool for creating unique gifts and presents. Happy to know about it!

5 years ago

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Hunter Kasprzyk Gilbert, AZ

Great for christmas card or any family cards that need to be made. Simple and easy to use.

8 years ago

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Mary Hardy Charlotte, NC

I love the quality of their photos. Our holiday cards always look amazing.

5 years ago

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H Moore Lehi, UT

Shutterfly has a great service, and I've made photo albums for my kids throughout the years.

8 years ago