QT Albums Now Offers Direct Ordering
Through the New Free QT Designer
Powered by SmartAlbums
We’re excited to announce a major upgrade to the QT workflow: QT Designer, our fully integrated, SmartAlbums-powered design and ordering system, is now available — and completely FREE for all QT customers.
Whether you use our USD or EUR shops, you can now design your album and send it straight to production without ever leaving SmartAlbums or QT Designer. This means faster workflows, fewer files to manage, and a totally streamlined creative experience.
Note: this is an optional workflow and one of many paths that are available to you for designing and ordering an album.
Introducing QT Designer - A Smarter, Faster, Free Way to Design
QT Designer is built on SmartAlbums technology, giving you the same intuitive, drag-and-drop design experience trusted by thousands of photographers worldwide.
What QT Designer Offers
Free access for all QT Albums customers
SmartAlbums engine built in — no external software required
Seamless ordering directly to QT Albums (USD + EUR)
Accurate specs for every QT album size and option
Client-friendly previewing and proofing
Clean, modern layouts that adapt automatically
The QT Designer does not allow you to export the files in the way you might with the full paid version of SmartAlbums software; instead, it offers truly one continuous flow:
Design → Approve → Order → Print
If you already subscribe to the full SmartAlbums software
Your full version gives you TWO ways to order albums:
Design and Export (to your device) - allows you greatest flexibility to come to the QT website and place an order for an album + other items.
Design and Order Direct - fastest workflow for simple album orders.
Ordering QT Albums Directly from SmartAlbums
You can order your QT Albums directly from within SmartAlbums just by exporting your completed design.
Before You Begin
Make sure you have:
SmartAlbums version 2025.6.0 or later
Your complete album design ready to go
How to Order Your QT Album Through SmartAlbums
These instructions are for the Full Version, NOT the QT Designer powered by SmartAlbums.
1. Export Your Finished Design
Inside SmartAlbums:
Click Export
In the export window, select Order Album
Click Select options
SmartAlbums will automatically:
Upload your finished spreads
Open a browser tab with QT Albums ordering options
2. Choose Your Album Options
In your browser, you’ll see all QT Albums customization options:
Albums & Options You Can Select
Cover Type – AriaBooks offer Thick or Classic Cover.
Cover Material & Color
Paper Type – including Fuji, Matte or Cotton Paper
Cover Upgrades – embossing, cameo
Embossing Options – color, style, and placement
Extras & Add-Ons – presentation box, extra copies
Rush Production (if needed)
Special Instructions for the lab
The right-hand side of the screen shows your live Order Summary, where you can review your selections before finalizing.
3. Proceed to Checkout
Once you’re satisfied with your customization:
Click Proceed to Checkout
Enter your payment information
Choose your shipping method
Click Pay
4. Receive Your Confirmation
Once payment is complete:
You’ll be taken to the order confirmation page
An email confirmation will be sent to the email associated with your account
Your order number will be displayed
You can print the invoice for your records
Your order is now officially in production!
A More Powerful Workflow for QT Photographers
This update makes QT Albums one of the most seamlessly integrated album labs in the industry. With QT Designer and SmartAlbums working together, you can:
Save time
Reduce export errors
Eliminate file formatting issues
Keep your entire workflow in one place
Deliver albums to your clients faster than ever
Start Designing Today
QT Designer is now free and ready for use.
All you need to do is update to the latest version and begin building your album.