How to Make a Contact Sheet in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Guide

(Last updated on August 30th, 2023)

Short Summary

• A contact sheet is a single document that displays thumbnails of multiple images, usually arranged in a grid.
• You can create a contact sheet in Photoshop using the Contact Sheet II feature, which allows you to choose the source images, document size, color mode, thumbnails, and captions for your contact sheet.
• You can customize the generated contact sheet in Photoshop using various tools and functions, such as Paint Bucket Tool, Stroke, Filter, Image Adjustments, Crop Tool, Layers, Smart Objects, Masks, and Guides.
• You can print or export your contact sheet as a PDF or JPEG file from Photoshop, and adjust the printer settings according to your preferences and specifications.
• You can also create a contact sheet in Adobe Bridge, which is a file management and browsing application that comes with Photoshop. Adobe Bridge allows you to create a PDF contact sheet of one or more images, and customize the template and output settings.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to create a contact sheet of your photos in Photoshop? A contact sheet is a single document that displays thumbnails of multiple images, usually arranged in a grid. It is a useful tool for photographers, designers, and clients who want to preview, compare, or select images from a large collection.

Contact sheets were originally used in film photography, where they were created by placing negatives on a sheet of photographic paper and exposing them to light. The result was a positive print that showed all the images on the film roll. Nowadays, contact sheets can be easily created digitally using software like Photoshop.

In this article, we will show you how to make a contact sheet in Photoshop using the Contact Sheet II feature. This feature allows you to generate a contact sheet from one or more folders of images, and customize the layout and appearance of the document. You will also learn how to edit and enhance the contact sheet after it is created, as well as how to print or export it as a PDF or JPEG file. Additionally, we will provide some tips and tricks for optimizing your contact sheet settings, and show you an alternative way to create a contact sheet using Adobe Bridge.

How to Prepare Photos for a Contact Sheet

Before you create a contact sheet in Photoshop, you need to prepare the photos that you want to use for the contact sheet. The first step is to select and organize the photos in a separate folder on your computer. This will make it easier for you to access and manage the photos later.

To select the photos, you can use any file explorer or photo viewer application on your computer. You can choose as many photos as you want, but keep in mind that the more photos you have, the smaller they will appear on the contact sheet. You can also choose photos from different folders, but they will be mixed together on the contact sheet.

To organize the photos, you can create a new folder on your computer and name it something like “Contact Sheet Photos”. Then, you can drag and drop or copy and paste the photos into the new folder. You can also rename the photos if you want to change their order or caption on the contact sheet.

When choosing and organizing the photos, you should also consider some factors that may affect the quality and appearance of the contact sheet, such as:

• Resolution: The resolution of an image is the number of pixels that make up its width and height. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the image will look. However, higher resolution also means larger file size and longer processing time. For contact sheets, you don’t need very high resolution images, since they will be displayed as small thumbnails. A resolution of 72 pixels per inch (ppi) is usually sufficient for screen viewing, while 300 ppi is recommended for printing.
• Orientation: The orientation of an image is whether it is horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait). The orientation of the images may affect how they are arranged on the contact sheet. For example, if you have mostly horizontal images, they will fit better on a horizontal document than on a vertical one. You can also rotate or crop the images if you want to change their orientation.
• Relevance: The relevance of an image is how well it matches the purpose and theme of the contact sheet. For example, if you are creating a contact sheet for a wedding album, you may want to include only the best and most memorable photos from the event. You can also delete or exclude any unwanted or duplicate images from the folder.

How to Create a Contact Sheet in Photoshop Using the Contact Sheet II Feature

Once you have prepared your photos for the contact sheet, you can proceed to create it in Photoshop using the Contact Sheet II feature. This feature is located under File > Automate > Contact Sheet II.

When you open this feature, you will see a dialog box with several options that allow you to adjust the settings for your contact sheet. These options include:

• Source Images: This option lets you choose where to get the images for your contact sheet. You can select either Use: Folder or Use: Files. If you choose Folder, you can browse and select the folder that contains your photos. If you choose Files, you can browse and select individual files from different folders.
• Document: This option lets you set up the size and color mode of your contact sheet document. You can choose either Preset: Default Photoshop Size or Preset: Custom. If you choose Default Photoshop Size, your document will have the same size as your current Photoshop settings. If you choose Custom, you can enter your own values for Width, Height, Resolution, Mode (Color Mode), and Flattened (whether to merge all layers into one).
• Thumbnails: This option lets you control the layout and appearance of the thumbnails on your contact sheet. You can enter the values for Columns, Rows, Vertical Spacing, Horizontal Spacing, and Use Auto-Spacing (whether to automatically adjust the spacing between thumbnails). You can also check or uncheck the boxes for Rotate for Best Fit (whether to rotate the thumbnails to fit the document orientation), Use Filename as Caption (whether to display the filename of each image below the thumbnail), and Font (the font type, size, and color of the caption).
• Caption: This option lets you customize the caption of each thumbnail on your contact sheet. You can choose either None, File Name, or Document Title. If you choose File Name, the caption will show the filename of each image. If you choose Document Title, the caption will show the title of each image that is stored in the file metadata. You can also check or uncheck the boxes for Append File Extension (whether to include the file extension in the caption), Append Sequence Number (whether to add a sequential number to each caption), and Font (the font type, size, and color of the caption).

After you have set up your preferences, you can click OK to generate your contact sheet. Photoshop will create a new document with all your photos arranged as thumbnails according to your settings. You can also preview your contact sheet before generating it by clicking Preview in the dialog box.

Once you have created your contact sheet, you can save and export it as a PDF or JPEG file. To save it as a PDF file, go to File > Save As and choose Photoshop PDF as the format. To save it as a JPEG file, go to File > Save As and choose JPEG as the format. You can also adjust the quality and compression options for your file.

How to Customize the Generated Contact Sheet in Photoshop

After you have created your contact sheet in Photoshop, you may want to edit and enhance it further using Photoshop tools and functions. For example, you may want to change the background color, add borders, apply filters, adjust brightness and contrast, or crop or resize your contact sheet.

To edit and enhance your contact sheet, you can use any of the tools and functions available in Photoshop, such as:

• Paint Bucket Tool: This tool lets you fill an area with a solid color. You can use this tool to change the background color of your contact sheet. To use this tool, select it from the toolbar, choose a color from the color picker, and click on the area you want to fill.
• Stroke: This function lets you add a border around an object or layer. You can use this function to add a border around your contact sheet or each thumbnail. To use this function, go to Edit > Stroke and enter the values for Width, Color, Location (Inside, Center, or Outside), Blending Mode, and Opacity.
• Filter: This function lets you apply various effects to an image or layer. You can use this function to apply filters to your contact sheet or each thumbnail. To use this function, go to Filter > Filter Gallery and choose from different categories and types of filters.
• Image Adjustments: This function lets you modify the brightness, contrast, color balance, hue, saturation, and other aspects of an image or layer. You can use this function to adjust these parameters for your contact sheet or each thumbnail. To use this function, go to Image > Adjustments and choose from different options.
• Crop Tool: This tool lets you cut out a part of an image or layer. You can use this tool to crop or resize your contact sheet or each thumbnail. To use this tool, select it from the toolbar, drag a rectangle around the area you want to keep, and press Enter.

Tips for Customizing your Contact Sheet

Customizing your contact sheet can be fun and creative, but it can also be challenging and time-consuming. Here are some tips and tricks that may help you with customizing your contact sheet:

• Use Layers: Layers are like transparent sheets that stack on top of each other in Photoshop. They allow you to work on different parts of an image without affecting other parts.

You can use layers to customize your contact sheet in different ways, such as:

• Add a background layer: You can add a background layer to your contact sheet and fill it with a solid color or a gradient. This will create a contrast between the thumbnails and the background, and make your contact sheet more attractive. To add a background layer, go to Layer > New > Layer and name it “Background”. Then, drag it to the bottom of the layer stack, and use the Paint Bucket Tool or the Gradient Tool to fill it with a color or a gradient.
• Add a text layer: You can add a text layer to your contact sheet and write a title, a subtitle, a date, or any other information that you want to include. This will make your contact sheet more informative and professional. To add a text layer, go to Layer > New > Layer and name it “Text”. Then, use the Type Tool to type your text on the canvas, and use the Character Panel and the Paragraph Panel to adjust the font type, size, color, alignment, and spacing of your text.
• Add an adjustment layer: You can add an adjustment layer to your contact sheet and apply image adjustments to all the thumbnails at once. This will make your contact sheet more consistent and harmonious. To add an adjustment layer, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer and choose from different options, such as Brightness/Contrast, Hue/Saturation, or Color Balance. Then, use the Properties Panel to adjust the parameters of the adjustment.
• Use Smart Objects: Smart Objects are layers that contain image data from raster or vector images. They allow you to transform, filter, or edit an image without losing quality or resolution. You can use Smart Objects to preserve the original quality of your thumbnails when you resize or rotate them on your contact sheet. To convert a thumbnail into a Smart Object, right-click on its layer and choose Convert to Smart Object. To edit a Smart Object, double-click on its layer thumbnail and make your changes in the new window that opens.
• Use Masks: Masks are areas that hide or reveal parts of an image or layer. They allow you to control the visibility and transparency of different elements on your contact sheet. You can use masks to create different shapes or effects for your thumbnails, such as circles, stars, or shadows. To add a mask to a thumbnail, select its layer and click on the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel. Then, use the Brush Tool or the Shape Tool to paint on the mask with black (to hide) or white (to reveal).
• Use Guides: Guides are non-printable lines that help you align objects on your canvas. They allow you to create a precise and symmetrical layout for your contact sheet. You can use guides to align your thumbnails, text, or borders on your contact sheet. To add guides to your canvas, go to View > New Guide and enter the values for Orientation (Horizontal or Vertical) and Position. To move or delete guides, use the Move Tool or go to View > Clear Guides.

How to Print It

After you have customized your contact sheet in Photoshop, you may want to print it out and share it with others. Printing a contact sheet can be useful for various purposes, such as:

• Portfolio: You can print your contact sheet and use it as a portfolio to showcase your work to potential clients or employers. A contact sheet can help you display your skills, style, and creativity in a compact and professional way.
• Proof: You can print your contact sheet and use it as a proof to check the quality and accuracy of your photos before printing them individually or in a larger format. A contact sheet can help you spot any errors, defects, or inconsistencies in your photos and correct them accordingly.
• Selection: You can print your contact sheet and use it as a selection tool to choose the best or most suitable photos from a large collection. A contact sheet can help you compare and contrast different photos and make informed decisions.

To print your contact sheet from Photoshop, you need to follow these steps:

1. Go to File > Print and open the Print dialog box.
2. Choose your printer from the Printer drop-down menu.
3. Adjust the print settings, such as paper size, orientation, quality, and color mode, according to your preferences and printer specifications.
4. Click on Print Settings to access more options, such as scaling, positioning, and margins.
5. Click on Print to start printing your contact sheet.

When printing your contact sheet, you should also consider some factors that may affect the quality and appearance of the printed document, such as:

• Paper: The paper type and quality may affect how your contact sheet looks on paper. For example, glossy paper may enhance the colors and contrast of your photos, while matte paper may reduce glare and reflections. You should also choose a paper size that matches the document size of your contact sheet, or adjust the scaling option accordingly.
• Ink: The ink type and quality may affect how your contact sheet prints on paper. For example, pigment-based ink may last longer and resist fading, while dye-based ink may produce brighter and more vibrant colors. You should also check the ink level of your printer before printing your contact sheet, and replace any empty or low cartridges if needed.
• Printer: The printer model and settings may affect how your contact sheet prints on paper. For example, some printers may have different color modes or profiles that may alter the colors of your photos. You should also make sure that your printer is properly connected and configured before printing your contact sheet.

Printing a contact sheet can be a convenient and efficient way to display or review multiple photos at once. However, printing a contact sheet also has some disadvantages, such as:

• Cost: Printing a contact sheet may incur some costs, such as paper, ink, electricity, and maintenance. These costs may add up if you print multiple or large contact sheets frequently.
• Environment: Printing a contact sheet may have some negative impacts on the environment, such as waste, pollution, and deforestation. These impacts may be reduced by using recycled or eco-friendly paper and ink, or by printing only when necessary.
• Digital: Printing a contact sheet may lose some of the advantages of digital technology, such as portability, accessibility, and interactivity. These advantages may be preserved by saving your contact sheet as a digital file and sharing it online or via email.

Related Links

1. Resize a Layer in Photoshop
2. Zoom in on Photoshop
3. Cut out an Image in Photoshop

Recommended Settings

Creating a contact sheet in Photoshop can be a simple and quick process, but it can also be a complex and tedious one, depending on how you want your contact sheet to look and function. There are many settings and options that you can adjust to customize your contact sheet, but not all of them may be suitable or necessary for your purpose and audience.

To help you choose the best settings for your contact sheet, we have compiled some recommendations and suggestions based on different scenarios and goals. These recommendations are not definitive or mandatory, but rather general and flexible guidelines that you can follow or modify according to your preferences and needs.

For Screen Viewing

If you are creating a contact sheet for screen viewing, such as on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you may want to consider the following settings:

• Document Size: The document size of your contact sheet should match the screen size of your device or platform. For example, if you are creating a contact sheet for a website, you may want to use a standard web size, such as 1024 x 768 pixels or 1280 x 800 pixels. You can also use a custom size that fits your layout and design.
• Resolution: The resolution of your contact sheet should be low enough to reduce the file size and loading time, but high enough to maintain the clarity and sharpness of your thumbnails. A resolution of 72 pixels per inch (ppi) is usually sufficient for screen viewing, but you can also use a higher resolution if you want to zoom in or enlarge your thumbnails.
• Color Mode: The color mode of your contact sheet should match the color mode of your device or platform. For screen viewing, the most common color mode is RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which is the color mode used by most monitors and web browsers. You can also use other color modes, such as CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) or Grayscale, if you want to create a different effect or mood for your contact sheet.
• Thumbnail Size: The thumbnail size of your contact sheet should be large enough to show the details and features of your photos, but small enough to fit on your screen and avoid scrolling. You can adjust the thumbnail size by changing the number of columns and rows in the Contact Sheet II dialog box. You can also use the Auto-Spacing option to automatically adjust the spacing between thumbnails.
• Caption Style: The caption style of your contact sheet should be clear and readable on your screen. You can adjust the caption style by changing the font type, size, and color in the Contact Sheet II dialog box. You can also choose whether to display the filename or the document title as the caption for each thumbnail.

For Printing

If you are creating a contact sheet for printing, such as on paper or canvas, you may want to consider the following settings:

• Document Size: The document size of your contact sheet should match the paper size of your printer or printing service. For example, if you are printing your contact sheet on an A4 paper, you may want to use an A4 document size, which is 210 x 297 millimeters or 8.3 x 11.7 inches. You can also use a custom size that fits your frame or display.
• Resolution: The resolution of your contact sheet should be high enough to ensure the quality and accuracy of your printed document. A resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi) is recommended for printing, but you can also use a higher resolution if you want to print larger or finer thumbnails.
• Color Mode: The color mode of your contact sheet should match the color mode of your printer or printing service. For printing, the most common color mode is CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), which is the color mode used by most printers and printing presses. You can also use other color modes, such as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) or Grayscale, if you want to create a different effect or mood for your contact sheet.
• Thumbnail Size: The thumbnail size of your contact sheet should be small enough to fit on your paper and avoid cropping or distortion, but large enough to show the details and features of your photos. You can adjust the thumbnail size by changing the number of columns and rows in the Contact Sheet II dialog box. You can also use the Auto-Spacing option to automatically adjust the spacing between thumbnails.
• Caption Style: The caption style of your contact sheet should be clear and readable on your paper. You can adjust the caption style by changing the font type, size, and color in the Contact Sheet II dialog box. You can also choose whether to display the filename or the document title as the caption for each thumbnail.

For Selection

If you are creating a contact sheet for selection, such as for choosing the best or most suitable photos from a large collection, you may want to consider the following settings:

• Document Size: The document size of your contact sheet should be large enough to display all your photos on one page, but not too large that it becomes overwhelming or confusing. You can use a standard or custom document size that fits your purpose and audience.
• Resolution: The resolution of your contact sheet should be high enough to show the details and features of your photos, but not too high that it increases the file size and processing time. You can use a resolution that matches your intended output, such as screen viewing or printing.
• Color Mode: The color mode of your contact sheet should be consistent and accurate for your photos. You can use a color mode that matches your intended output, such as screen viewing or printing. You can also use a grayscale color mode if you want to focus on the contrast and tone of your photos.
• Thumbnail Size: The thumbnail size of your contact sheet should be large enough to show the details and features of your photos, but not too large that it reduces the number of photos on your page. You can adjust the thumbnail size by changing the number of columns and rows in the Contact Sheet II dialog box. You can also use the Rotate for Best Fit option to optimize the orientation of your thumbnails.
• Caption Style: The caption style of your contact sheet should be informative and helpful for your selection process. You can adjust the caption style by changing the font type, size, and color in the Contact Sheet II dialog box. You can also choose whether to display the filename, the document title, or a sequence number as the caption for each thumbnail.

Create Contact Sheet in Adobe Bridge

If you are looking for an alternative way to create a contact sheet in Photoshop, you can also use Adobe Bridge, which is a file management and browsing application that comes with Photoshop. Adobe Bridge allows you to create a PDF contact sheet of one or more images, and customize the template and output settings.

To create a contact sheet in Adobe Bridge, you need to follow these steps:

1. Launch Adobe Bridge and navigate to the folder that contains your photos.
2. Select the photos that you want to include in your contact sheet. You can use the Ctrl or Cmd key to select multiple photos, or the Shift key to select a range of photos.
3. Go to Window > Workspace > Output to access the Output workspace in Adobe Bridge.
4. In the Output workspace, select PDF as the output type from the top menu.
5. In the Output panel on the right, select a template for your contact sheet from the Template drop-down menu. You can choose from different preset templates, such as 2×2 Cells, 4×5 Contact Sheet, or Custom.
6. In the Output panel, adjust the output settings for your contact sheet, such as source images, document size, color mode, thumbnails, and captions. You can also click on Refresh Preview to see how your contact sheet will look like before exporting it.
7. In the Output panel, click on Save to save your contact sheet as a PDF file.

Creating a contact sheet in Adobe Bridge can be a convenient and fast way to generate a PDF document of your photos, but it also has some limitations, such as:

• Format: Adobe Bridge only allows you to create a contact sheet as a PDF file, which may not be compatible or editable with some devices or applications. You can also not save your contact sheet as a Photoshop document or a JPEG file.
• Customization: Adobe Bridge only offers a limited number of templates and settings for your contact sheet, which may not suit your preferences or needs. You can also not edit or enhance your contact sheet after it is created using Photoshop tools and functions.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown you how to make a contact sheet in Photoshop using the Contact Sheet II feature. We have also explained how to customize the generated contact sheet in Photoshop using various tools and functions. Additionally, we have provided some tips and tricks for optimizing your contact sheet settings, and shown you an alternative way to create a contact sheet using Adobe Bridge.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to create a contact sheet in Photoshop and inspired you to try it out yourself. A contact sheet can be a great way to display, review, or select multiple photos at once, whether for personal or professional purposes.

If you have any questions or feedback about this article, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you and see your results.

Thank you for reading and happy creating! 😊

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