Learn how Story Mode organizes and handles your photos as it builds your photo book.
How are my photos organized?
Story Mode looks at what’s happening in your photos and arranges them to tell a story that feels natural. Bigger moments get highlighted and smaller ones are grouped together to create a book with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
It may not include every uploaded photo, especially if there are many similar images or if a shorter book will create a better result. After your book is generated, you can open it in the editor to add, remove, or replace photos.
I uploaded a lot of photos. Why did Story Mode only use some of them?
Story Mode is designed to curate your photos rather than automatically place every image in the book. It may prioritize photos that appear clearer, more varied, or more relevant to the story. If specific photos are important to you, you can add them in the editor after the book is created.
Can I tell Story Mode which photos or moments are most important?
Yes. The more specific you are in your prompt, the better Story Mode can shape the book. For example, you can say, “Please make sure to include photos from the kitchen renovation, the finished bathroom, and the family room reveal,” or “Please focus on the birthday party more than the travel photos.”
Can I have my photos organized chronologically instead?
Not right now, but we’re looking into it. Story Mode arranges your photos using both story and timeline cues, so your book flows naturally—even if every single photo isn’t in exact chronological order.
Can I use Story Mode for a book about multiple events, trips, or time periods?
Yes, but it helps to explain the scope clearly. For example, say, “This is a six-month recap with family and friends, not just one event,” or “This book includes several parks from one vacation, so please do not make the whole book about only one location.”
Do you remove duplicate photos?
Yes, we filter out duplicates and photos that look very similar to others. There is a chance you may still see photos that are still too similar for your liking and those can always be removed and replaced within the Mixbook Studio™.
Can I mark a photo as “must include”?
Not yet, but it’s something we’re exploring.
Can you leave out unflattering photos?
When photos are similar, we choose the strongest one—think better framing or eyes open instead of closed. If it’s the only photo from a moment, we may still include it. You can always remove it later in Mixbook Studio™.
Do you avoid cutting off faces?
Yes, Story Mode keeps faces well-framed however, it is always important you review all photos & pages to ensure you are fully satisfied with the placement & design.
Do you analyze the faces in my photos?
Story Mode detects faces to help with cropping—so everyone stays nicely in frame.
Need more help with Story Mode?
Want to learn more or explore other topics?
Go back to the Story Mode Help Hub for more answers and step-by-step guides.