How Many Pictures Should You Include in a Scrapbook Layout?

One of the most common questions in scrapbooking is:

“How many photos should I use on a layout?”

(And What to Do When You Have Too Many Favorites to Choose From)

The real answer? As many as you want!

But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like a puzzle. You’ve got a stack of adorable, meaningful, or just plain fun photos… and only a 12x12 canvas to work with.

So let’s explore how many photos typically work best on a layout—and what to do when your story (and your photo stash) goes beyond the page.

1 Photo Layouts: Clean & Impactful

A single-photo layout lets you go bold and artsy. With just one image, you can focus on journaling, titles, and design elements to tell the story.

Great for:

• School portraits

• Baby’s firsts

• That one perfect vacation shot

Try this: Use a large photo and surround it with layering, embellishments, and meaningful journaling.

2–3 Photos: Sweet Spot for Storytelling

With two or three images, you can create contrast or show a small sequence of events without overwhelming your design.

Great for:

• Date nights

• Seasonal snapshots

• Sibling interactions

Try this: Mix orientations: one horizontal, two vertical, or try a visual triangle for balance.

4–6 Photos: More Moments, Beautifully Balanced

This range gives you the flexibility to tell a fuller story while still having space for journaling, titles, and embellishments.

Great for:

• Parties

• Family outings

• Everyday stories you don’t want to forget

Try this: Use smaller photo sizes like 3"x4" or wallet prints to keep the layout clean.

7+ Photos: When You Have Too Many Favorites to Leave Out

This is where things get exciting and where many scrapbookers get stuck.

You love all the photos. They each tell a part of the story. You could spread them across several pages…

OR you could use a secret weapon:

Enter: Creative Memories Peekaboo Pockets™

Peekaboo Pockets™ are clear, adhesive photo sleeves that let you add more photos, journaling, or memorabilia right on top of your page protector.

They come in popular sizes like 2x2, 3x4, 4x6, and 5x7—and they flip open like a mini-album, letting you reveal extra moments without adding a whole new layout.

When Should You Use Peekaboo Pockets?

Here are perfect times to pull them out:

✔️ When you have too many great photos to choose just a few
✔️ When each image tells a unique part of the story
✔️ When you want to include keepsakes or extra journaling without cluttering your design
✔️ When you’re creating event layouts—vacations, birthdays, weddings, sports, holidays, and more

Think of them as secret doors that open up more memory-keeping magic—without compromising your design.

Click here to shop the Peekaboo Pockets

Pro Tip: Let the Story Guide You

Before deciding how many photos to use, ask:

• What am I trying to say with this page?

• Which photos best support that story?

• Are there extras I want to include without crowding the layout?

This is when Peekaboo Pockets™ really shine—they let you have it all: clean design + extra memories.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Number. It’s About the Story

Whether you use one photo or ten, your scrapbook page should reflect your memories, your story, and your creative style.

When you have too many beautiful photos to leave behind, don’t stress—get creative.
Let your main layout feature the stars of the show, and let Peekaboo Pockets™ handle the encore.

Have you tried Peekaboo Pockets yet? What’s the most photos you’ve fit on a layout? Share your tips in the comments!