How to Create a Photo Montage with Microsoft Publisher

Using Microsoft Publisher is a quick and easy way of grouping some of your favorite pictures to display in a picture frame. I have personally created a Photo Montage of my son's wedding, using 5 of my favorite pictures. I choose a standard 81/2" by 11" page size so that I can display my Photo Montage in a standard 8 x 10 picture frame. Below I have outlined the step-by-step process in creating a Photo Montage using Microsoft Publisher 2003. Screenshots will vary on other versions of Microsoft Publisher.

Step1:
After Microsoft Publisher is open, select: New, Blank Publication. The default page orientation is portrait; to change it to landscape select File, Page Setup, and Landscape.

Step2:
To insert your first picture, select: Insert, Picture, From File. Select the picture with your mouse and then resize the picture by selecting it and dragging the mouse on the pictures' resize handles. You can now place the picture where you want it to appear on the page.

Step3:
Insert the next series of pictures using the same procedure as outlined above. Always use the resize handles on the pictures to get them to the correct size. Position each picture in such a way that they are evenly spaced. You don't want all the pictures on top of one another.

Step4:
After all your pictures are arranged on the page, you will now want to add a background. You can add a preset background from Microsoft Publisher or you can use your own background picture.

Step5:
To add a Microsoft Background, Select: Format, Background. Select the pattern and color that you would like to use as your background.

Step6:
To use your own custom background Select: More backgrounds located at the bottom of the Background panel. In the Fill Effect box, select the Picture Tab and then "Select Picture". Locate and select your picture file, then click on "Insert"

Step7:
Your Picture Montage is almost complete; adding text to your Montage is optional. To add text to your Montage, Select: Insert, Text Box. Reposition and resize the text box to where you want it to appear on your page. Select the font type and size you want to use on the page. You can always resize the handles on your text box to make any necessary adjustments.

Step8:
Once you're done with your Montage Page, save it before attempting to print the page.

Step9:
If you want to print your page on photo paper for an 8 x 10 picture frame, you need to make sure your Photo Montage is not too big. Use the vertical and horizontal ruler on your page to make sure that you're entire Photo Montage will appear properly in your frame. It may be necessary to readjust all your pictures and text if they are too large for the frame you're going to use. If the rulers do not appear on your page, Select: View, Rulers.

Step10:
Before printing your Photo Montage, select "Print Preview" from the File menu. If you are not satisfied with the appearance, make any necessary adjustments you need.

Step11:
When you are ready to print your Photo Montage, just select Print from the File menu. Select Printer Properties to select the type of paper you're going to use and any other settings you may have to adjust.

Step12:
Once your picture is printed, you can now place it in your picture frame and proudly display it with all your other pictures.