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The first step to creating a great personalized holiday card is the perfect photo. You can use your iPad or your iPad mini to get a good picture, but make sure to download an app like Camera+ for iPad first, which will allow you to take a timed photo.
You can any kind of stand or tripod to stabilize your iPad, even a case if you have one that can be used to prop up the iPad, like Apple’s Smart Cover. Choose an outfit with simple colors, wait for the best lighting (daylight makes for a gorgeous photo, as does dusk, which is known as the magic hour), and wrangle the rest of the family into line.
With the remote functionality of an app like Camera+, you can set up a timer so that everyone can be in the photo at once, and there’s even the option to take multiple photos in a row, so you’re sure to get one that’s ideal.
After you’ve got the photo captured, you can use an editing app like Snapseed, which is now free to download, to touch it up. There are a lot of great photo editing apps, check out this list for more ideas.
When you’re set with a photo to use, it’s time to choose an app. There are quite a few options in the App Store, and they all have a lot of similarities, which prevents one from being better than the rest. We’ve written up a list of our favorites, so make sure to check it out.
Apple has its own dedicated Cards app, which works well.
The first thing you’ll want to do is choose a holiday card theme. This app has quite a few fun options, which work great with one photo or up to three photos. There are a wide array of designs, so you’re sure to find the perfect card layout.
After you’ve selected your chosen design, all you have to do is tap the spot where your photos go and pick your previously designed photo. From there you can use a finger to drag it in to the ideal spot, and you’re basically done. It’s really that easy, but if you like, you can customize the inside message too.
When your card is created, simply add in your own address, the receiver’s address, and it is ready to send. You don’t have to do anything else – the app takes care of the rest. Your card will be sent directly to the recipient, and these cards are both high quality and entirely personalized. The only downside? There’s a $2.99 price tag on each card sent, but sometimes the convenience is worth the cost.
You can also make holiday postcards directly from photo apps. For example, FX Photo Studio has an option that allows you to send a postcard from any of your photos for just $0.99. It’s quick, easy, and inexpensive, especially if you only have a few to send.
And there’s always the option to send a digital only card, which is even more affordable. Choose an app like the Christmas Card Maker, which is free to download, and you can make a card and then send it via email. These cards aren’t as nice as those created and sent by snail mail, but they are quick and easy!
With these tips, you should be able to whip up your holiday cards at in no time at all, leaving you plenty of time for other fun activities that can’t be done digitally, like wrapping presents and hanging Christmas lights.
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