Reviewers report that CEWE’s photo book design software on the website and app has been a source of significant frustration for many customers. While a small number of users praise its basic functionality, the overwhelming majority express dissatisfaction, with negative feedback outnumbering positive mentions by more than one to two. The sentiment has remained consistently negative over time, with recurring complaints about usability, stability, and missing features. Customers describe the software as unintuitive, prone to crashes, and lacking essential tools, particularly for larger or more complex projects. Many note that changes are not saved properly, files are lost unexpectedly, and the interface fails to support basic tasks like switching between portrait and landscape formats. Despite some users reporting temporary improvements after updates, the overall experience remains unreliable for most, leading to frustration and wasted time.

What customers praise

Customers frequently praise the visual quality of the final printed products and appreciate the availability of various binding options. Some users note that the software is adequate for simple, small photo books or quick projects, especially when used on a desktop. A few mention that the interface is functional once they become familiar with it, though this is rarely a dominant sentiment. The ability to order custom photo books with high-resolution printing is seen as a positive aspect, even if the design process itself is problematic.

What customers said:

  • „The online design tool worked extremely poorly.“ - Trusted Shops · 1★ · · translated · German ·
    „The online design tool worked extremely poorly.“

    Original„Online Gestaltung hat äußerst schlecht funktioniert“

  • „The software is complicated“ - Trusted Shops · 3★ · · translated · German ·
    „The software is complicated“

    Original„Die Software ist kompliziert“

  • „There are missing layouts, adding additional pages is missing, and inserting photos is…“ - Apple App Store · 5★ · · translated · German ·
    „There are missing layouts, adding additional pages is missing, and inserting photos is just cumbersome.“

    Original„Layouts fehlen, zusätzliche Seiten einfügen fehlt, Fotos einfügen ist einfach nur umständlich“

Common complaints

Common complaints center on the software’s instability and poor user experience. Many users report that their work is lost unexpectedly, even after multiple saves, and that the app crashes frequently, sometimes after just 90 minutes of use. The inability to switch between portrait and landscape formats, save projects properly, or retain changes across sessions is a frequent issue. Some users also describe the interface as unintuitive, with confusing navigation and hidden features. The software’s performance is further hampered by slow loading times and frequent errors when uploading or editing images.

What customers said:

  • „When closing the app, the entire edit often disappears.“ - Trusted Shops · 3★ · · translated · German ·
    „When closing the app, the entire edit often disappears.“

    Original„Beim Beenden der App ist oft die komplette Bearbeitung verschwunden.“

  • „The app and direct access to the website have significant differences, and that's where…“ - Trusted Shops · 4★ · · translated · German ·
    „The app and direct access to the website have significant differences, and that's where it starts.“

    Original„Die App und der direkte Zugang auf die WEB - Seite haben erhebliche Unterschiede damit geht es schon los.“

  • „In this confusing app, there is no apparent way to switch between portrait and…“ - Apple App Store · 1★ · · translated · German ·
    „In this confusing app, there is no apparent way to switch between portrait and landscape format.“

    Original„In dieser vermurksten App kann man aus unerfindlichen Gründen nicht zwischen Hoch- und Querformat wechseln.“

How it has changed over time

Over time, the software has seen a decline in functionality and reliability. Users who previously used the PC version report that key features, like clip art, custom layouts, and automatic spacing, have been removed or significantly reduced. The mobile app is described as less capable than the desktop version, with missing tools and a lack of consistency between platforms. Some users recall the software being more stable and feature-rich in the past, but recent updates have made it worse. One reviewer noted that the app was once usable but became 'absolutely unbrauchbar' after an update, though it later improved, indicating inconsistent development quality.

What customers said:

  • „If you just want to order photos, you have to wade through a lot of offers“ - Trusted Shops · 4★ · · translated · German ·
    „If you just want to order photos, you have to wade through a lot of offers“

    Original„Wenn man einfach nur Bilder bestellen will, muss man sich durch eine Menge Angebote hangeln“

  • „But the features are clearly limited.“ - Apple App Store · 1★ · · translated · German ·
    „But the features are clearly limited.“

    Original„Doch die Features sind deutlich abgespeckt.“

Practical takeaways

For practical use, customers recommend avoiding the mobile app for complex projects and sticking to the desktop version if possible. It’s best to save work frequently and keep backups outside the software. Users should be cautious about relying on the app’s auto-save function, as it often fails. If ordering a large photo book, it’s wise to test the software with a small version first. Avoiding the app’s forced prompts to download or upgrade can help prevent unnecessary complications. Finally, users should verify their country and delivery settings early, as changing them later is not always possible.

What customers said:

  • „I spent hours designing a photo album only to find out I am in the Austrian version for…“ - Apple App Store · 1★ · · translated · German ·
    „I spent hours designing a photo album only to find out I am in the Austrian version for some reason“

    Original„Ich habe Stunden ein Fotoalbum designt um dann feststellen zu dürfen dass ich mich aus irgendeinem Grund in der Österreichischen Version befinde“

  • „even if you have shipped it and created an account as part of the order, the product is…“ - Trusted Shops · 3★ · · translated · German ·
    „even if you have shipped it and created an account as part of the order, the product is still not saved“

    Original„wenn man es nun versendet hat und im rahmen der bestellung dennoch einen account erstellt hat, wird das produkt dennoch nicht gespeichert“

  • „Once you're in the ordering process, you can only make a few changes.“ - Apple App Store · 2★ · · translated · German ·
    „Once you're in the ordering process, you can only make a few changes.“

    Original„Wenn man einmal im Bestell Prozess drin ist, kann man nur noch wenige Änderungen machen.“

Customer voices

Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.

„You can create a photo book relatively easily and quickly.“

★★★★★Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Man kann relativ leicht und schnell ein Fotobuch erstellen“

„Downloading the program and using it to assemble and design the photo book with CEWE is relatively simple, if not to say 'foolproof'.“

★★★★★Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Das Herunterladen des Programms, sowie die Handhabung im Zusammenhang mit der Zusammenstellung und der Gestaltung des Fotobuches bei CEWE ist relativ einfach, um nicht zu sagen "Beamtensicher".“

„The variety of design options is excellent, so there is something for every taste.“

★★★★★Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Die Gestaltungsvielfalt ist hervorragend, sodass für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei ist.“

„Using one of your design templates and two photos we took ourselves, we were able to create a wedding invitation that suited us perfectly.“

★★★★★Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Mit einer Ihrer Design-Vorlagen und zwei von uns aufgenommenen Fotos war es uns möglich, eine Einladungskarte zu unserer Hochzeit zu erstellen“

„With the current software, I can no longer find the background designs in one folder“

★★★★☆Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Bei der aktuellen Software finde ich die Hintergrundgestaltung nicht mehr in einem Ordner“

„Easy to design.“

★★★★★Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Einfach zu gestalten“

„I didn't pay attention to the size when designing it.“

★★★★☆Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Beim Gestalten habe ich nicht auf die Größe geachtet“

„Creating the photo book is easy.“

★★★★☆Trusted ShopsTranslated· GermanOriginal
„Die Erstellung des Fotobuches ist einfach“
Cite this page

Citatio (2026). CEWE Ordering & website – Photo book design software: customer reviews. Retrieved 18 August 2026 from https://citatio.ai/cewe-reviews/ordering/photo-book-design-software/

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