Last reviewed August 28, 2026

How to Make a Photo Contact Sheet for Fast Selection

Build a useful photo contact sheet with stable filenames, readable thumbnail density, and a PDF layout that is easy to review.

Use contact sheets as indexes

A contact sheet is best for scanning a batch and referring back to stable filenames. It should not replace the original photos or a critical focus review.

Choose thumbnail density for the decision

Three or four columns keep more visual detail; five or six columns fit more images but are better suited to rough selection. Use the smallest density that still answers the review question.

Keep filenames visible

Stable filenames let a client, editor, or teammate send a selection list without ambiguity. Avoid renaming originals after distributing the sheet.

Create the sheet without uploading the shoot

OpenFileTools downsamples local previews and embeds them into the PDF in the browser. The originals remain on the device.

Try the browser tool

Work with your file locally.

Open Photo Contact Sheet