There is no single contact sheet template that suits every shoot. A headshot client needs a few large frames; an archive needs everything on one page. Below are nine layouts photographers actually use, each with the orientation, column, and row settings to copy into the contact sheet editor.

How to choose a contact sheet layout

Start with the decision the reader has to make, not the number of photos. Frames per page is simply columns multiplied by rows, but the smaller each frame gets, the harder it is to judge focus and expression.

  • Match the page to the frames. Landscape photos use more of a landscape page; portrait photos suit a portrait page.
  • Use fewer columns for close comparison. Portraits and products need three or four; overviews can go to five or more.
  • Keep filenames on. Clients select by filename, and a visible name removes the “third one on page two” problem.
  • Only fill the cell when cropping is harmless. Image fill crops each frame to its cell. Turn it off when the full frame matters.

9 contact sheet templates for photography

12 frames per page

1. Client selection sheet

Most client reviews. Twelve frames per page is enough to see a sequence while keeping details readable.

  • Orientation: Landscape
  • Grid: 4 columns × 3 rows
  • Image fill: Off
  • Filename: Show, size m

9 frames per page

2. Portrait and headshot sheet

Comparing near-identical expressions. Portrait frames on a portrait page stay as large as possible.

  • Orientation: Portrait
  • Grid: 3 columns × 3 rows
  • Image fill: Off
  • Filename: Show, size m

20 frames per page

3. Wedding and event overview

Long shoots where the client first needs the story of the day, then picks favourites for an album.

  • Orientation: Landscape
  • Grid: 5 columns × 4 rows
  • Image fill: Off
  • Filename: Show, size s

36 frames per page

4. Classic 35mm film sheet

A full 36-exposure roll on one page, with a black background for the look of a darkroom contact print.

  • Orientation: Portrait
  • Grid: 6 columns × 6 rows
  • Image fill: Yes
  • Filename: Show, size xs, white text
  • Background: Black

12 frames per page

5. Medium format 6 × 6 sheet

Twelve square frames, as from a roll of 120 film. Works for any square-format digital set too.

  • Orientation: Portrait
  • Grid: 3 columns × 4 rows
  • Image fill: Yes
  • Filename: Show, size s, white text
  • Background: Black

8 frames per page

6. Model and casting digitals

One model per row, same poses in the same order: front, profile, full length, and smile. Name files by model and pose.

  • Orientation: Landscape
  • Grid: 4 columns × 2 rows
  • Image fill: Off
  • Filename: Show, size m

12 frames per page

7. Product and ecommerce sheet

Choosing hero angles and detail shots per SKU. Keep fill off so products are never cropped.

  • Orientation: Landscape
  • Grid: 4 columns × 3 rows
  • Image fill: Off
  • Filename: Show, size s

6 frames per page

8. Real estate listing sheet

Wide interiors and exteriors that need to be large enough for an agent or seller to judge.

  • Orientation: Landscape
  • Grid: 3 columns × 2 rows
  • Image fill: Off
  • Filename: Show, size m

48 frames per page

9. Archive index sheet

A printed record of a scanned roll or a whole job, filed with the originals. Not for client review.

  • Orientation: Landscape
  • Grid: 8 columns × 6 rows
  • Image fill: Yes
  • Filename: Show, size xs

How to use these templates

  1. Open the contact sheet editor and add your photos in the order you want them reviewed.
  2. In the layout settings, set Orientation, Columns, and Rows to match the template.
  3. Set Image fill, then adjust Gap and Gutter if the page feels cramped.
  4. In the naming settings, keep File name on and choose a font size that stays readable at the page size.
  5. Check every page, then export an A4 PDF.

If you reuse a layout for every client, a brand preset saves the grid, naming, and watermark settings in one place. Pro includes one preset; Ultimate includes unlimited presets.

Do you need a blank contact sheet template?

Blank templates made in Word or Photoshop only save time if every shoot has exactly the same number of frames. A contact sheet maker builds the grid from the photos themselves, adds a page when the set runs over, and places each filename automatically. If you do want to work by hand, the Photoshop Contact Sheet II guide uses the same column and row numbers.

New to the format? Start with what a contact sheet is . Printing the result? See how to print a contact sheet for thumbnail sizes on A4 and US Letter.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best layout for a contact sheet?

For most client reviews, a landscape page with 4 columns and 3 rows works best. It shows 12 frames per page, keeps expressions and details readable, and keeps the number of pages manageable.

What size should a contact sheet template be?

Use A4 or US Letter so the sheet can be opened as a PDF and printed on any home or office printer. Traditional film contact sheets were printed on 8 × 10 inch paper.

Where can I get a free contact sheet template?

You do not need a blank template file. Set the orientation, columns, and rows in a contact sheet maker and it builds the grid and captions from your photos automatically, however many there are.

Can I make a film-style contact sheet from digital photos?

Yes. Use a portrait page with 6 columns and 6 rows for 35mm, or 3 columns and 4 rows for square medium format, then set a black background with white filenames.

How many photos should be on a contact sheet page?

Between 9 and 20 frames suits most reviews. Use fewer, larger cells when people need to compare small differences, and more cells only for overviews and archive index sheets.