How to make a custom calendar with photos
Start from a wall calendar template that already has a cover and twelve month pages with the dates filled in, add a photo and your logo to each month, then mark your own dates such as holidays, events and seasonal offers. Download a print-ready PDF and have a print shop print and bind it, ideally by October so it's ready to give out before January.
Why businesses give calendars
A wall calendar stays in a customer's kitchen, office or workshop all year, with your name and phone number on every page. Contractors, insurance agents, real estate agents, restaurants, schools, garages and nonprofits give them as year-end gifts or hand them out at the counter.
Plan the pages
| Page | What to put on it |
|---|---|
| Cover | The year, your logo and a strong photo |
| Each month | A seasonal photo, the month grid, your phone number and website |
| Special dates | Public holidays where you are, your events, sales and seasonal reminders |
| Back or last page | Contact details, a map, opening hours or a QR code |
In CatalogProFlow's calendar templates, the dates for every month are filled in for you (from September onward, templates open with the next year). Photo areas and text are editable, and each page is labelled with its month in the page strip so you can jump straight to it.
Photo ideas by business
- Landscaping or contractors: a finished project each month.
- Restaurants and bakeries: a seasonal dish, with a monthly special or coupon.
- Real estate: local landmarks and neighbourhoods.
- Pet groomers and vets: customers' pets (ask permission first).
- Schools and nonprofits: events and volunteers, with term dates or campaign dates marked.
Mark your dates
- Add public holidays for the country or countries your customers live in; they differ from place to place.
- Mark your own dates: seasonal sales, festivals, open days, maintenance reminders (“Time to service your boiler”).
- Keep notes short so the grid stays readable.
Print and bind
- Download the print-ready PDF (Pro or a one-time unlock for that design).
- Print shops usually bind wall calendars with wire or staples and drill a hole for hanging; ask what they offer and the paper weight.
- Order a single proof copy first, check every month's dates and photos, then order the full run.
- Allow time: order in early autumn if you want calendars in customers' hands before the new year.
Checklist before you order
- The year on the cover matches the month pages.
- Every month has a photo that's sharp at print size (around 300 pixels per inch).
- Your phone number and website are on every page, not only the cover.
- Holidays and your own dates are on the right days.
- You've ordered enough for every customer you want to give one to, plus spares for the counter.
Questions
- Can I make a calendar with my own photos?
- Yes. Each month page has a photo area: click it and upload your own picture, or choose a free stock photo.
- Do I have to type in all the dates?
- No. The month grids are already filled in for the calendar year. You only add your own events and holidays.
- When should I order business calendars?
- Early autumn (September or October) gives time for proofing and printing so you can hand them out in November and December.
- Can I print a calendar at home?
- You can print the pages at home and staple or clip them, but a print shop gives better photo quality, heavier paper and proper binding.
- What should I put on a business calendar?
- Your logo and contact details on every page, a photo for each month, and dates that matter to your customers: holidays, your events and seasonal offers.