Help & FAQ
How gathering memories works, and what the finished book is like.
General
- PastPresent helps you build a collaborative tribute book for someone you love and want to honor. As the editor, you get to set up the tribute, and invite people to add memories, photos, and messages. Once submissions are in, we'll help you design a beautiful printed book (with minimal effort).
- Creating your tribute and inviting contributors is free. You only pay when you order your printed book. There is no subscription.
- Yes. Creating your tribute and inviting contributors is free. You only pay when you order your printed book.
- Most groups need at least a week for contributors to add their pieces. After you order your book, production and shipping usually take about 10 days.
- No. Contributors use the link from their invitation in a normal web browser—no separate app and no fee to participate.
- You control how the tribute is set up. Editors decide what contributors can see; sensitive pieces can be kept more limited. We take privacy seriously: data is encrypted at rest and in transit, and we do not sell your personal information.
- You can keep inviting, adjust your deadline, and move forward with whatever you receive. There is no fixed headcount for a meaningful book—and gathering contributions is free, so you never owe for a printed book unless you choose to buy one.
- Yes. You can manage as many tributes as you need as an editor, and contribute to any tribute you are invited to.
- Use the contact form or email us—we are happy to help.
What is PastPresent?
What does it cost?
Can I try it before paying?
How long until we have a book?
Do people I invite need to pay or install an app?
Is my tribute private? Who sees what?
What if not enough people contribute?
Can I create multiple tributes?
How do I get help or report an issue?
Contributing to a tribute
- Use the link in your invitation email or text, or enter the invitation code you were given. You can create an account if needed. Everything runs in a normal web browser—no separate app—and there is no fee to participate. Then add memories, photos, and messages for the honoree.
- Usually memories, photos, videos, and messages. The editor chooses which sections are open, so you only see what that tribute allows.
- Yes, until the tribute is finalized. Open the tribute, find your contribution, and edit it there.
- The editor sets visibility for the tribute. If something is marked private, only the honoree can see it, not other contributors.
How do I participate in a tribute?
What types of content can I submit?
Can I edit my submissions after posting them?
Who can see my contributions?
Still stuck? Email us for help — a real person replies.