What’s the best software for Digital Scrapbooking?

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A couple of months ago I wrote a review of Photoshop Elements 6 - The Missing Manual.

And since then, I’ve have quite a few emails asking me if Photoshop Elements is the best software to pick for digital scrapbooking.

Well first of all, let me say that I am a long time user of Photoshop Elements. So that is obviously going to influence my opinion.

And in my opinion, Photoshop Elements is the best choice for someone entering the world of digital scrapbooking.

Are there other great graphics editing software programs on the market?

Yes!

The full blown Photoshop CS (also made by Adobe) is acknowledged as the standard setter for graphics editing.

The Gimp is a free graphics editing software package with many of the powerful features of Photoshop.

Paintshop Pro is also a strong contender for digital scrapbooking functionality.

But I still stand by Photoshop Elements as the best choice for a new digital scrapbooker.

Why?

Well let’s start with Price.

Apart from the Gimp (it’s hard to beat ‘free’), Photoshop Elements comes with a far lower price tag than either Photoshop CS or Paintshop Pro.

And for less that $100 you can get a program that provides you with all the functionality you need to create great digital scrapbook layouts for now and the future. Photoshop has even more functionality, but being really targeted at professional graphic designers, I think that it’s over endowed with functionality which can prove more complex and confusing that is needed for digital scrapbooking. Especially for the beginner digital scrapbooker.

Paintshop Pro is less expensive than Photoshop but still more expensive than Photoshop Elements. Although I think Corel have a deal on at the moment which prices it similar to Photoshop Elements.

And there’s the learning curve.

I have trialled both Photoshop and Paintshop Pro and I found them complex and difficult to perform the functions that I wanted. And the Gimp is also reputed to have a very tough learning curve.

Now having said all that, once you have mastered the learning curve of any software package, you will be a convert. And of course you will feel that your software of choice is the only way to go…just as I feel about Photoshop Elements.

Tutorials

Another significant advantage for Photoshop Elements is the tutorials that are available for it. Many tutorials abound on the Internet. Sometimes though, that can be a little intimidating. Especially as they often make assumptions that the viewer has a level of expertise and understanding of the terms that may not actually be the case.

I’ve been thinking about this for some time. I think a lot of people feel overwhelmed when they think about starting digital scrapbooking and then they’re so put off because the tutorials seem so complex, that they walk away.

Tutorials designed for the beginner Digital Scrapbooker

So I’ve created an exciting Step by Step Digital Scrapbook website that’s especially designed for absolute beginners to digital scrapbooking and is packed with all you need to know to get started.

And if you would like some more step-by-step coaching, you can choose to join my mentoring program which is just for newbies. I don’t believe there is any other program available that’s quite like this. Now you can join in the excitement of digital scrapbooking without feeling overwhelmed with learning so much new technology.

So if you’ve been thinking about digital scrapbooking but maybe were a bit nervous of taking on the technology, pop over and have a look around and find out all about it.

Other Related Articles:

Photoshop Elements 6 - The Missing Manual

Shortcuts for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements

The Gimp Installation Guide

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11 Comments »

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11 Responses to “What’s the best software for Digital Scrapbooking?”

Brooke - in Oregon on 30 Apr 2008 at 11:03 pm #

WOW you are writing a PROGRAM!! Oh my gosh that is a huge undertaking, I can not even imagine what all that would take. But a step by step hand holding would be fabulous.

I agree the tutorials often seem to ’skip’ parts as they think you already know certain things. There are some really good resources like your video’s that are hugely helpful. Others are Misty Cato, Hummie and the Legacy Lady who I have learned lots from.

Funny but I use CS2 for work so that is also what I scrap with. BUT I have learned so much more about Photoshop since I started digital scrapping than I ever knew before. And the more I learn the more I realize I still HAVE TO LEARN! lol

Good luck with your new program!

Brooke - in Oregon’s last blog post..Finally with the SUN

karooch on 01 May 2008 at 8:11 am #

Thanks Brooke. Yes it’s a big project. But I’m really enthusiastic about it because I think there are a lot of people who would like to try digital scrapbooking but don’t feel confident in themselves to deal with the technology. And I’ve found digitals scrapbooking has really released the creativity in me that I spent my whole life denying that I had.

So anyway, kkep reading Scraps of Mind for further announcements in the next couple of weeks.

Jan - queenofkaos on 05 May 2008 at 2:45 am #

I love photoshop elements 6 as well. I use it mostly for online stuff, but I enjoy it and it’s nice to know that I can find out what I need to know about it when I want to use it for other things. I’m assuming that it would be great for making nice soap labels too.

Jan - queenofkaos’s last blog post..Skin Care Naturals News

karooch on 05 May 2008 at 7:41 am #

Ablosutely Jan. I use it to make my banners and business cards. And you could make some gorgeous labels for your soaps with it.

Dorothea on 07 May 2008 at 1:44 am #

Don’t know how many digital programs you try or have looked at, but I used to be a Creative Memories Consultant, mostly so I could buy all the great tools for myself and family and friends. Well, they have a couple of digital programs - one is the Memory Manager, which does just that MANAGES your digital photos. The big seller was that even if you have the same photo image in several folders or places, it doesn’t use up extra HD space! It is simple, wonderful, and it’s companion product which produces the “froo-froo” embellishments, and utilizes it’s papers in digital format is StoryBook Creator 2. Again, Simple, fabulous. Another I use is Memory Mixer. It’s like paper and glue without the mess, AND the best thing is that you can print a page or whole book in whatever size you want, not one size that you set up with. AND, instead of only one, one-of-a-kind scrapbook, you can duplicate it, share it on DVD, or email. They all work wonderfully together. You can also print stuff that you may want to cut out to embellish with! The price is right too, $60 for either, or less, depending on what you want.

Hummie on 07 May 2008 at 5:03 am #

Hey, congrats on your new adventure! I hope it brings you many sales.

I’d love to peek in, but as a similar business of teaching, I don’t want to be nosy.

karooch on 07 May 2008 at 8:39 am #

Sounds like a good program Dorothea. Thanks a lot for letting us know about it.

Thanks for your good wishes Hummie. I think both of us agree that we need good digital scrapbooking education programs available.

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de anne jones on 31 May 2008 at 1:41 am #

I would be 100% interested in your manual. I am just getting started and am completely clueless. Will this be for new beginners?

karooch on 31 May 2008 at 10:18 am #

The Step by Step Digital Scrapbook Program is designed for the absolute beginner De Anne. I want to help newbies to get into digital scrapbooking easily without the struggle and frustration of lots of trial and error before they can produce layouts that they feel proud and happy with.

Click over and have a look and I hope you’ll join us in the Mentoring Program. I would love to help you on your digital scrapbooking journey and I know you’ll enjoy it.

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What’s the best software for Digital Scrapbooking?