Some of the first blog posts I will have will include some thoughts on a program to use, how to start a page with some links to tutorials on how to get started, where to find some good quality free products, and some lingo. I have my own preferences on where I like to play and hang out but I will try to not be overly biased about these things. If I share things I have done I am sure you will notice some repeat designers, simply because I have my own style that I have developed and my own preferences. What I like is not what someone else will like.
So, today I will start with selecting a program. There are a ton of programs out there but you will see two programs that people use more often than the others, because I have only used these two programs I cannot say if they are easier to use than any others, they are just the most common and are fairly easy to use once you figure out a few simple tools available in the program. Whoever you ask will tell you that the program they use is the best...and it is...for them. Once you select a program and learn it, you will love that program and not want to switch. I did make a minor switch and unlike most downgraded because the program I had was just too much for me. Were there things I missed from the upgraded program? You betcha, but I still do not regret that decision even a little bit. One of the greatest things about doing this digitally is that there are free downloads for all sorts of things and for Photo editing programs this is no excpetion. Almost all programs will offer a free 30 trial for you to try their program out. If you are undecided about what program is best for you, do the 30 day trial and try out a few different programs to see what works for you. So, that being said let's get started with Photoshop. I will link each title to its website so that you can check it out.
Photoshop Elements (known from here on out as PSE) is an Adobe program and is the simpler of the Photoshop programs along with being significantly less expensive. You can buy this program online or at ANY store that sells software; Best Buy, Costco, Office Depot, Amazon, etc. It is often sold with Premier Elements which is for video editing and not necessary for scrapbooking, so unless you need video editing software buying this as a package will only cost you more money, it is not an upgrade. Elements is one of many programs that works in layers just like paper scrapbooking. I do believe that this program also comes with some scrapbooking tutorials and offers easy photo editing options where the computer will do the work for you. One of the downsides (the only one I found when I switched) is that a lot of the actions to edit photos that many digital designers sell are not available on elements, and the ones that are available don't always work as well. There are still actions that are great, but that is a drawback to the program if photos are your number one priority. There is a solution to that in Adobe Lighroom, which is a photo editing program that I drool over. (I'll explain actions at another time) This program also comes with an organizer for your photos or scrapping supplies. I use it in a minimal capacity but I still love having it. PSE can be purchased for less than $100.
This is the big momma program from Photoshop. This program is not the easy breezy program but has all the functions you could possibly imagine for digital scrapbooking and designing. What I have noticed is that designers will generally prefer this program, although there are some great designers who use PSE. This program is also a lot more expensive...but you pay for all the options and functions it provides. This program will cost you upwards of $600. One great thing about Adobe is that they do sell to education providers for a discounted price. I have never used this but if you are a teacher or work in the education system in some form the prices are extremely discounted. This program also works in layers just like paper scrapping.
First of all this is not a scrapbooking program but is solely a photo editing program. I have never used this program but it offers a multitude of photo editing options. Many designers sell Lightroom setting for additional editing option. Many designers even give them away for free. This is not the program to get as a stand alone Photo editing program if scrapbooking is your purpose but I thought it deserved to be mentioned nonetheless.
I have never used this program before but people I know that use it love it and have no desire to switch. This program also uses layers and offers editing options for the photos themselves. Another bonus to this program is that it is less expensive than PSE. I know of designers who also use this program and are perfectly happy with it.
I know nothing about this program but saw it listed on another website and thought it was worth mentioning. It looks to be very similar to the other programs. My only concern about this program is that it would be hard to find scrapping tutorials to learn how to do certain things, not to say they aren't out there...just maybe a little harder to find. It is also less expensive.
This is a free program out there, again, one that I know nothing about and have heard very little information on. It does edit photos and works in a layer system also. It is free so could be worth checking out. I have heard of the program before, just not sure in what capacity so I have no insight on this program.
I have heard about this program but have never seen it in action. What I have heard about it is that it doesn't crash often and is very easy to use. They also have an organizational function that some people buy the program for in itself. It does not use layers, but you can use layered templates (I will explain templates very soon).
There are more programs out there and you can use whatever program you are comfortable. There are two more types of programs worth mentioning. The first are scrapbooking specific programs. Some are significantly better than others. These programs are set up just for scrapbooking. They might be a little limiting and I know many people that start with these programs and find that they love it will eventually move on from these programs and sometimes have a hard time adjusting to the layers of the other programs, but some people will stay with these programs forever and love that too. Here are some examples (linked up of course) Memory Mixer, Scrapbook Essentials, and Scrapbook Max.
Lastly I want to mention the non-software options. There are several companies that off online scrapbooking where you can create your entire Layout using their online program and all you have to bring to the table are some pictures of your own. They have all of your needs on their site. These are either a monthly service, where you pay a monthly fee and have full use of their services or else you may pay a monthly fee or no fee and also have the opportunity to buy other products and sometimes can bring in your own products. Some of those are: CropMom and Creative Memories.
So, there you go with some information. My next post will be about how to start acquiring products so that you have supplies to scrap with, to include some great FREEBIE sites that I would recommend due to quality. A lot of freebies you may find in a search are of questionable quality. I'll explain all about this tomorrow.
