All inclusive digital scrapbooking software?

[Cruise]

This is something I've been thinking about a while and another thread on the boards at the moment is similar, but I didn't want to hijack that thread.

I've been playing around with some of the online digital scrapbooking sites and having lots of fun. The only problem with them, of course, is that you have to print from their site using only the preselected formats they have - which are usually certain sizes and usually whole books. Exporting the LOs isn't possible to print in other sizes or a sheet at a time.

So I'm looking for a scrapbooking program that I can buy and then export pages to the various printing sites on the web. The only problem is, I'm way too lazy to get something like PSE or PSP and then go looking for all the accessories to download and install. I'd rather just have the things already there, make the LOs and insert my pictures. I'm guessing this isn't "pure" scrapbooking but, like I said, I'm lazy. And also just getting started.

I realize that by buying a specific scrapbooking program I'm limiting myself to whatever designs, backgrounds, and embellishments they've included but - that being said - which program is the most extensive and includes the most options?

Thanks!

 

[Fran98765]

Most major sites sell and many have freebies of them, but it sounds like you want some Quick Pages or QPs. Basically they are premade digital scrapbook pages. You slide your photo(s) underneath in the open spaces and then title it and journal if you want. Boom and done in 5 mins. You can use them in any of the regular graphics programs that have layers: PS, PSE, PSP, DIP, etc. Someone that uses scrapbook specific software can tell you if they work in those, as they work a bit differently.

 

[janette]

You might check out the Creative Memories software, it isn't all inclusive as there are additonal kits but it is set up to be more user friendly and I think it has more already set up pages available.

 

[Cruise]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not necessarily looking for QPs... I don't object to putting all the elements together. I just don't want to have to go scouring the internet for them, then download, then install. It's probably much easier than I've made it in my mind and I'll probably eventually do it some day.

I'll check out the Creative Memories software. I've also found the Scrapbook Factory Deluxe software mentioned in the FAQ and it seems to mostly get good user reviews on Amazon.

Thanks again!

 

[wenrob]

You don't really "install" digi stuff, you copy and paste (for lack of a better term) onto your layout then arrange from there. The elements and papers aren't "in" your program, you bring them in just like you'd bring your pictures in. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Cruise]

You don't really "install" digi stuff, you copy and paste (for lack of a better term) onto your layout then arrange from there. The elements and papers aren't "in" your program, you bring them in just like you'd bring your pictures in. I hope that makes sense.

Hmmm... the way I'm thinking of it is that if I buy PSE, for example, then I get PSE and the stuff that comes with it for editing photos and such, but that's about it. Then if I want to do the scrapbooking, I go to various websites and download elements, kits, etc to my computer... which I then import into PSE. That's when I'm copy and paste it like you said above, right?

Is it done another way that I'm not thinking of? If it is like above, then it's the looking at all the different sites for different elements that I'm trying to avoid.

 

[janette]

It is true that you have to go out and look at different sites for the kits / elements with Photoshop. There are some backgrounds etc included but I've never used much of what comes with Photoshop.

There are a limited about of kits available from Creative Memories and I think it automatically imports into your program. You can also add other kits if you wanted.

You might try the free versions of CM and Photoshop and see if you like the way they work.
I

 

[Fran98765]

Hmmm... the way I'm thinking of it is that if I buy PSE, for example, then I get PSE and the stuff that comes with it for editing photos and such, but that's about it. Then if I want to do the scrapbooking, I go to various websites and download elements, kits, etc to my computer... which I then import into PSE. That's when I'm copy and paste it like you said above, right?

Is it done another way that I'm not thinking of? If it is like above, then it's the looking at all the different sites for different elements that I'm trying to avoid.

When you use PS or PSP or PSE, you create a new file in the size you choose to scrap in, most create in 3600x3600 or 12x12 at 300 dpi. You then layer each element that you open individually. You find a background paper or papers that you like and place them on your layout. You then add your photo(s) and frames and flowers and ribbons and so on and so forth. Each element is its own file, they are regular image files, which can be opened in any graphics program. Some scrapbook only software have file types exclusive to their program, but the "elements" that you find online are generic image file types.

When starting, you have to find the scrapbook kits and elements on the web. Once you have found your style and know what you like, you won't spend as much time looking around, as you know what designers and sites that you like.

There are some very experienced digital scrappers on this forum, there is an entire thread of Disney related kits that we have found (Disney digital kits thread). In our big LO show off sticky thread we also occasionally post good finds as well. There are also some sites that find freebies for you on a single blog... that way you can try out digital scrapbooking, see if you like it and find which designers suit your style. One of the biggest search blogs is http://ikeagoddess.blogspot.com/.