Are you a paper scrapbooker who has decided to make the move from traditional scrapbooking to digital? Or are you completely new to the concept of digital scrapbooking? Either way, there are a few things you should know before you get started.
First, you need to find a good digital scrapbooking software program to use for your projects. Not all digital scrapbooking software programs are created equal, so you should definitely keep a few important points in mind when selecting a program.
1. A great digital scrapbooking software program should include a variety of creative features, but it should also be very easy to use.
2. The product you choose should be affordable. There are great digital scrapbooking software products for under $50 if you look around. You don't need to pay more than that! On the other hand, don't be taken in my "free" software either. How many times have you learned that free isn't actually "free" in the end?
3. It should include a good variety of high-quality scrapbooking kits. The quality of the embellishments and papers is definitely more important than quantity. Thousands of pieces of generic clipart isn't the same thing!
4. The ready to use scrapbooking templates should be fully-editable. Plus, it should be easy to expand with more digital scrapbooking content in the future.
5. A good digital scrapbooking software program should offer a free, full-featured downloadable trial so that you can take it for a "test drive" and try everything out before you buy. Plus, you should be able to purchase and download the full product immediately, so you can start scrapbooking even if it's 2 in the morning!
Once you've done your research and found the perfect program, it's time to start creating those layouts! The best digital scrapbooking programs are intuitive and easy to learn. You should be able to start making pages just by starting it up and playing around. But, to get the most out of your digital scrapbooking software, follow these important tips:
1. The "User's Guide" is a great place to start, especially if you're an "instruction junkie"! A good digital scrapbooking program will include this documentation in electronic PDF format (no wasted trees!), preferably from the Help menu within the software.
2. Visit the digital scrapbooking software program's website. The company should offer free easy-to-follow, visual tutorials to help you learn the features.
3. See if your program has an online scrapbooking forum. An active scrapbooking discussion forum is a great resource for learning about your software. Digital scrapbookers from all over the world will be there and you can advice around the clock, plus you'll find great tips and inspirational ideas!
Armed with the basics about the software, you can begin experimenting with laying out pages by beginning with a pre-made template, if your program includes these. Hopefully you've chosen a scrapbooking program that offers both fully-editable, pre-made templates plus the option to start with a blank scrapbook so you can design "from scratch". A top-quality software product will let you click on an item, and then add, delete, move, resize and rotate elements with your mouse. Play around to get the feel for the program. This is one of the great advantages of digital - you can't make a mistake. If you make a change to your page that you don't like, simply choose "undo". You can't do that with paper and scissors!
Once you master the features of your digital scrapbooking software, you can really get creative and start making beautiful pages from scratch. Are you the type of person who loves working on a blank canvas? Your scrapbooking software should let you fully express all those great ideas! You'll be making unique pages in no time.
But what if you are someone who admires other people's scrapbooks, but don't really know where to begin creating your own pages? Once again, here is where an online digital scrapbooking forum comes in very handy! It's a great place to look for inspiration. In particular, find one with a free members layout gallery. That's where you can post your pages, plus also view pages by other people. Seeing how other scrapbookers design their layouts is a great way to learn and increase your confidence.
Another way to improve your skills is to participate in online crops and challenges. Look for them in the online forums. These challenges often focus on a particular technique or inspiration and are a great way to learn more about digital scrapbooking in a fun way. Keep your eye out for challenges that offer freebies and downloads - you'll develop your skills, plus get free stuff for your stash!
Getting started with digital scrapbooking is much easier than most people think! If you choose the right digital scrapbooking software, it certainly is! Remember to look for a program that offers a full-featured trial, a User's Guide and online tutorials, a helpful and fun online community, and fully-editable templates to help you get started. You'll be an expert digital scrapbooker in no time! - 30452
First, you need to find a good digital scrapbooking software program to use for your projects. Not all digital scrapbooking software programs are created equal, so you should definitely keep a few important points in mind when selecting a program.
1. A great digital scrapbooking software program should include a variety of creative features, but it should also be very easy to use.
2. The product you choose should be affordable. There are great digital scrapbooking software products for under $50 if you look around. You don't need to pay more than that! On the other hand, don't be taken in my "free" software either. How many times have you learned that free isn't actually "free" in the end?
3. It should include a good variety of high-quality scrapbooking kits. The quality of the embellishments and papers is definitely more important than quantity. Thousands of pieces of generic clipart isn't the same thing!
4. The ready to use scrapbooking templates should be fully-editable. Plus, it should be easy to expand with more digital scrapbooking content in the future.
5. A good digital scrapbooking software program should offer a free, full-featured downloadable trial so that you can take it for a "test drive" and try everything out before you buy. Plus, you should be able to purchase and download the full product immediately, so you can start scrapbooking even if it's 2 in the morning!
Once you've done your research and found the perfect program, it's time to start creating those layouts! The best digital scrapbooking programs are intuitive and easy to learn. You should be able to start making pages just by starting it up and playing around. But, to get the most out of your digital scrapbooking software, follow these important tips:
1. The "User's Guide" is a great place to start, especially if you're an "instruction junkie"! A good digital scrapbooking program will include this documentation in electronic PDF format (no wasted trees!), preferably from the Help menu within the software.
2. Visit the digital scrapbooking software program's website. The company should offer free easy-to-follow, visual tutorials to help you learn the features.
3. See if your program has an online scrapbooking forum. An active scrapbooking discussion forum is a great resource for learning about your software. Digital scrapbookers from all over the world will be there and you can advice around the clock, plus you'll find great tips and inspirational ideas!
Armed with the basics about the software, you can begin experimenting with laying out pages by beginning with a pre-made template, if your program includes these. Hopefully you've chosen a scrapbooking program that offers both fully-editable, pre-made templates plus the option to start with a blank scrapbook so you can design "from scratch". A top-quality software product will let you click on an item, and then add, delete, move, resize and rotate elements with your mouse. Play around to get the feel for the program. This is one of the great advantages of digital - you can't make a mistake. If you make a change to your page that you don't like, simply choose "undo". You can't do that with paper and scissors!
Once you master the features of your digital scrapbooking software, you can really get creative and start making beautiful pages from scratch. Are you the type of person who loves working on a blank canvas? Your scrapbooking software should let you fully express all those great ideas! You'll be making unique pages in no time.
But what if you are someone who admires other people's scrapbooks, but don't really know where to begin creating your own pages? Once again, here is where an online digital scrapbooking forum comes in very handy! It's a great place to look for inspiration. In particular, find one with a free members layout gallery. That's where you can post your pages, plus also view pages by other people. Seeing how other scrapbookers design their layouts is a great way to learn and increase your confidence.
Another way to improve your skills is to participate in online crops and challenges. Look for them in the online forums. These challenges often focus on a particular technique or inspiration and are a great way to learn more about digital scrapbooking in a fun way. Keep your eye out for challenges that offer freebies and downloads - you'll develop your skills, plus get free stuff for your stash!
Getting started with digital scrapbooking is much easier than most people think! If you choose the right digital scrapbooking software, it certainly is! Remember to look for a program that offers a full-featured trial, a User's Guide and online tutorials, a helpful and fun online community, and fully-editable templates to help you get started. You'll be an expert digital scrapbooker in no time! - 30452
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on digital scrapbooking software? Then visit www.scrapbookmax.com to find the best advice on digital scrapbooking programs.
