Wanting to get started?

If you're wanting to get started with digital scrapbooking, you're probably wondering just what you need. First and foremost, you need software to work with. Now, some of you might already have something that is sufficient for your needs (especially at this stage) and should attempt to work with this.

What kind of software do you need?

• supports layers
• supports transparency
• supports JPG and PNG images formats
• allows drop shadow creation

Layer support is important because it makes life so much easier. Just like a physical paper scrapbook page, you layer things onto a base piece of paper or card stock. You'll do the same in digital scrapbooking. The easier you make this on yourself, the better. So find something that allows you to see your layers in some sort of layers palette. This may not seem like much, but you can easily select the layer and get to work and it makes life easier in the long run.

Transparency support is important because many of the embellishment files have clear parts around the actual item itself. If your program does not support transparency, you'll have to cut this white area out of your layout before you use it. Might as well have it already gone. Most newer programs will support this without questions. I know that Photoshop 5, Photoshop Elements 2, and Fireworks 1 had no or spotty transparency support. These are much older versions of the programs so not to worry so much about if you're in the market for software.

JPG and PNG image format support is important because this is the standard format you will find your digital scrapbook supplies in. Often you'll find templates in PSD or TIFF format, but that's only relevant if you are going to use templates. You can recreate layouts from templates without having to import them into the layout in your program. They become more of a "sketch" then, but still the concept is the same. Often you'll find some templates as multiple PNG files that you simply layer back together. To get started, however, you simply need to have a program that will support the image format for the embellishments and papers. Typically papers are in JPG format. Embellishments and alphas are typically in PNG format due to their need of transparency around the items. PNG provide better quality transparent images than the GIF format.

Drop shadow creation is important because this will help add depth and realism to your digital layouts. These can be done either via the program settings or manually. Either is acceptable. To create a shadow manually, you'll need to have a feature that allows you to "blur" a shape or provides you with a soft brush to brush in the shadows yourself. Remember that often your embellishments do not come with shadows already on them so this is something you can't ignore if you want a layout with a bit of realism to it.

What programs do I recommend for beginners? I don't have a preference so long as you are comfortable with your program. I firmly believe that anyone can learn to use a certain program if they put their heart and soul into it. They really have to want to learn it, however. There are a couple of popular programs that are good for the "beginner" and those I have posted here:

Adobe Photoshop Elements
[ image from the Costco website ]

If you click this link (or on the image above), it will take you to Costco who is offering a great deal ($49.99) on Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 until April 5, 2009. This is the most recent version. It is probably one of the most popular programs used in digital scrapbooking.

Jasc Paint Shop Pro
[ image from the Amazon website ]

Amazon is currently offering Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 for $39.99. This is a great price! I am not real certain about the finer workings of Paint Shop Pro as I have only used it on passing. I have a friend who uses it and really liked it. I've seen some neat things come out of PSP.

Anyway, I just wanted to share these deals for those that are wanting to get started, but not sure they want to invest a lot of money for trying it.

Keep in mind, that you are not limited to these 2 options. I personally use full-blown Photoshop. You can use desktop publishing software as well. So there are lots of possibilities out there.