Best Digital Scrapbooking Software

From LoveToKnow Scrapbooking

If you'd like to learn how to create layouts on your computer, you may find yourself wondering how to find the best digital scrapbooking software.

Digital scrapbookers have many software choices available.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Software

Several different programs for scrapbooking with your computer are available. When deciding what is the best digital scrapbooking software for your needs, there are a number of factors to consider.

  • Do you like to edit your images before adding them to your layouts? For example, do you do a lot of cropping or converting photos into black and white?
  • Are you interested in special effects, such as filters to add a "dreamy" glow to your pictures?
  • Do you want a program that includes templates, graphics, and fonts or would you prefer to find these items on your own?
  • How much time are you willing to invest in learning new software? Do you have the patience to read long tutorials or would you prefer something that lets you create pages right out of the box?
  • What is your budget for digital scrapbooking? Are you looking to start as cheaply as possible or do you have money to spend on the latest software and technology?

Best Digital Scrapbooking Software Programs

While not an exhaustive list, the following is a brief description of some of the best digital scrapbooking software options available.

Microsoft Word

For scrapbookers who simply want to make basic layouts that combine photos with journaling in fun fonts, Microsoft Word is sufficient. As an added bonus, this program is already on many computers. Scrapbooking Secrets Revealed is a handy downloadable series of video tutorials that explains how to turn the world's most popular word processing software into a tool for digital scrapbooking.

Scrapbook Factory Deluxe

If you want a program that provides image editing and layout options with a wide variety of font and graphic choices Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 4.0 is a great choice. This program includes:

  • 6,000 project templates you can customize
  • 1,500 fonts
  • 60,000 graphics
  • 5,000 photorealistic embellishments

Another interesting feature of Scrapbook Factory Deluxe is that this program allows you to burn CD photo scrapbooks, complete with music, using your CD-R drive. When you're finished, you can play your CDs on most DVD players.

Scrapbook Flair

If you want templates, graphics, and fun design options, but can't afford to buy a new program, Scrapbook Flair is a good option to consider. This free software is easy to use, provides basic photo editing capabilities, and has artwork to fit almost any page theme. When you're finished, you can even choose to share your project with fellow digital scrapbooking enthusiasts via the Scrapbook Flair online gallery.

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements

For many people, Photoshop is considered the premier digital scrapbooking solution. The full version of Photoshop is often used by professional graphic designers. It has a steep learning curve and a hefty price tag, but you can create amazing projects that are hard to duplicate with other programs. For a more affordable alternative, however, Photoshop Elements contains many of the same features of Photoshop with an easier-to-use workspace.

Shutterfly Memory Books

Although it's not technically a software program, Shutterfly is a fabulous resource for crafters interested in a simple and stress-free way to create attractive digital albums. With this service, you can use your own photos and journaling to customize one of several pre-designed albums. For example, "The ABCs of You" by Jessica Sprague, "Year in Review" by Lisa Bearnson and "Celebrate Everyday Life" by Ali Edwards feature stunning designs by your favorite Creating Keepsakes artists.

Additional Information for Novice Digi Scrappers

If you're new to the world of digital scrapbooking and interested in learning more about this fun art form, LoveToKnow Scrapbooking recommends checking out the following helpful links:

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Comments

GIGillie,

Thanks for the suggestion. My version of Photoshop is quite old and I was wondering what to do when it was time for an upgrade. I'll have to check this out!

Dana Hinders

LoveToknow Scrapbooking Editor

-- Contributed by: Danahinders

I am a HUGE proponent of GIMP. It is a photoshop clone that is free of charge. It does everything photoshop does and more! It is available at GIMP.org and it is fabulous! Same steep learning curve, but if the price tag is the problem GIMP is the solution! BTW, they also have a full suite of office programs, a microsoft office clone, called Open Office. It can be found at OpenOffice.org also free of charge. It's wonderful!

-- Contributed by: GIJillie

Dylnne,

I have never heard of this program, but I am glad you found software that works well for you. I had a definite advantage learning digital scrapbooking, since Photoshop was taught in one of my college graphic design classes. Without formal instruction, you are correct in stating that Photoshop can be hard to learn.

Dana Hinders

LoveToKnow Scrapbooking Editor

-- Contributed by: Danahinders
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