Scrapbooking Software
Scrapbooking software is a key component of digital scrapbooking. In order to make your layout pop, you have to have computer software that will allow you to manipulate photos, add backgrounds and borders, put text over pictures and more. Here's an overview of the best scrapbooking software for you.
Scrapbooking Software Basics
If you're new to digital scrapbooking and aren't sure you're going to continue with it as a hobby, you should try not to spend a lot of money figuring out if you like it. The good news is there are programs you can use for digital scrapbooking that are free or have free trial periods so you can try them, and the craft, out at the same time.
You don't really need any fancy programs to do digital scrapbooking. You can make basic layouts in just about any program, including Microsoft Word. (If you don't have a basic word processing program on your computer, visit Open Office, where you can find a word processor, graphics program and presentation software, among other programs, completely free to download and compatible with many other platforms.)
If you want to move beyond the basics, there are many other programs designed for digital scrapbooking that can help you out.
Free Scrapbooking Software
Here are a couple of the options for free scrapbooking software that you can try. Each program is a little different, but if you go to the website for each product there should be a simple download button. Many programs load automatically or at least make it very easy for you to install them on your computer.
- Scrapbook Flair is a totally free (not a trial program) full functioning digital scrapbook software complete with templates, backgrounds, and embellishments. Easily import photos from your digital camera or scanner and design, print and share beautiful scrapbooks. Intuitive software lets you edit your photos (cropping, remove red-eye, improve contrast, special FX, etc.). Countless free templates, backgrounds, embellishments and designer ideas with free new designs available regularly. Software lets you to change the color of images and design elements to get the perfect look. Add text boxes (multilingual) for journaling and balloon text to add humor or capture a moment. Also receive a free membership in the ScrapbookFlair community site, private and public galleries, forums, and blogs. Follow the work of your favorite scrappers and share ideas and techniques with private emails. Get inspiration from fellow scrappers and access new and exclusive designer collections. Various page sizes: 12x12, 8x8, 6x6, or 8 ½ x 11.
- PhotoMix is a digital collage and digital scrapbooking product that is very easy to use. The site offers many free templates and tutorials to make your digital scrapbooking experience quick and easy. You can also purchase licensed art and graphic kits to make your pages snazzier.
- Scrapbook Max has a free trial version that allows you to create fancy scrapbook pages including embellishments, journaling, borders, even music. The paid version is $39.95 and it does not work on Macintosh computers.
Commercial Scrapbooking Software
Software is essential for digital scrapbooking.
Once you have tried one or more of the free programs, if you find that you like digital scrapbooking, you will probably want to upgrade to a product that you have to pay for. There are many more scrapbooking software programs available that companies charge for than there are freebies. Here are just a few:
- HP offers Creative Scrapbooking Assistant, which includes hundreds of templates and allows you to import, manipulate and print pages. You can start with a pre-made page layout or design your own; it also allows you to make greeting cards.
- Ulead's My Scrapbook is probably one of the most well-known digital scrapbooking software programs out there. It allows you to design layouts in 8.5-by-11-inch format or 12-by-12-inch. The photo editing software allows you to make any photo better, and pre-designed layouts offer themes such as weddings, vacation, sports and more.
- Nova's Art Explosion Scrapbook Factory Deluxe was rated highest in Scrapbooking Software Review's list of the best products. It's easy to see why. This powerhouse program has more than 2,500 templates, 20,000 graphics and 500 fonts to choose from as you build your perfect pages.
- Hallmark Scrapbook Studio is an inexpensive way to get a grasp on digital scrapbooking. The program includes 500 templates, 4,000 images, more than 300 fonts and paper doll accessories so you can make your own cute cutouts.
Using Scrapbooking Software
Each piece of scrapbooking software is a little different and they all do different things, but they are all designed to be easy to use, even for someone who does not have a lot of experience with photo manipulation. Tutorials are often included that show you step-by-step how to make a digital scrapbook page that you can be proud of. They also usually have a "support" or "help" page on their websites where you can find frequently asked questions, ask for support or even meet up with other, more experienced users on a forum.
Digital scrapbooking software is a wonderful addition to any scrapbooker's computer. You might not think that you will enjoy digital scrapbooking, but you should really give it a try. If you have far-away family members who you would like to send something a little nicer than a series of digital photos, digital scrapbooking is a wonderful alternative. You can build your pages and send them by e-mail (if they are small enough) or on CD to anyone with a computer. Talk about a wonderful gift for far-flung (but tech-savvy) grandparents!
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