FREE trial list

[Emma]

Free trial versions of the most popular scrapping software. Remember the trial time starts from INSTALL, not the first time you open the software. So if you donwload, don't install until you're ready to seriously try it out.

Adobe, 30 days from Install, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements
http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/main.jsp

Corel Paint Shop Pro, 30 days from install
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Downloads/Trials

Digital Image Pro, 60 days from Install
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f3ba983b-8c10-44f6-9044-2bb1464937dc&displaylang=en

Lumapix FotoFusion, basic version, no time limit (puts lumapix all over the images, so can't use them, just a trial)
http://lumapix.com/pages/downloads/Download.shtml

Triscape FXFoto
http://www.triscape.com/fxdownload.htm

Scrapbook MAX, 30 days from install
http://www.scrapbookmax.com/site/download.php

Ulead Photo Impact, 30 days from install
http://www.ulead.com/pi/runme.htm

Paint.NET
http://www.getpaint.net/download.html
Free, open-source software, alternative to more advanced programs like Photoshop, with many of the heavy-hitting features of more expensive software. Features an active online community for specific help questions and tutorials, and can be easily used with premade digital scrapbooking graphics.

For trials, I recommend starting with the easiest one (Paint.NET, SB Max, FXFoto, FotoFusion, MS DIP, PSE, PSP, PS) and using JUST that one for the time limit. Don't download all of them at once, you'll never have time to play before time runs out. Choose a month when you're "euphoric" about scrapping and will spend a lot of time on it, then when the trial runs out download the next one. Do the First Page tutorial here for each one, or the one included in the program. Then do all the tutorials on this site and Google tutorials. Don't worry about creating a bunch of layouts, your intention is software shopping and not scrapping at this point. Figure out which one suits your needs best by doing lots of fun tutorials and a few layouts, playing around and experimenting a lot.

After each trial expires, the next time you load the program it'll ask you to buy it, so either click OK or just go to the site and purchase a download or boxed version. I like my original software boxed with the instruction manual. Use the site or a reputable dealer to purchase like Amazon. Don't be fooled by OEM software or sites and emails sayinig they can get it cheap: it's almost always pirated. Used software is a good option, but make SURE they have the original items with it, like the manual and serial number so you can activate/upgrade it later.

Always ask a ton of questions as you're starting the new trial, we're all here to help. Don't get frustrated, it's supposed to be fun! If you hate something enough to be really discouraged, ditch it and move on to the next trial. Unless it's just hard, then you'll have to be patient and learn slowly. The hard ones are the most powerful. If the easy ones are too limiting, analyze if it'll be useful in conjunction with a more powerful program, or just ditch it.

have fun!

[blunet]

Hi Emma..
Thank you for sharing the informations..^__^
Is it possible if I use Microsoft Photodraw as my software to create scrapbook??

[boobearsmama1]

Ulead Photo Impact also offers a trial version. I think it lasts 30 days. It isn't probably the best for beginners, but the learning curve is easier than some others I have tried. :)

http://www.ulead.com/pi/runme.htm

[oneltlone]

I have ordered HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant. I am glad to hear that you recommend it. I asked a friend and she did not know anyone that uses it. But the demo looked so cool, I figured even if I decided later I needed something else that would be OK since this one is not very expensive.

[Emma]

yeah, that's the nice thing about the HP software: it's so cheap that you can "graduate" later AND still use HP for fast layouts or power scrapping. A program like that definitely has benefits even if you're a hard core scrapper. I'll create a kit in Photoshop and then open it in HP to scrap several coordinating pages with in a hurry, so it's always useful no matter what direction you end up going. And if you never want anything more, then you didn't spend too much on stuff you'll never use!

I need to add that demo link now that there is one, thanksf or the reminder

[Emma]

Hi Emma..
Thank you for sharing the informations..^__^
Is it possible if I use Microsoft Photodraw as my software to create scrapbook??
I'm not familiar with MS PhotoDraw, but you can try it out. Main drawback there is the lack of other users to help you, or online tutorials, etc.

The thing to consider is if it can open PNG files with a transparent background intact, so you can use premade graphics from freebies or the Store. Another thing to consider is its print capability, how high a resolution it can create at. For my easy software that creates at 150ppi, I make the image larger than 12x12 so when I shrink it to fit the paper it's around 200ppi. Though I've printed plenty of 150 layouts that look great.

Let us know if that's a useful software, what you decide!

[Lorne]

Another one you can add to the list:

Scrapbook MAX, 30 days from install
http://www.scrapbookmax.com/site/download.php

[vnginger]

Does HP Scrapbook have many templates alreday made for us?

[oneltlone]

I use HP and I like it. It is super easy to use. It comes with a fair number of backgrounds and clip art. It also has template pages that you can just drag in your selected backgrounds and photos. You can also use all the great freebies from here. I am new to digital scrapping and I am very satisfied with HP CSA. It has been a great to get me started. I have always done paper scrapping but I am not sure I will ever drag out all my stuff again! This is so much better.

[pnkroses]

I recently downloaded this program, it's free, and when I bought a scrap book magazine last week there was also a cd attached to the magazine with the program in it. It seems pretty basic, but also pretty easy to use (sort of similar to Scrapbook Max, but the "trial" doesn't expire) It installs with some basic pages and layouts and more examples on thier web site. Just a thought. www.scrapbookflair.com

[scraplikecrazy]

Kaleidoscope Kreations

I just tried this Program which is for windows, although if you use a Mac and have access to windows, this is a stand along program which creates these Kalaidascopes from any program and can be saved as jpeg or pngs and then used in your windows or Mac photo program. It has a free trial. http://www.kaleidoscopecollections.com/store/kk20_info.htm.

I created this little LO from the free sample picture found in the windows sample pic folder. It took about 2 mintutes to make 4 scopes, I moved them to my Mac and had to delete the white space with my magic wand even though I had saved them as a PNG (couldn't save them with a transparent back ground or haven't figured that out yet), then it took about 20 mintues to layer the four Kaleidescopes, use some blending modes on them and VOILA. I tried some others with photos I took, and they are pretty cool too. You can also print the Kaleidoscopes, or print each piece individually if you quilt, or if you ar a paper scrapper and want to piece it together separately.

Here's the layout I created.
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=147951&cat=500&ppuser=52439

[bdeitrick]

I use GIMP myself, which is an open-source (aka free) software basically just like Photoshop. It works great for me, although it has its confusing points (just like Photoshop) if you're not used to photo editing software. It can be downloaded here:
http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

[bensenc]

ACDSee has free 30 day trials for their software too

ACDSee Photo Manager 9 is being used by many to organize their digital supplies as well as photos.

ACDSee Photo Editor is a userfriendly for digital scrapbooking. It makes layers and text on a curve easy. There are built in how-to's that make it very easy to learn. And it's fully functioning without the high learning curve.

We have tutorials for both over at DigiScrapInfo.com & the trial downloads can be found there too. (http://www.digiscrapinfo.com/dsiwiki/DigiScrapInfo_Tutorials)

[kvlanham]

http://www.creativememories.com/LandingPages/SimplePage?folder=Digital/FreeStoryBookCreator2.0Software

You can use this CM SW to create digital albums. The SW and fixed templates are free. The printed albums are where you spend the money with them. If you upgrade to Storybook Creator Plus (only $59.95), you can move pieces in the template and print your pages wherever/however you want to. I LOVE it. You can import any jpg or png (the only ones I've tried) that you purchase (or get for free) online into the program. It is so easy...much easier than Adobe Photoshop Elements which is what I was trying to use before. You can see some of the pages I've done with SBC Plus at http://addictedtodigi.blogspot.com

-Kim

[mindiclark]

I have to whole-heartedly agree with Kim. I have been using the StoryBook PLUS software for a couple months now and really love it. I switched to digital scrapbooking because of how quick and easy it was (using freeware online, etc.). However, I missed being able to really customize my pages with ease. Photoshop is great for editing photos but I found it a bit cumbersome to use for creating pages. The CM StoryBook Plus software is JUST like paper scrapbooking...only none the mess. I have used so many fun papers that I purchased off of Ebay in the CM software. If you want an very easy way to truly customize your digital pages and/or build a book - creative memories storybook 2 is a good way to go.



http://www.creativememories.com/LandingPages/SimplePage?folder=Digital/FreeStoryBookCreator2.0Software

You can use this CM SW to create digital albums. The SW and fixed templates are free. The printed albums are where you spend the money with them. If you upgrade to Storybook Creator Plus (only $59.95), you can move pieces in the template and print your pages wherever/however you want to. I LOVE it. You can import any jpg or png (the only ones I've tried) that you purchase (or get for free) online into the program. It is so easy...much easier than Adobe Photoshop Elements which is what I was trying to use before. You can see some of the pages I've done with SBC Plus at http://addictedtodigi.blogspot.com

-Kim

[wingsmom]

I see in SB Creator, I see how to run the "slide show" in Creator but can this be created as an "executable" to run "stand alone" and burned to a DVD? This would allow sharing of the digital format without having SB installed.

Thank you!

[Emma]

Just heard of this one recently, a free graphics software that's reputed to be somewhat powerful. Anyone use it or want to try and report back?
http://www.getpaint.net/screenshots.html

[nealandstacey]

I am just getting started (I'm currently a paper scrapper) and I was playing around with the free Creative Memories software. I noticed that everything is stored as an album and you can't print just one page, but you can if you upgrade to the Storybook Creator Plus. A few questions...can you print 8.5x11 pages (they mention on their site that you can print 12x12 pages, so I'm assuming you can do smaller, too)?

Also, is it easy to import kits that aren't from Creative Memories? For instance, the welcome kit I just got from DSP for signing up. I didn't see a way to do this in the free version, but maybe it can be done in the Plus version.

I appreciate any help as I'm trying to make my decision!

[Emma]

I'm not a fan of that program, and recommend you try some other free trials from the list before you buy anything. The other free trials are full versions for 30-days, so you know exactly what you'd be paying for. Also, that free Photoshop alternative sounds intruguing if you want to try that one!

[kvlanham]

You can print any size imaginable with the paid version. I have a friend who just made 4x6 Christmas cards and had them printed at the local Costco.

And, yes, you can load in the DSP kits very easily in the paid version. I've loaded dozens of kits I've bought online (and downloaded for free) into the SW without any problems at all.

I spent many months with Adobe Photoshop Elements and won't go back.

[Emma]

you won't go back to PSE or back to the CM software? The nice thing about free trials is that you can really get a feel for how much you want. I use a simple program for fast and easy layouts using all premade graphics, or more involved software for when I'm feeling extra creative and want to make my own stuff or do heavy photo editing. Without free trials I would not have been able to evaluate my whims so thoroughly!

[carti]

Does anyone know about Photo Explosion Deluxe 3? How does is compare with PSP or Adobe Elements? thanks

[Fizz]

Has no one mentioned Photofiltre?
Its great! Has layers, easy to use, all you need.
www.photofiltre.com
click on 'presentation' on the menu for a list of features. It has a very clean and simple look to it, and a friend of mine even used it in a school workshop with 8 year olds - which shows how easy the learning curve is!

[faerywings]

Free trial ACDSee Photo Editor 2008 includes:

* Advanced journaling & text curving options
* Simplified process for using your favorite papers & photos in templates
* Artistic effects can be added, modified & deleted at any time
* Advanced printing options to ensure that your project turns out as you expected
* Use of abr brushes and create brushes from png’s and any image you choose

This does not expire until July 15, 2008!

Download it HERE! (http://www.acdsee.com/offers/photoeditorbeta/)

[JazzAngel2000]

Kim,

I checked out your website/blog. And your layouts are beautiful!!! I'm going to have to try the CM software.

Ang

[innotek]

Hi, I'm still looking for the program that would be best for me to use. One question that keeps coming to mind is why are there two different types of programs - a layout program and photo editing? What is the advantage of one over the other? I have photoshop elements 3 on my mac at work. I don't really use it, but when I've tried, it just seems really confusing. I was all ready to try and download the trial version on my laptop at home so I could have more time to work with it, but after reading this thread, I am once again unsure! Any help would be very much appreciated!!
Thanks!
Maryann

[mrichar383]

If you have PSE, you should be able to edit your photos and do layouts. As Emma mentioned in a previous post, there are easier programs to learn, but they will not do as much as the graphics programs. You might want to start with another one and graduate to PSE. I know that Emma teaches an introductory class for PSE if you are interested. I took the Intro to PSP when I first started several years ago and it was very beneficial.

[mrichar383]

Here (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=364) is the link to purchase the Intro to PSE class if you are interested.

[Kerr]

wow thanks emma this is awesome to have them all in one place!

[innotek]

Here (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=364) is the link to purchase the Intro to PSE class if you are interested.


Thanks Molly! I am going to sign up for this class.

I'm making a little headway with PSE6, but am still frustrated. I'm starting to get the idea of the layers and have been able to set-up a page with paper and photos, but all of the elements open with a white background. Try as I might, I just can't figure out how to change it. Any suggestions?

[mrichar383]

No, sorry, I can't help you. I'm sure someone will be along soon who will answer your question. You might try sending a pm to Emma in case she misses this thread.

[raymondchan]

Yeah, this piece of software is easy to use and not that expensive as Adobe. I can use the freebie downloaded from here and use that software to make an amazing scrapbook. I think the developer gave a wrong name to it. It should be called Digital Scrapbook Studio or something else, 'cause it's a piece of real scrapbook software.

Also 30 days trial download from:www.ourpix.com
Watch samples here:http://www.ourpix.com/photo-collage.html
Tutorials here: http://www.ourpix.com/tutorial/summer-vacation-photo-book.html

Much information are available on it's website. Love it.:tup: