What software to choose???

[jdyer96]

I am looking to get a program to do digital scrapbooking. I currently have Scrapbook factory from Nova, but can't seem to get the elements that I have downloaded here to import correctly (when I import them they have all this black space around them). What would be the best software to use that would allow me to use the elements from this site?

TIA,
Jennifer

[TsMom]

You asked a loaded question and there is not a simple answer. I have experience with Photoshop Elements, Digital Image Pro and Paint Shop Pro. They all have their strong points. Digital Image Pro is by far the easiest to learn and is capable of so much. If you want something to grow into, Photoshop Elements is also a great program though the learning curve is a bit steeper. I'm still learning Paint Shop Pro and find it the most challenging.
The scrappers here are very helpful and there are so many resources on the web, so don't overthink it.

Whatever you choose, you will probably be happy with it after you learn a little and whatever you don't know you can learn here and other places on the web.

The most important thing in the software you choose is that it needs to support PNGs which allows transparency for a non-square shaped object. In other words PNGS do not show the background of an object the way that a jpeg does (which usually has a white background). The other thing is that the software support layers. The packages I've mentioned all do these things, but there may be some others as well.

[Margie]

click on new to digital in the top menu too for an overview of each of the programs. the newest scrapbook factory supports pngs, but older versions don't.

[jdyer96]

Thanks for the replies - I downloaded and am trying out Adobe Photoshop Elements and I think it's going to work for me. Once I went through the tutorial and made my first page I like the results and can understand how the program works better. So anyone trying to get started - no matter what Software you choose - do the tutorials!!!!

Thanks,
Jennifer

[Andrea Hudgens]

I originally purchased "Scrapbook Designer" from Broderbund. That was a waste of 19.99. I couldn't use any content except what came in the program. Then I bought HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant. I like it. But I still can't figure out how to use the .pdf files that I download from the HP site - that are supposed to be especially for use in CSA! I also just acquired PhotoShop 7.0. I haven't tried to use this for scrapping yet. Does anyone know if it works for the scrapping application?

[colorella]

Yes,Photoshop 7 works for scrapping application and it is great.There are tons of layouts in the gallery made using it.Some designers create their kits in PhotoShop 7 if they have not upgraded to CS 2 yet.
It is a great choice if you are ready to invest time in learning it.After doing some tutorials and exploring it's creative possiblities you maybe never come back to HP.

[Lorne]

I am looking to get a program to do digital scrapbooking. I currently have Scrapbook factory from Nova, but can't seem to get the elements that I have downloaded here to import correctly (when I import them they have all this black space around them). What would be the best software to use that would allow me to use the elements from this site?Most digital scrapbooking elements are PNG files with an 8-bit transparency or "alpha" channel inside them - also known as "32-bit PNG files." 32-bit PNG images essentially have a fourth value for every pixel, which corresponds to "how visible" the pixel should be.

PNG images come in a few different types; there are a few "optional" features in the format to make it more flexible. One of those features is transparency: in a PNG file you can have no transparency, or a transparent color, or a full 8-bit alpha channel.

Not all programs support all of the PNG features, in which case you may be able to use the image, but without some of the optional parts, like the nice transparency.

The black parts in those PNG files you used were intended to be made transparent by the alpha channel. Scrapbook Factory is able to load the image from the PNG file, but because it doesn't understand PNG's alpha channel feature, it doesn't doesn't hide the black parts.

A bit more info, in case you're curious:
Computer images are typically made by mixing three colors: red, green, and blue. For every pixel in an image, there are three values...one for "how much red," one for "how much green," and one for "how much blue." When the screen mixes those colors back together, we see a little colored dot.

Computers use bits for numbers...the more bits there are, the bigger the numbers can be. "8 bits" is enough to count from 0 to 255. In general, each of the three RGB (red, green, and blue) values or "channels" are 8 bits in size. That means computer screens can use 256 different "intensities" of blue, and of red, and of green, to create all the different colors we can see.

If you add 'em up, you get 8 + 8 + 8 = 24. (8 bits for red, plus 8 bits for green, plus 8 bits for blue)

We generally call that a "24-bit" image file. Which means it has red, blue, and green information, but nothing else (no soft transparency stuff).

Add another 8 bits for each pixel, and you get 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 32. (8 bits for red, plus 8 bits for green, plus 8 bits for blue, plus 8 bits for transparency)

We generally call that a "32-bit" image file. Which means that for every pixel in the image, it has all of the red blue and green information, plus another 256 levels of "transparency" ranging from completely invisible to completely visible.

One program that does have full PNG support is Scrapbook MAX (www.scrapbookmax.com). It was designed specifically to support existing digital scrapbooking kits, including 32-bit PNG files with all of the soft transparency kept intact. (I know because I helped build it. :))

It's not as advanced as Photoshop (not by a long shot), but it's not really meant to be a photo editor...more of an easy-to-use layout tool.

Whatever you end up using isn't that important...IMO the tools are only a small part of the picture, really...being creative, making it "yours," and having fun are more important. We remember Michaelangelo...not his brush. :)

[Audrey]

I originally purchased "Scrapbook Designer" from Broderbund. That was a waste of 19.99. I couldn't use any content except what came in the program. Then I bought HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant. I like it. But I still can't figure out how to use the .pdf files that I download from the HP site - that are supposed to be especially for use in CSA! I also just acquired PhotoShop 7.0. I haven't tried to use this for scrapping yet. Does anyone know if it works for the scrapping application?
Andrea, Photoshop is the programme of choice for many digital scrapbookers! You'll be able to use all the elements, kits, etc. available for scrapbooking. At first Photoshop can be a bit intimidating so it does take a bit of patience & time to learn. We have oodles of tutorials at DSP--at the top of the page, click on tutorials to find them, including one for CSA.
I haven't tried CSA myself, so can't answer your question about that, but will see if I can get someone to help.

[Emma]

HP CSA is a great scrapping program and pretty easy to use. I prefer to use a combination of "assembly software" like HP (which uses premade graphics you put together in the software), and a graphics program like Photoshop (where you can make your own graphics and layouts). I do most of my layouts in Photoshop, and use HP for doing fast layouts where I either have a kit I'm using or a very simple page. Especially for doing themed pages that all coordinate, HP makes the process so much faster because you can't fiddle with every little piece the way Photoshop tempts me to do.

I am not familiar with PDF files intended for HP CSA. Do you have a link to the files, or better yet any instructions on using them?

As mentioned, most scrapping graphics are in PNG or JPEG format. You use those in PHotoshop by going to File>Open and copying/dragging them to your layout, or in HP by clicking the tab you want to add them too (like Background or Clipart) and clicking the Get Content button to browse to your files.

One of the most important issues in choosing software is if it can handle PNG grahpics that you load/import. Most of the simpler programs like Scrapbook Factory, CK Deluxe, etc, cannot load outside graphics or don't support PNG files. Another issue is they don't have a good print output, which needs to be at least 150ppi. Those two things should eliminate many of the simpler programs.

In the main thread list in this forum, there's a Free Trial list with suggested and popular software you can try out. They're all suitable to the task.

Welcome to DSP!

[oneltlone]

I have HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant. It has been very easy to use so far. I am just learning about digital scrapbooking and this software looked like a good starting point.

I have seen some great layouts that have woven ribbons or a paperclip is made to look like it is clipped to a photo. Can I do this with my program? Also, I have not been able to recolor anything, like clip art or elements. Am I missing something or is this not possible with HPCSA?

[Amanda]

Unfortunately because this is a layout program and not a graphics program you are not able to make the paperclip look like it is clipped or recolor items. This program is great for beginners who want to use pre-made graphics but does not have some of the capabilities for more advanced scrapping.

[oneltlone]

Thanks for the reply. I have been playing around with some of the freebies in publisher and I realized I can recolor them there then use them in HPCSA. Every day I learn somethig new!

[Audrey]

Then I bought HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant. I like it. But I still can't figure out how to use the .pdf files that I download from the HP site - that are supposed to be especially for use in CSA!
Andrea, I just had a look at the .pdf files at HP and, and it looks like they're meant for paper scrapping. :(
But, there are lots of awesome freebies in the gallery here at DSP, plus LOTS of excellent kits, etc. in the store, and they ALL work with CSA. :)

[Placebow]

I am looking at PSE 4.0 What do you think about an OEM copy for about
$50.00?

Placebow

[Emma]

Adobe doesn't release OEM software, but I know some PSE 3 had valid OEM versions. Steer clear of that, they use licensing agreements instead.

My feeling is that illegal software should be free, LOL! If I'm going to pay for something, I want it to support the compnay that made it. If there's any question, I just don't buy it. Use the actual company, or reputable dealers like Amazon for software. Be very wary of used software, making sure there's some original packaging, no photocopied manual, a real CD from the factory, and a valid serial number so you can upgrade.

It's a jungle out there!

[Placebow]

I think I did something wrong and did not actually post my replay. Check out:
http://www.softwareoutlet.com/p-9004.html
This is where I found the PSE 4. It was just a thought, tho.

Placebow

[tiahoney]

I downloaded the CS2 try and buy thing and it's wonderful! BUT, I discovered it is over $600.00 to buy it. Is there another program out there just as good (well almost) and not as expensive?

[Ted]

Hi Kristi,

Not sure if this has been answered but it's possible to purchase CS2 for a lot less...provided you or somebody you know is a teacher or student. Adobe.com offers educational discounts where you can purchase CS2 for about $289... I know that's still a lot of money but it's 50% less. :)

Just throwing that idea out there. :)

Good luck!

[Emma]

The educational discount is significant, and contrary to popular belief there are no usage restrictions on it

The cheapest way to get PS is through either this discount
buying an older/used version and upgrading to the current for $169
buying PSE and waiting for an upgrade special for $299

Buying used can be risky if you get a pirated version that can't be upgraded. Some sellers are clever at making you think you're getting something authentic, so if you stick with products that have things lke original packaing, original user manual, registration/activation code/serial numbers then you're safer. Even serial numbers and codes can be cracked, so packaging and books are a better indicator.

Again, pretty much everything you see selling PS for cheap is pirated, so buyer beware. The three I listed are the only legit offers I know of for cheaper software, but if the cheap ads seem legit you can try them. Just OEM puts me off because I am fairly sure Adobe never released any OEM except PSE 3.

If you see an offer you'd like to try, you can always call Adobe to find out what they recommend to watch out for.

[Ted]

To touch on Emma's post, I actually emailed John Nack, one of the Adobe guys and he's a great guy... checked customer service and confirmed that yes... even though it's an educational discount, I am eligible for an upgrade to CS3 when it becomes available.

I'm saving his email... just in case. ;)

[Emma]

thanks for pointing that out, I forgot to mention that when an educational version is upgraded, it's upgraded to the full version.

Would you mind emailing him about OEM software and what "cheap" versions might be legit?

[tiahoney]

I am a student! That is awesome. I bought MS Office from school but I didn't know they sold Adobe products that way too.

Thanks!