MS Office Publisher Usable for Scrapbooking?

[elora]

I just discovered digital scrapbooking a few days ago. Since I was in a hurry to try it out, I tried some downloaded elements with the software I had - MS Publisher. It seemed to work OK, but since I don't really know what I'm doing, my judgement is highly suspect! :o

Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of using this software?

Thanks for any - and all - advice!

[4guysandme]

Well you can certainly use it. However, you'll probably find it limited, fairly quickly. Although I don't know.

I am not "super" familiar with MS Publisher, I have Adobe PageMaker and InDesign myself. You could CERTAINLY use InDesign for digital layouts. I just prefer Photoshop myself. If you use a "desktop publishing" software package, you'll also need something else to edit images. The "image editing" in some of the desktop publishing software can be limited. It doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. I prefer the one-stop method.

That said, if it supports transparency, PNG, JPG, allows for easy drop shadow adjustments, and allows you to set the resolution. . . then go for it. It will certainly get you started.

The other thing I'd look for would be the export options. I know that in InDesign I export my flyers and stuff to PDF so my proofers can't make changes themselves and I don't have to worry about fonts not displaying the same. I've never really tried exporting to a JPG or PNG. I'd have to look into that. Its just something I've never done or tried to do.

[elora]

Dear 4guysandme - Thanks for your reply. MS Publisher certainly supports PNG and JPG, but I'm not even sure what drop shadow adjustments are, so no clue there. :o Looks like most people use Photoshop, so there is much help available with this software (unlike Publisher). I think I'll look into other software before I get further down the road with digital srapbooking.

Thanks again for your time and advice!

[bethliz]

Hello there!! I use both Publisher and PSP 8...I actually cut my teeth with digi scrapping on Publisher and find it really good to use....I find it nice and simple and you can do almost everything with it!! Most of the layouts I do are assembled in Publisher but I use PSP 8 to do the photo editing. You can check out my layouts and see for yourself...but it is true that there is more technical support for the bigger programs like PSP and Photoshop. If you have any questions just PM me and I can tell you what I know about Publisher. Cheers Liz

[angminer]

There are several programs that are commonly used here. I use Paint Shop Pro. Adobe photoshop elements, and photoshop are also commonly used. Check out this link for information about the programs and for links to trial versions.

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/Scrapping101/programs.shtml

Have fun!

[elora]

Thanks to all for the replies! Especially nice to hear from you, Liz, that Publisher can easily be used for scrapbooking. I agree it is fairly easy to use, though I certainly have a long learning period ahead of me before I can make layouts like all of you here! I'll sure keep your offer of assistance in mind, Liz.

Thanks again to all for your excellent help!

[bethliz]

Yep!! No Problem!! I have a girl friend who is learning too and she is finding Publisher easy to use....i am going to tutor her with tips and tricks I have discovered along the way with using publisher....i now of one other person who uses it all the time but can't remember her user name?...sorry i suffer from dementia sometimes...it is catching in my line of work!! You can do drop shadows....make your own vellum....put pics into shapes....increase and decrease transparency and move your elements up and down layers quite easily!! Cheers Liz...the most important thing is too have fun!!

[tjh186]

I've been using Publisher, but I can promise that I'm no star. But for someone who's only done about 50some pages, it's still good. I figure I'll stick it out until I can find a great sale on Photoshop!

[MSSgillian]

hmm, I use Publisher for all my word processing (can't stand "word"!) but it really is too limited - it doesn't do much more than layering and text. Which might be ok in the beginning but long term you will outgrow it.