Just a beginner - couple of questions - thoughts

[4jacks4me]

I have Photoshop 7 and am in the process of learning it. I have been using PhotoImpact for most of my digital photographs for printing and using in regular scrapbooks (and other graphic projects). I want to do digital scrapbooking but am unsure of what size I should work in. I currently am using a 12x12 Creative memories photo album and would like to continue using it (I have only done about 3 - two page layouts in it).
Questions:
Should I use the CM Album and stick my new digital layouts in it - even though they would only be on 8.5 x 11 paper? (Have no plans in the near future to get a 12x12 printer)
Get a new album all together and start fresh - since I have just start scrapbooking in the first place? - give the expensive CM album to my daughter?
Should I work in 8x10 size - so I could get prints of my layouts (I use shutterfly for regular picture prints).

Thanks for your thoughts, comments on this minor dilemma

Mary

[Amanda]

If you want to work in 12x12 there are other ways than just getting a 12x12 printer. I have mine printed professionally at Kinko's on glossy paper for $1.99. They are actually 11x11 (because a true 12x12 is like $10!) and then I mount on cardstock.
You could also work in 8.5x11 and then do a strip down the side for the other 4" with journaling...so basically your page would be in 2 pieces.
You could just start fresh. If you enjoy the square pages over 8x10's you could do 8x8 or 6x6.
Whether you choose to do 8.5x11 or 8x10 is purely personal preference...as are most choices when it comes to digital scrapping.
We are so happy you found us. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to assist you!

[Robin]

Hi Amanda!
I'm new here too! If you are working in a 12x12 page, but have it printed as an 11x11, doesn't that cut off part of your page when it's printed? I'm trying to design something in an 8x10 size so that I can print it and mount it for my daughter. When I print it out, it cuts off both sides. I can't figure out what the problem is?

[Stacey]

I have a CM album that I used for some of my digital layouts. It's an 8.5x11 album, so I print my layouts as 8x10's and then put them in place with clear photo corners. Then I place the page protectors over them. The album looks great! Very classy :)

[Stacey]

Robin, do you have your printer set up to print in landscape or portrait mode? If you have the wrong one selected, it would definitely cut edges off.

[Amanda]

Hi Amanda!
I'm new here too! If you are working in a 12x12 page, but have it printed as an 11x11, doesn't that cut off part of your page when it's printed? I'm trying to design something in an 8x10 size so that I can print it and mount it for my daughter. When I print it out, it cuts off both sides. I can't figure out what the problem is?

I actually resize mine to 11x11 before printing. Or you can choose the "fit to print" option which will slightly shrink your page to fit on the paper.

[jamie]

Although I really have yet to print any of my layouts to put into albums ... I create everything in 12x12 and plan to get some 8.5x8.5 albums. THey have some precious ones at Target for only 7.99! I've never created an 8.5x11 b/cI just prefer working in squares. I also just plan to print my layouts on my home printer. Its really all up to you and what you prefer!

[Robin]

I don't think my printer will print a 12x12. For this one I wanted to print an 8x10 so I could put it in a frame. I did change the layout. I had it on "portrait" and changed it to "landscape". But it then cut off a portion of the top and bottom then! lol...I'm not seeing anywhere to set it to "print to fit". Would that be somewhere in the printer settings?

[Emma]

Nope, the Fit Size check box is on the printer dialog menu, right under the Center Document checkbox. Go to File>Print with Preview to see it before you print. I always use that option rather then just Print so I can proof everything first.

You have to buy a wide carriage printer to do 12x12, but in almost all cases it's cheaper to have them professionally printed than buying your own printer, ink, paper, etc. Even the 12x12s have come down in price a lot, but many still do 11x11 'cause it's so much cheaper and looks gorgeous!

[Robin]

ok, sorry! I'm still not seeing where the printer dialog menu is, or the center document checkbox. Sorry I'm confused!

Nope, the Fit Size check box is on the printer dialog menu, right under the Center Document checkbox. Go to File>Print with Preview to see it before you print. I always use that option rather then just Print so I can proof everything first.

You have to buy a wide carriage printer to do 12x12, but in almost all cases it's cheaper to have them professionally printed than buying your own printer, ink, paper, etc. Even the 12x12s have come down in price a lot, but many still do 11x11 'cause it's so much cheaper and looks gorgeous!

[Emma]

Did you go to File>Print with Preview?

[Robin]

Would it be the one that says "Scale to fit Media"? I selected that one and it moved the page out to the ends of the paper, so I'm assuming that is the one you're talking about?