Tell Me What to Pick

[TsMom]

I have been a DIP/PIP user for more than two years and I love it for its ease of use and variety of features. But I'm thinking of exploring other options, particularly Paint Shop Pro. I have also thought about PhotoShop Elements, but I really don't have the time to learn such a complicated program. What does Paint Shop Pro that DIP doesn't. Please tell me why I should pick this? Or should I reconsider PSE. How hard is that to learn? I have only about an hour and a half each day on the computer so time is crucial. I don't want to spend hours learning the program, while my photos sit waiting to be scrapped. Does anyone have any other suggestions, such as Photo Impact?

LaWanna

[andyapc]

Hi LaWanna,

I've always used DIP9 and I love how easy it is to use. But, I also wanted to explore other programs, so I downloaded a free trial of PSE2 and am currently taking Emma's beginner class. I would definitely suggest doing the same thing - that way you are not out any $$ for the program and the class only costs $20 and considering what you get for that $20, it's an incredible bargain - the classes are so in-depth - we're only at lesson 3 and I've already got something like 80+ pages printed out. Although I struggled with it at the beginning, it's getting easier for me, day by day. If I remember correctly, you know your way around hardware/software pretty well, right? So you probably wouldn't have any problems learning PSE2. I chose PSE2 because of the ability to use brushes and to avoid some of the problems I encounter while trying to use some filters/plugins in DIP9. I'm also getting PSE2 bundled with a new scanner I bought, so it made sense to me financially. There was a great deal on PSE3 - something like $49.99 thought this site, but I don't know if that is still going on.

I know nothing about PSP, but I think PSP also has a free trial to download and Emma also has a beginner's class in that too. So either way, I think, you could get a free trial download and experiment before taking the plunge.

Anyway, HTH some!

[Margie]

i've always heard dip and photo impact are the easiest to use. they say they're not as powerful for creating elements as the others, but i've seen some of the best stuff made by users of those! we always suggest you stick with what you know until you're just totally grown out of it (should that happen). but if you just want to learn another program, psp or pse would be great. they're harder to learn, but there's plenty of help around here! classes of course in dsu, but also plenty of helpful people in the forums any time you need. :) trials are a great way to decide, if you have time to play with all of them. but i must say any of them are powerful and will work well for scrapping. :)

[Emma]

Tawanna, that really depends on what you see that you want to copy. Do you like making your own super-realistic elements? Do you like assembling premade elements?

What is it that makes you wonder if DIP isn't growing with you, or are you just curious?

Give us more info about your aim and goals, then we can help you decide.

[TsMom]

Okay, well let me clarify. I almost always create my own elements and backgrounds. I just find it easier and quicker to do my own than to try to find something to go with what I have. I want to create realistic traditional scrapbooking type elements. I don't want to have to switch back and forth between programs to create a single layout. I want to continue to do both pages and elements in just one program. I also want to have more controls over the post processing photos. While I love, DIP 9, I also want to experiment with something new.

I also have an ulterior motive. I have been wanting to try PS for a long time, but I'm intimidated by it (which is why initially I asked about PSP). But eventually, after I return to work from my "retirement," as my DH calls it, from being a homemaker I want to work in a field involving graphic design and/or desktop publishing so I know it would be beneficial to learn PSE and a jumping off point for PS, which I really cannot afford.

Thanks

LaWanna

[Emma]

Then PSE; it's cheaper than PSP, and a great jump off to PS later. I also think the elements are easier to create due to the large volume of premade layer styles available, made by PS users, but compatible with PSE.

The rebate through DSP is still available. Click on the PSE link in the little banner above, or go to Main Place>Product reviews to get to the DSP/Amazon link to purchase.

Mine should be here soon, I'm excited to see it!

[Lauren]

I agree with Emma - My choice for you would be PSE for all the reasons Emma mentioned.!!

[jamlscrapper]

I first want to thank you for this thread. I have started making my own elements and layouts recently and I'm still using MS Picture It 2000. I love what I'm making. When I first got my digi camera my dh bought me digi photography for dummies which had samples of all these photo programs (ps, pi, etc.) on a cd. I uploaded each one and was terribly intimidated by the technology. I have always stuck with Picture It. I love it's ease of use and I'm finding it fun to play and make elements. I do think I've outgrown it so I explored my options. After reading some tutorials online I asked dh for DIP for my birthday. It is suppose to come today. I'm very excited. I'm glad that those of you who use DIP like it. I'm kind of nervous that I'm not going to like it as much or it won't be as easy as Picture It. I know I'll be able to do more with it though.

[TsMom]

I decided to download the try-out of PSE 2 to see how I like it. I'm on a dial up so it's going to take 5 hours. YIKES! I love DIP. It has a lot of easy to use features, and who knows how much I'm going to like PSE. Part of my frustration is that I can't get really realistic elements in DIP without using plug-ins. I also want to be able to create fibers and use brushed. I love Eye Candy, but I lost it when my 'puter crashed and I can't find it anywhere now, except in bits and pieces. And I'm too cheap to buy it. I guess I could spend $200 on it, but it seems like I could just get PSE for a lot less and get the same effects without the plug in. I hope I'm right about this. Also I really want the ability to do more with my pics. Can't wait to install PSE, and see what it can do. I just hope I'm going to have the time to learn it.


Thanks for all the advice.
LaWanna

[jamlscrapper]

Picture It doesn't use plug ins at all and I'm excited to be able to download and try out some new features. I hope I don't get bored with DIP.

[TsMom]

Well, I finally downloaded PSE2 trial from Adobe. I already figured out a few things. Now I have some questions.
Can you . . .

record actions in PSE or is that just for Photoshop???
create brushes, filters, etc?
create realistic elements (brads, buttons, wire words, etc.) without the use of a plug-in?
create fibers?

I'm not asking for tuts here, just if these things can be done, so I don't waste time.

LaWanna

[Lauren]

Can you . . .

record actions in PSE or is that just for Photoshop???

You cant record actions but you can play some actions if you know where to put them in the programme folders - but you cant play ALL actions and they are called effects in pse
create brushes, filters, etc?by filters do you mean styles - you cant create them in pse but you can use ones others have made that you place in the right folder
create realistic elements (brads, buttons, wire words, etc.) without the use of a plug-in?using styles you have downloaded and those styles included in the programme itself yes you can make a good job of realistic elements
create fibers?same answer as elements

[Emma]

I didn't know Effects were Actions, LOL! I thought they were filter cocktails (and pretty cool ones!), but I guess that's what an Action is :rolleyes: Was wondering why I had an actions folder in my PSE stuff, thanks for drawing the line, Lauren

PSE Layer Styles are very limited in how you can edit them, but you can edit them slightly by double clicking the little "f" icon in the Layers Palette once you apply a group of styles. You can apply more than one to stack the effects.

Visit www.adobestudio.com to download tons of free Styles, Brushes, Actions, Custom Shapes, whatever. Start with Brushes and Styles, and put them in the Presets folder. Ask if you need more help, but it seems you know enough about computers to be able to do this even at this early point.