Other programs?

[Tina]

I'm started a thread on each of the (main) programs.

I'm interested to know the highs and lows of each program, how happy you are with your program, or what you'd rather have. Thanks!

[elizabethlmccoy]

Sometimes I use MS Publisher to do quickies!

[Dawn]

I have access to this program, and was wondering if you could share with me why you would not use this program as your regular use program. It sounds easier to use than PS and looks rather heavy in ability compared to some of the lighter programs.
What is it that I would be sorry I'm missing if I used this program rather than one of the others listed on the 101 page?

[Emma]

I sometimes use Illustrator to do some text effects or other things that PS can't do. As I learn more about it, I do more in it. The learning curve is just as high as PS even though many functions are similar, so it's slow going for me as I usually try to find ways to accomplish things in PS without having to load Illustrator. But it's a great program!

Can't really be the main program, however, PS is made for photos, Illustrator for drawing. I really need to learn more about it!

[Margie]

a designer would recommend illustrator to work with photoshop. (use them for what they're made for instead of making ps do it all they'd say) i had macromedia freehand instead (similar) and did my first digital layout with that. but i didn't like moving between programs. the pros say it's easier though, i'm just stubborn/lazy i guess! Ü but a plain colored background in illustrator would be a few kb, in ps the same would be a few mb! Ü

[elizabethlmccoy]

Dawn I don't use it all the time because I've found that using filters & having more control over the effects that PSE allows is better for me...It took a good bit for me to get used to doing a whole layout in PSE...but I pushed myself to keep using it and now i find it hard to use Publisher b/c with practice I've gotten pretty fast at using all those tools (although there are still alot left I don't even know about i'm sure)

Does that answer your question?

I have access to this program, and was wondering if you could share with me why you would not use this program as your regular use program. It sounds easier to use than PS and looks rather heavy in ability compared to some of the lighter programs.
What is it that I would be sorry I'm missing if I used this program rather than one of the others listed on the 101 page?

[Dawn]

Yes, I think I understand. My neighbor was trying to convince me that publisher would be better for layouts after I edited them in PS! Now, he's talking 2 programs!!
After he showed me a few quick moves though, it seemed like MS Publisher did many things rather quickly and easily.
I was trying to get a feel for the two programs. I am so ready to get started, but I need a program!!!
Thanks the replies.

Does that answer your question?[/QUOTE]

[Emma]

I'm sure there are a lot of programs that people use for this hobby, but my main reason for sticking to PS is the support.

Now, our designer Kim is fairly unique in her program choices (Corel Draw and something else, I don't remember....), and does just fine without us! But the web support and downloads for major programs really makes my decision!

If you HAVE another program, go ahead and get started! Publisher is a great piece of software. If/when you outgrow it, we're here to help you decide what to do next. Since you already have Photoshop, you might want to look at our beginner tutorials (it's not as hard as people make it out to be: you learn one thing at a time!)

For example, when I started playing racquetball I used a crummy racquet and ball checked out from the PE department. The guys all had super slick racquets, gloves, eye protection, brand new ball each game. Sometimes I'd borrow their stuff and couldn't really "feel" the difference. When I began to notice how junky my equipment was, I bought a decent racquet at Wal-Mart. It lasted awhile until I felt I needed a better one, and picked up something from a sporting goods store with a nice glove. I wasn't going to run out and buy a $300 racquet and glove and special court shoes, but now...? Well, don't ask how much my stuff cost, but it doesn't matter 'cause it's all worth it!
I finally realized I'm addicted to racquetball and just bought something nicer than I needed so I didn't waste money on intermediate stuff and waste time always getting accustomed to new equipment, so be aware of upgrading too slowly!


Same idea for any hobby. Use what you have and upgrade when needed. Have fun! Can't wait to see your Publisher pages that are WAY better than no pages at all! Especially since you have a neighbor to ask for help, great resource: use it!

[Sierra]

I am new to this forum. I am a beginnger digital scrapbooker.

I have read some information on this site and I was really thrilled to see one of the DTMs uses CorelDraw. I have that program also and I too really like it. I also have PSP 8 and PSE 2. I am not ready to tackle PS yet. But what I would love to see is tutorials and help with all these programs, especially CorelDraw. I found it interesting that some us MS Publisher because I think all these programs are good for different situations, even in scrapbooking.

CorelDraw was very popular a few years ago and then Adobe took over and it is my understanding that Corel is making a comeback, especially with their latest version (12). One thing that I have learnt is they all are similar. They all have great possibilities.

Thanks
Sierra

[Emma]

If there's something specific you'd like to see in a specific program, send an email to:
quickclasses@digitalscrapbookplace.com

and it'll get routed to the appropriate team member. We just write whatever we see a need for, so we need feedback to know if you'd like something specific!

Welcome and hope you enjoy it here!

[Sierra]

Thanks so much. I am not smart enough yet to know what I need to know. (Does that make sense?) It seems that there is just SOOOO much to learn. Great programs and great ideas!

Thanks
Sierra

PS great site!

[Marcee]

I started out using PSP7 and went to PS7..and I am hooked on Photoshop love it!!!..the brushes alone are worth using PS but as I learn more and more about photoshop I would never use any other program but it!!..But i am obsessed with filters..I would buy everyone of them if i could!! :D

[Sierra]

Marcee, that is very interesting. I use both PSP 8 and PSE. I was wondering if you think that PSE is a good starting point to PS? I am not ready to jump to PS, I still have a lot to learn about the other programs. What do you think?

Sierra