Been doing my homework, but...

[haylo1573]

I'm getting frustrated trying to decide between PSE 3 and PSP 9. I would like to use it primarily for digital scrapbooking but also maybe making graphics (ie blinkies, signatures, dolls, or web graphics)

I guess what is confusing me, is that there are so many tutorials saying what you can do with PSP in a variety of areas, but when I look here it seems the programs can do a lot of the same things especially with PSE release 3 (compared to 2), there is just no tutorials (other than here for digital scrapping) for PSE and even less for release 3. Is this just a matter of time or is PSP more flexible, popular and support?

Is it just a matter of time for PSE to catch up or am I looking in the wrong places? Am I looking for PSE to do something it can't? I have to confess to liking extras, the sorting features apealed to me in PSE (yes I buy cars that way to! LOL) and I liked the review that was provided by DSP.

Anyone out there using their programs for more than digital scrapping?

[Emma]

You came to the right place. Here, you can choose either software and find great support.

We offer tutorials, classes, and forum support for PSP and PSE, especially for scrapping!

I am also torn between PSP and PSE, PSP is the more powerful software, but PSE has so many cool presets because it can use all the PS layer styles, brushes, patterns, shapes, etc to create an amazing array of stuff. PSP has great presets too, just not as many people creating and sharing the way Adobe users do.

I have to admit, for creating elements, I prefer PSE to PSP. For manipulating graphics, PSP has more options.

Have you downloaded both trials to play with them? The PSP one lasts for about 90 days, mayb 60 now, and PSE is for 30, so you can overlap them and play with both.

For support, PSP has more online stuff, but like I said many of the PS tutorials apply to PSE, so it has more indirect support and tutorials online.

I teach the Intro to Scrapping DSU 100 classes for PSP and PSE, and the DSU 261 Creating Page Elements in PSE, and Lori Davis teaches the same class, 231 for PSP
Lots of support here whatever you choose

[Emma]

Did you make a decision yet? Digi scrapping is among the height of graphic program capability because it's for retouching photos AND creating graphics, so anything that will work for those will work for the other things you like to do.

As for PSE support, almost all PS tutorials will work for it. Anything specific you'd like to try with it from a PS tutorial, just ask here and we'll do our best to either translate or let you know if it won't work

For PSP, there are great tutorials, but not a lot of free presets like brushes, shapes, etc

let us know what you came up with!

[haylo1573]

Hi Emma,

Thanks for your two post, and sorry I didn't get back to you til now.

Before you posted the first time I had PSP downloaded and, at your suggestion, I've downloaded PSE too so that they overlap. I'm still playing with them and think they are both great programs. LOL... Maybe I should be asking which one to buy first!!!

I'm leaning towards PSE (3.0) because I really like the interfaces, but it's really slow to load. It's fine once its running though so I'm wondering if it's because the trial?

I actually found a few other basic tutorials through Adobe while I was downloading and that made me a lot more comfortable with the program. ( Eventually, I'll sign up for a course or two here.)

Out of curiosity, have you ever heard or used a free program called PhotoPlus 5.5 from Serif Software? (www.freeserifsoftware.com )It says 'free', but I'm always a little wary of that. I've seen it recommended 3 or 4 different places and usually with glowing reviews. LOL ... maybe I'm too cynical.

Hayley

[Emma]

Hey, glad you're having fun! did you do the First Page Tutorials yet? Here are the links:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/pse_basicpageep.shtml
PSE

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/PSP_BasicPageEP.shtml
PSP

I have never heard of that other software. However, it is likely not good for making your own graphics. Anyone know anything about it? Most of the simpler programs are best for assembling very simple pages, or using premade elements.

What attracts you to digi scrapping? If you're the type to eat it all up and want to do everyting and make everything, then you need to choose a ppowerful software. After you do those two tutorials, and follow some others on creating elements for both softwares, you'll know better what you want.

The trials are FULL version, so what you see is what you buy. Adobe takes a long time to load, mostly because it's stuffed full of presets like brushes and shapes, etc. PSP loads fast, but takes longer to run.

Once your trial expires, you can never install it on that computer again. So do the free tutorials on this site, purchase, and then sign up since your Adobe is only 30 days and won't last a class at this point.

Hope you're having fun! Let us know if you have any qeustions on tutorials.

Anyone have any more good advice?

[haylo1573]

Hi Emma,

Thought I'd give you an update.

I test drove both programs and finally settled on Paint Shop Pro (v9.0).

Photoshop had some great stuff (the presets and it even came with its own organizational tools) but the program seemed too cumbersome for what I wanted and the wait for the startup as it loaded all the presets finally got to me after a few scrapping pages and drawing a few graphics

PSP, on the otherhand, loaded fast and seemed to be able to do all the things I'm wanting to, even if I have to do a bit of research first. Have you seen the size of the manual?!! Sheeesh!

I was a architectural technologist (before becoming a stay at home mom) and used AutoCad and found a few similarities. I think this influenced my preference quite a bit.

One of the tuts here recommended Picassa (Now its Picasa2). So I'm playing with that and Irfanview so I can get organized. If they don't work out I'll give Jasc's Album software a try.

Then the Font Thing...then a class? LOL. Line'em up, and knock'em down! :rolleyes:

I noticed you teach the PSP class after I bought the software, so I guess I'll be your humble student in a month or two! :p

Hayley

PS... Almost forgot the reason for posting. Thanks for all your help and input.

[RutgersAlum]

Just noticed this thread...it has inspired me to download a trial of PSE!

I feel like I'm cheating on my boyfriend or something...my trusty DIP 9 has been by my side for nearly a year now!

Will try out the tutorial tonight, too! :D

[JuneC]

I wanted to comment on Picasa...I had already installed PSP Album before I ran across Picassa and I prefer it. The back up is a piece of cake and the drag and drop between folders is so easy. Importing...exporting, organizing. I am thrilled with it, myself.

June

[Margie]

OMG! the awesome DIP representative in software wars is thinking of switching sides??? :eek: i'll never tell!!! :D

[Emma]

Haley, I never replied to say I'm glad you found something you like, and I'm thrilled to have you in class: it's been fun so far!

I think PSP and PSE are so comparable yet overlapping, I'm hard-pressed to pick one. There's a thread in the Software section about PSP vs PSE you might be interested to read.

While DIP is awesome, it can really be complimented by a program that can do elements more readily. Lots of people use PS or PSE or PSP to do certain things, then take those images into DIP and further edit in there.

I'm almost tempted to look into DIP, I heard it has a free trial now...if for nothing else than to satisfy my curiosity, see what it can really do, and be more helpful when I host chats

People say PS is king, and it's true in many ways, but sometimes even doing a simple task has so many steps it's ridiculous. In those cases, other software can go a long way.

[RutgersAlum]

Don't worry, Margie, PSE kicked my butt already the night I downloaded it. I had to put it aside for a few days to recover. DIP is still my trusty steed right now!!! LOL :D

But I can confess to buying a PSE 3.0 for Dummies for 25% off last weekend at Border's Teacher Appreciation Weekend sale! So there may be hope of broadening my horizons.

(And you called me awesome. That just made my day! :o )

[Emma]

My Intro to PSE class is starting May 1, check it out! I have a lot of DIP users take it to supplement their element making. Most of them still use DIP for most layouts, making layouts needing certain features or making elements in PSE. Your 30 day trial should last most of the class, and I can get you the last lesson early before it expires.

Would be fun to have you!