My Memories Suite questions & answers

[Team Digital]

My Memories Suite (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/place/mms.shtml), DSP version is a great software program for scrapbookers. Program information is available here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/place/mms.shtml), but please post any questions you have here in the MMS forum and we'll be sure you get the answers. We'll include questions we've received here as well.

Can I use graphics from DSP or something I already have?
Yes, you can import any graphics on your hard drive.

Can I print individual pages at home or just order photobooks?
You can print individual pages on your home printer by clicking the print icon.

What kind of greeting cards can I order through MMS?
Find more info and pricing details here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showpost.php?p=651862&postcount=2).

Can I save my pages separately or just in albums?
You can export any or all of your individual pages to jpg. Just click the Export to JPG option and choose from the variety of sizes from high quality print to low sized for web.

How can I upload my pages to DSP (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/)?
Just click the Export to JPG option and choose web/email size.

Is there a trial version of MMS?
There is no trial available currently but you can see it in action in two videos here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/place/mms.shtml).

Is there a tutorial or can you show me how to use MMS?
Yes, try the first page tutorial here (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/mms/mms_creatingyourfirstpage_rg.shtml) from the campus.

How can I be sure I have the most recent updates to MMS?
Click on Help, Check for Updates so you always have the latest updates.

Can I use the MMS auto-installing graphics (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=230) from the shop in other programs too?
These graphics are optimized for installation directly into My Memories Suite (so no unzipping, hunting, or organizing). They may be used with other software programs, but must be accessed from the My Memories Suite application folder where they are installed. For other programs, we recommend purchasing graphics from the shop (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com) in categories other than the MMS category.

[Team Digital]

With My Memories Suite, you can create professionally printed greeting and trading cards.
In the software, create your page or album, then click Greeting Card.
It will send your pages to the MMS card uploader where you can edit and preview your card.
Then you can have the cards mailed to you or directly all of your recipients.
You can even specify a mailing date and include a gift card!

Greeting Card Pricing
Quantity - Folded Cards - Folded Cards w/ Gift Cards
1 to 3 - $2.95 - $4.95
4 to 9 - $2.75 - $4.75
10 to 15 - $2.45 - $4.45
16 to 25 - $2.15 - $4.15
51 to 100 - $1.95 - $3.95
over 101 - $1.75 - $3.75

[EmmaJean]

I see a lot of use of templates in this program (which is a TOTAL time saver and very cool) but can I create a page in MMS totally from scratch when I am feeling extra creative? And just to clear this up, as I think it was already answered up top, Can I use any of the older page kits that I already own with this program?

Thanks!!!

[Margie]

I see a lot of use of templates in this program (which is a TOTAL time saver and very cool) but can I create a page in MMS totally from scratch when I am feeling extra creative? And just to clear this up, as I think it was already answered up top, Can I use any of the older page kits that I already own with this program?Thanks!!!
yes you can make pages from scratch. it doesn't have all the editing tools of photoshop, so you can't do all that creative stuff though.
and yes, see #1.

[Raphne]

I'm very intrigued by all the output options, and the ability to incorporate video, etc, but am confused as to the actual photo handling. Does it let me recolor, selectively color, use blend modes, photo masks, do extractions, etc, the way PSE does? The one thing I've really wanted in PSE is text on a path; does it let you do that kind of thing? And I assume it allows the use of different fonts (so I could use all the goodies I stocked up on during the sale :D)

[Margie]

Does it let me recolor, selectively color, use blend modes, photo masks, do extractions, etc, the way PSE does? The one thing I've really wanted in PSE is text on a path; does it let you do that kind of thing? And I assume it allows the use of different fonts (so I could use all the goodies I stocked up on during the sale :D)
fonts yes, anything on your computer.
no, it's not pse, and it's not a photo editing program. it's for scrapbooking, so no blend modes, masks, text on a path, etc.

[strawnfam]

I’m just thinking of starting with digital scrapbooking. Everyone that “really” seems to know what they are doing is using PS or PSE or one of those photo editing type programs. I’d love to start big, but I’m thinking I’ll probably do more actual scrapbooking if I start smaller. So I’ve been looking at MMS, but the only place I can find it mentioned is here, toptenreviews, and the Polaroid website.

So is the program new? Or is it just that the people who post in the forums on the scrapbooking sites are mostly those that are using the more complicated programs?

If I buy MMS, is there any difference in the software between buying it from the Polaroid website or here?

I see that you have themes available for MMS. If I buy those from you can I only use them in MMS, or can I also use them in something like PSE if I “move up” to that program later?

If you put a video into MMS and then you print the scrapbook, what shows up in the place where you put the video?

Thanks for the patience and the help!

Jenna

[Margie]

as many scrappers get more into scrapping, they like the photo editing capabilities of ps or pse. starting small is a sure way to make sure you start! yes, mms is new. and many sites just do what they're used to instead of thinking of the possibilities. :)
the version available here has dsp graphics and templates inside. the polaroid one doesn't (and you won't like them as much!) :D
you can use the themes in other programs, you would just have to dig for them. (see the last question above).
i'll have to go look at an album, but i believe you can place a photo where the video is so the sb page prints with the photo.

[strawnfam]

So the MMS DSP version has all of what would normally come with MMS from the Polaroid site, plus more DSP graphics and templates?

And, if I want to use the MMS themes with other programs in the future I can, but I have to have MMS installed as long as I want to use those themes because I have to access them through the MMS program, right?

I hate to belabor the point, but I just want to be sure I understand before I purchase the software.

One other question: Do you get an MMS software package with manual in the mail or is it all just downloaded? The pictures of the program lead you to think it comes with a book and CD's.

Thank you!!! I appreciate your time. :)

Jenna

[Margie]

it has the same software, but different graphics and templates.
in the future you can simply move the graphics to a diff folder before uninstalling mms (if you choose to do so) but you can also use any dsp graphics and you don't have to buy the auto-installing ones (though it's easier in mms if you do).
you get a box with 5 cs (dvds actually), installation info, quick start guide, and a tips & tricks booklet. it's not downloadable.

[pankerbelle]

I have a copy of MMS that I purchsed close to a year ago. My question is how and can I get the DPS templates and graphics.

Thanks

[Margie]

the new ones are available in the store. the ones included in the program aren't available as auto-installing, but would be available separately in kits, but not templates.

[Dani B]

I had to track down this forum to post a reply.
I subscribed to this forum and did get a message in my Outlook Express, but for whatever reason when I click on the link it tells me I do not have permission to the read the message in the forum?

I was thrilled to win the MMS program from DSP, and I now have it installed on my computer. I am editing my photos in Paint Shop Pro and sorting them into folders today and will create my ablums in the MMS program over the next few days.
Is there a specific gallery where I should post the ablums or layouts made with this program?

[Lauren]

I have a copy of MMS that I purchsed close to a year ago. My question is how and can I get the DPS templates and graphics.

Thanks

We have a section in our store dedicated to MMS http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=230

[Lynnie]

Can I just jump in and say how fantastic the software is, even for someone who is not so new to digital scrapbooking? I am an Adobe CS3 user, but am now the proud owner of the MMS software was well. Last night, I created a 12 page album in less than an hour with the MMS software and the DSP templates and was able to upload to my DSP gallery, create a really super slide show with music that we can put up on the web or show on my mother's computer when she goes back to England next week. I can also send it in to get a photobook made - and it is all SO EASY!

I wasn't sure at first - I mean, I have the cadillac of programs, why would I bother with this... now I know :) It's fun, it's easy and it creates something different.

Thanks DSP for adding this to our amazing suite of products and services.

[omio]

So the MMS DSP version has all of what would normally come with MMS from the Polaroid site, plus more DSP graphics and templates?

And, if I want to use the MMS themes with other programs in the future I can, but I have to have MMS installed as long as I want to use those themes because I have to access them through the MMS program, right?

I hate to belabor the point, but I just want to be sure I understand before I purchase the software.

One other question: Do you get an MMS software package with manual in the mail or is it all just downloaded? The pictures of the program lead you to think it comes with a book and CD's.

Thank you!!! I appreciate your time. :)

Jenna

Jenna, it's virtually impossible to belabor a point at DSP!! :D To echo Lynnie, I use PhotoShop CS 4 to do layouts and it really is the cadillac I think. But I also ordered this software because creating layouts with PS can be very time-consuming -- especially to someone who fiddles as much as I do.

If you decide to buy the software, be sure to buy it here. I've been a customer at DSP for a long, long time and I was just delighted with all of the extra DSP disks in the package. :tup:

[Lynnie]

So the MMS DSP version has all of what would normally come with MMS from the Polaroid site, plus more DSP graphics and templates?

And, if I want to use the MMS themes with other programs in the future I can, but I have to have MMS installed as long as I want to use those themes because I have to access them through the MMS program, right?

I hate to belabor the point, but I just want to be sure I understand before I purchase the software.

One other question: Do you get an MMS software package with manual in the mail or is it all just downloaded? The pictures of the program lead you to think it comes with a book and CD's.

Thank you!!! I appreciate your time. :)

Jenna

Hi Jenna,

I have the mms software on my computer and the backgrounds, elements, etc. are all files that are compatible with other programs. They are stored in the software folder, so if you decide you want to uninstall the program, you would just need to copy those folders to another location before uninstalling. The actual album templates, I don't believe are accessible outside the software, but the individual elements that make them up are.

I believe that if you purchase the DSP version, it does not have the Polaroid templates also, just the DSP versions. I have seen the Polariod versions, though, and they are not really my style. I think you will really love the ones that come with the DSP Version, they are made with some of the DSP CDs and they are terrific.

If you purchase the software at DSP, you will get the physical copy of the software in the mail, along with CDs of the themes and, if I remember correctly, it comes with a small manual. I did not find the manual necessary, the software is pretty intuitive.

Ask away, better question and be happy than rush into it and regret the purchase.

Lynnie

[Judy64]

I do not believe that I have ever posted here at DSP, despite the fact that I "cut my digital scrapbooking teeth" here a long time ago, and have been digital scrapbooking every since. But I had to take a moment to agree wholeheartedly with Linnie. I would never trade my Adobe CS3 (except for 4) but MMS is an exceptional program. I purchased it through DSP because I trust this site and knew that the product would not be carried in The Store if it had not been checked out. I needed MMS to get my sister started with digital scrapbooking. She needs to "cut her teeth" on a simpler program than the Adobe products and while MMS is limited in the eyes of we who have been doing this forever, it provides a wonderful jumping off place for newbies and with DSP support and products, in my humble opinion, you can't go wrong. Besides, just like Linnie, I have created an album in no time. I have had no problem accessing any of my digital items that are stored on my computer. Love the versatility of the program. And the price is right.

[omio]

I do not believe that I have ever posted here at DSP, despite the fact that I "cut my digital scrapbooking teeth" here a long time ago, and have been digital scrapbooking every since. But I had to take a moment to agree wholeheartedly with Linnie. I would never trade my Adobe CS3 (except for 4) but MMS is an exceptional program. I purchased it through DSP because I trust this site and knew that the product would not be carried in The Store if it had not been checked out. I needed MMS to get my sister started with digital scrapbooking. She needs to "cut her teeth" on a simpler program than the Adobe products and while MMS is limited in the eyes of we who have been doing this forever, it provides a wonderful jumping off place for newbies and with DSP support and products, in my humble opinion, you can't go wrong. Besides, just like Linnie, I have created an album in no time. I have had no problem accessing any of my digital items that are stored on my computer. Love the versatility of the program. And the price is right.

Hey, Judy -- come back and play with us!! :tup:

[Margie]

Is there a specific gallery where I should post the albums or layouts made with this program?
just in your member gallery or any theme that fits, like layouts with any other software! glad you like it!

[bendipez]

Looks like my BDay present from Shawn will be MMS software....do have a quick question though......
Is the only difference between the standard and the deluxe version the extras..i.e photobook and cards ?? and is the 6x6 photobook offer still valid or did that expire on the 12th ??

[Margie]

yep, the free book and cards is the difference
and yes, that offer expired on the 12th.
congrats! :D

[pankerbelle]

Ok my next question is this, I am using the program on an iMac and it is terribly slow. Is this normal? My mac is new and has 300gb hard drive and 4gb random memory. It uses an intel processor so I just cant see why this program is so slow, nothing else I use behaves this way. Any thoughts?

Melissa

[Margie]

no idea melissa, but sorry to hear it! i use it on a mac mini with no problems. you can email help@digitalscrapbookplace.com and they'll get you to tech support if you need.

[omio]

Ok my next question is this, I am using the program on an iMac and it is terribly slow. Is this normal? My mac is new and has 300gb hard drive and 4gb random memory. It uses an intel processor so I just cant see why this program is so slow, nothing else I use behaves this way. Any thoughts?

Melissa

Melissa, how much empty space do you have on the HD?

[furbydaphneosca]

I am having difficulty converting my MMS layouts to jpegs at 3600 x 3600.

I made a bound book with layouts using mostly MMS backgrounds and elements and did not have any problems converting the pages to 3600 x 3600 jpegs.

More recently I made a 140 page album using mostly non MMS elements, quickpages, ect. The quickpages were 3600 x 3600 resolution. When I attempted to convert the finished layouts to Jpeg, I had lots of issues. Many pages would not convert to jpeg at 3600 x 3600. If i reduced the size of some of some of the elements on the page, in some cases, I could eventually get it to convert at 3600 x 3600--in other cases, no matter what I did, I could only convert at 1200 x1200 and even then had to delete some elements. this is very frustrating. And I think it means that I can't do a 12 x 12 book as I think the 1200 x 1200 resoluation would not be high enough quality.

I have not heard from tech support yet. Does anyone know if this is a common problem with this software? Would I have the same problem with any software?

thanks so much for your help!

[strawnfam]

I did get the MMS program thru DSP, and I'm in the process of figuring out how to use it. So far I am very pleased. It does more of the "fancy" things than I thought it would, though it doesn't do everything that the "cadillacs" do, of course.

Thanks to everyone who replied. Maybe if I can get my confidence up with this I'll be ready for NKOTB 16 when it comes!

Jenna

[omio]

I am having difficulty converting my MMS layouts to jpegs at 3600 x 3600.

I made a bound book with layouts using mostly MMS backgrounds and elements and did not have any problems converting the pages to 3600 x 3600 jpegs.

More recently I made a 140 page album using mostly non MMS elements, quickpages, ect. The quickpages were 3600 x 3600 resolution. When I attempted to convert the finished layouts to Jpeg, I had lots of issues. Many pages would not convert to jpeg at 3600 x 3600. If i reduced the size of some of some of the elements on the page, in some cases, I could eventually get it to convert at 3600 x 3600--in other cases, no matter what I did, I could only convert at 1200 x1200 and even then had to delete some elements. this is very frustrating. And I think it means that I can't do a 12 x 12 book as I think the 1200 x 1200 resoluation would not be high enough quality.

I have not heard from tech support yet. Does anyone know if this is a common problem with this software? Would I have the same problem with any software?

thanks so much for your help!

furby, I'm just starting to use this software myself and am also struggling a bit with understanding the resolution. (To be fair, I've hardly had time to do more than look at the program.) Don't know if it will help but I just discovered the PDF manual in a documents folder located within the MMS folder in my applications. Not a common location for a manual on a Mac so it took me a while to find and I haven't had time to read it. Let me know if you find solutions about resolution, please. :D

[furbydaphneosca]

My problem was solved by downloading the most recent version of Java and a MMS update. Now,I can convert to jpeg at 3600 resolution without a problem.

[shazzt]

Yes do keep an eye out for updates - they can make a big difference for any software!

[EmmaJean]

Let me first say that I just LOVE this program. It's so user friendly! I've had lots of fun with it.

My question though is this: With some frame elements with rolled corners the photo sticks out the side of the rolled edge. Is there any way to fix this? I can't find any eraser or crop to fit or anything like that.

TIA!!

[Judy64]

That I am aware of, there is not an eraser available. My suggestion would be to use another program, such as Photoshop Elements, to clip your photo-curl template to your photo, save as a jpeg and then upload as a photo in MMS.
Hope this helps

[Margie]

right, unfortunately for that specific purpose, it's not an editing program (which is of couse what makes it so quick and easy). i'd agree with the edit in another program just for that part (or ask a friend to help). or you might be able to creatively cover it with some elements at an angle or something too.

[EmmaJean]

That's what I thought, but figured I'd ask just in case there was something I wasn't finding. I wonder if just a simple eraser tool may be added in a future edition?

[Sharon885]

Hi!

I have just recently bought the MMS software and am brand new to digital scrapbooking. I have downloaded some of the freebies from the DSP site in the hopes of getting some practice making my own pages in MMS. So far I have had no luck because I can't seem to transfer them into my MMS. I am hoping that this is because I am so new to all this stuff and it's a pretty easy fix.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Sharon

[Margie]

have you unzipped them yet? if not, click on campus, tutorials and find the one for unzipping. then unzip your downloads and you can use them in mms! under backgrounds or elements, just browse to the new files on your hard drive! here's the tutorial for mms:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/mms/mms_creatingyourfirstpage_rg.shtml

[Sharon885]

Margie--Thanks so much!! :doh: No I haven't unzipped them. I will have to do that & hopefully that will work!!

THANKS, Sharon

[EmmaJean]

Are there "designer templates" that come with the MMS kits in the store? I really like the ones that came with the DSP version of the program and am looking for more that are so easily customized.

[Margie]

there will be soon! the ones in the store now are kits, but we will be adding templates as well. i love them myself! :)

[smithL5]

Although I got MMS right when it was sold by DSP, I just recently started using it. I really like it and wish there were more comments about it so I could learn more about it. I've been having 2 problems with it, however: 1-Transferring files from a flash drive, and 2-Shadows

1. Transferring files from a flash drive - I travel with work so I work on MMS on my work computer when away, then want to copy the albums to my home computer when I return. I'm unable to open those files on my home computer; I get an error, see flash driver error attachment. I've contacted MMS technical support 3 times and have - updated the program, uninstalled/reinstalled Quick Time, then reinstalled MMS - all without success. I keep getting the same error. (I do copy over the entire folder and files, not just part of it.)

2. Shadow problems - Sometimes when I add a shadow on an embellishment, it puts a shadow around a large area, not just around the embellishment, see Shadow attachment. (Sorry, but I couldn't copy the shadow image here.)

I really like MMS and look forward to seeing more forum activity, articles, and tutorials with it. I just need to work out a couple of things to get full use of the program.

Thanks,
Lori

[Lauren]

I cant help with the flash drive error message but hopefully someone else can - with the shadow problem it looks like its assuming the image you brought in is a jpg or a file without transparency . Can you navigate to that file in explorer and tell me what the file name is ( with the extension)

[imsewkrazy]

Hi Lori - a couple of thoughts on your issues with MMS. On the flash drive problem, try to double check and make sure that you have the most updated version of MMS on both of the computers you are using. When you open MMS, click on HELP in your top menu (the menu choices that run along the top of your screen). Then click CHECK FOR UPDATES... it should tell you if you have the most updated version or if you need to download the most current update. Some problems are corrected with this step. Also, if by chance any of your computers are Vista, there is one thing that helps solve some of my problems when running MMS on my laptop (which is Vista). When you want to open your MMS program, instead of just double clicking on the icon, RIGHT CLICK on it once and choose RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR, that has also corrected some issues that Vista creates.

Then, with your other issue, I have found that when I create folders and add them into the program itself I no longer have the "box shadow" problem. Make sure the are PNG files instead of JPEG's too - that makes a BIG difference! :-) There is a GREAT tutorial on the MMS page, when you go to COMMUNITY & BLOG, look at BLOGS WE VISIT, and click on the one called THE PINK TOQUE. She has several excellent video tutorials, and one will walk you through adding content you buy anywhere directly into your MMS files and then the embellishments and papers will pull up just like the ones you buy from MMS.

I just LOVE this program as well, and just LOOOOOVEEEE all I can do with it! These tutorials are a great help! There is also a Facebook page where people post all kinds of ideas as well!

Hope that helps!

Lisa J.
imsewkrazy@aol.com

[imsewkrazy]

Hi Lori - just realized you said you had already updated the program. I'm sorry I missed that! I am going to check out one more thing and then post another reply as soon as can check it out. But try the other RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR thing if you are running Vista, that might help. I had another friend who kept having an error problem and it turned out to be one corrupted file that was causing problems, but let me check something else out too.

I'll post again later on if I can figure something else out.

Lisa J.

[Judy64]

I have to agree with Lisa J. if you are running Vista, starting as Administrator usually clears up a lot of problems. I know so many other software programs that Vista creates issues for. I guess that is why I have heard that Microsoft is offering free upgrades to the new Windows when it comes out.. people stopped buying computers in order to not have to deal with Vista.
Judy

[smithL5]

Thanks for your response Lauren. You had a good point about the transparency and .png vs .jpg. I haven't had a chance to find the file but will let you know the file extension as soon as I can.

Thanks,
Lori

[smithL5]

Lisa,

I appreciate your information. I do have Vista on my home computer (but not on my work computer) and I'll try the R-click/Run as Admin. to see if it works. I am able to open MMS albums on my Vista computer that I've made on that computer. I just can't open albums when copied onto a flash drive from another computer. (Not sure if that's clear.) Anyway, I've never had a problem with Vista running anything else, but it's worth a try.

I also just went to the MMS page>Community/Blog>The Pink Toque like you had suggested. I haven't been there before but will have to spend some time checking it out.

Thanks for your suggestions!
Lori