Software question

[ltaraleigh]

Maybe I'm in the wrong forum, but I don't know whether or not to get PSE or Paint Shop Pro 8. What little I did last night (free tutorial) on PS8 was confusing to say the least. Maybe it's because I was "watching and not doing". I guess there's just a big learning curve. Also, a sort of dumb question. What do digital scrappers do for texture re: embellishments/elements? Do you physically add metal tags and such or is everything just done on paper with diferent textures. I have sooooo much to learn!!

thx,

Tara

[Kristen]

There's going to be a learning curve with any of the software programs. Both PSP and PSE have demos you can download and try out. I'd work through the beginner tutorials (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/tutorials.shtml#new) in PSP a couple of times and try it for two weeks at least. Then I'd download the PSE demo and do the same thing. Either program will do well for scrapping, and they're different enough that one may be a better fit for you than the other.

Most of us posting here make completely digital pages - if we want fiber or metal charms on the page, we do them digitally. But there's no reason why you can't combine real elements on a printed, digital page. I think it sounds like a fun thing to experiment with.

[Janet]

I'm partial to PSP myself, but PSE is also a great program to use and many prefer it. It does take trying them out to see what fits you best. :)

As for elements, I just finished a great class about how to make them in PSP, and I learned a TON! I'm glad to know how to do this stuff, but I will probably always rely on buying kits (check out the store) -- they're inexpensive, can be used repeatedly, and they allow me to concentrate on the pictures & journaling which is where my heart lies.

Oh, and the people who do focus on designing kits, really, really appreciate the credit!! :) It's important to be able to know who made which elements you get. Personally, I keep the kits together so I can find the "read me" info when I'm finished and ready to put it up in my gallery. Just a part of digiscrapping netiquette.

[Emma]

Hi! We have an area just for this question. I'm gonig to move the thread there so you can get to it easily. Just look above and click the parent thread to read all the discussions on this issue in the Software>Choosing forum

you won't be disappointed with whatever you choose. Both PSE and PSP rock. PSE is stronger and faster as making elements easily, and PSP is far better at the brushes. Otherwise, PSP has some more advanced features that PSE can have as add-ins (it's free, though), and a few nice features the PS/PSE doesn't have. Either way, it's kind of a wash becuase you get a little, give up a little no matter which you choose.

Enjoy! Lots of great things to learn. Welcome to DSP!

[donnascheiner]

I too am new at this and have some exposure to different software. One biggie that is getting me is what is legal and not legal using the software. Seems like the wording I read from them leans towards not being able to use any of it for commercial purposes.... For example, a nice brush that you like for creating a page or element. So confused... Do you know if you have to create all of your own brushes, templates, etc.... to be legal? Thanks!

[Amanda]

If you are wanting to use things for commercial purposes it is best to contact the creator directly and receive permission.

[JenD430]

Does anyone use Picasa? I've never done this befoer and have no clue what I'm doing, but I assume I need to start by getting a photo editor of some kind? I have nothing now, and I heard Picasa is a free download. Anyone use it?
Thanks!
~Jennifer

[Starling]

Picassa is organizational software. It helps you find your photos. Although it can do simple edits, it won't work as a scrapbooking program.

You can start with an easy and inexpensive program. You don't have to have Photoshop to start. You can find software for as little as $30 to $40 that will allow you to do a lot of stuff and grow into the more expensive software later.

I started with dedicated scrapbooking software. I've found older copies of those in Staples for as little as $10.

[JenD430]

Ok! I'll have to look for some scrapbook programs. Thanks for the info!
~Jennifer

[AliceAMattison]

Can anyone tell me if the Pixel Magic program is compatible with Vista????????? Thanks!

[Amanda]

The software itself is but the expansion packs (including the ones on the bonus CD) are not so you have to manually use them by using the "Get Other Content" button.