Shopping for the right software

[smithgg]

Hi,

I am just in the research stages starting today! and I happened upon this site and http://scrapbooking-software-review.toptenreviews.com/. That site rates Nova Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0 highest and doesn't even mention Adobe products, yet this site seems heavy into Adobe. Are the two software in two totally different leagues??

I am just transitioning from printed pictures to digital. And I have boxes of prints that I have yet to put into any albums. I don't have time, never mind time to scrapbook. So, as I was contemplating printing my digital pix, I realized there has to be a better way. Even pictures I have in albums never come off the shelf...so, I figured it would be better to start saving my digital pix to CD putting pages of my pix together on the computer with captions/cropping etc or better some kind of slide show that everyone can easily enjoy. I got Photoimpressions with my digital camera/camcorder and started looking at that but I found it limiting and not very user friendly. One thing I do know is that once I get into something, I don't like running into limitations on my creativity. So, I'm hoping to find something that I can use to store and catalog my pix (like group onto pages) but that will also allow me to embellish as "scrapbooking pages" if I so choose and/or find the time. I'm attracted to the Nova Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0 because it seems nice and easy to pretty up my pix "quick and dirty", but I wonder if Adobe offers similar clipart and backgrounds etc.

Can anyone offer a comparison of the two products?

Thanks,
Gina

[Amanda]

You are right - two different leagues! As far as I know (and this may have changed with their latest release) Scrapbook Factory doesnt' support a high enough dpi to get great prints.
If you are looking for an easy to use software that comes with a lot of graphics then I would definitely recommend HP Creative Scrapbook Assitant (which we happen to sell in our store and also offer a 4 week class to learn to use it well). This program is very basic and doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles.
If you are looking for a program that will give you a lot of flexibility and you won't grow out of anytime soon, I would suggest Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0. It doesnt' not come with graphics (have you seen our freebies section? and our store?) but it comes with an awesome photo organizer as well as slideshow software (that I have used quite often and find it reasonably good). We also have a 4-week class to learn to use this program.
Did that help?

[Lauren]

As Amanda said it really depends on what you want to do with your scrapbooking - some of the less expensive programmes may be perfect to suit your needs - that such as the HP Creative scrapbook Assistant for example is perfect for you if you simply wish to put together quick layouts with premade backgrounds and elements ( which this programme comes complete with making it a bargain)
If you wish more versatility - for instance if you wish to make corrections to your photographs as well you will need something a little more powerful such as the ones often mentioned here - DIP, PSP or Photoshop Elements. In rare cases where you want full control complete creation of everything on your page it might be worth your while making the huge investment of a purchase of Photoshop but frankly unless you are super serious its overkill for the majority of scrapbookers!!

[Starling]

I used an earlier version of Scrapbook Factory when I first started digital scapping. I have the print outs to prove it, and yes, I could print things out on good paper. The advantage to the program is that it is very easy to use, if you are using their templates and their graphics. The main disadvantage is that it is very limiting, and in its own way frustrating to use. It isn't intended to let you do your own thing.

I second the suggestion for Photoshop Elements if you want software that will allow you to learn and grow. Why not try the trial software at the Adobe site and do the two beginner's tutorials with it from this web site? They will teach you how to make your first layout with the software and YOUR photo.

[Pam]

I went to the page you referred to and see that what they are reviewing is specifically "scrapbook software" -- software made to scrap your photos. I have Hallmark Scrapbook Studio and Creating Keepsakes by Broderbund. They do allow you to import graphics from your computer (so you can also use kits such as the one you received when signing up and those in the freebie gallery and in the store). But the Hallmark one didn't recognize the transparent areas of some files (like frames) so photos wouldn't show through -- and the tools to adjust the quality of my photo were very basic.

One of the things about graphics software in contrast to scrapbooking software is the ability to edit your photos - correct blemishes, brighten them up some, maybe erase a background. Creating Keepsakes is very much like Broderbund's Print Shop which does allow transparent areas on files and works with layers (so you can slide your photos around til you get them where you want them). They also have some basic photo help like brightening and adjusting your color.

A positive about the software listed is the price -- they are relatively easy to learn and will get you started without a major investment. Then, as you progress, you will have learned more about what you might want in graphics software to either replace or complement your scrapbook software. If I use elements from a kit, I can produce a layout in Creating Keepsakes or Print Shop (that no one would know the difference from Photoshop). But I couldn't create the elements myself or fine tune the photo as much.

I use Paint Shop Pro - and have for many years (since version 3) - I began using it because I was creating graphics for web pages and it did a great job. The PSP of today does so much of what Photoshop will do, and I'd rather spend my money on the extras than on the software. PSP also has trial software (http://www.corel.com), JASC was recently purchased by Corel. Have fun -- and welcome! Look over the tutorials and you'll get an idea of what other software programs will do.

[Samara]

I'm another one that recommended Photoshop Elements 3. It's around a $100 investment. YOu can find it cheaper, just look online.

I have used many different softwares and what I like about PSE is that you can create your own if you want. It's a fairly basic program. It does have a learning curve, so check out the tutorials and the classes offered here at DSP. You will not grow out of PSE any time soon. Everything I have created here at DSP was created with PSE.

Good luck!

[Judyy]

I'm another big fan of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3. But here's the cool thing I want you to know--you can download a trial version of PSE3 from the Adobe site:
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/main.html

Not sure how long the trial version works, but it's worth a look before you plunk down your hard-earned $$.

I tried MS Picture It and Digital Image Pro, and also a trial version of Paint Shop Pro, along with a brief dalliance with one of the scrapbook-specific programs (can't remember exactly which one). But since taking Emma's Intro to PSE class right here at DSP, I've been won over to PSE3. It takes a little time to learn, but not long. And you can start doing simple layouts pretty quickly. Then when you have more time, you can go ahead and learn some of the more intricate capabilities.

[smithgg]

Thanks so much to all of you for all of your thoughts and suggestions. I'm downloading the trial of PSE now to take a look at whether I anticipate needing the power that it obviously has over the other product. I'm hoping to favor it, if only to be able to continue frequenting this site and sharing with all of you great folks. I'll let you know how I make out!

Thanks again,
Gina

[Starling]

Oh, come back either way. There are a lot of software choices among the folks who are part of this community. It doesn't matter which software you choose, you are always welcome, and we will try to help out if we can if you get stuck.

[Emmie Lou]

Hello, I am really new to digital, but have been paper scrapbooking since 1999 and now have almost 15 albums. However I am interested in digital because I want to have my pictures printed onto 12 x 12 coffee table books. Can anybody suggest a program that I can use to make 12 x 12 pages ?

[Lisa Carter]

once again the photoshop elements 3.0 is recommended.
You can make your page anysize you want (within reason)
I would actually recommend Photoshop CS2 but it is a very high priced software and much more than a new digital scrapbooker needs.

[smithgg]

Hi again everyone,

Just thought I'd let you know that I gave the free trial of Adobe a try and besides finding it extremely un-user friendly (sp?) (I've found that to be true with all Adobe products, they're just not in the same mindset as most Windows based products). Anyway I digress, besides that, the program couldn't do the one thing I really wanted and that was to make a slide show of scrapbook pages. From what I could find within the program (and granted I know this capability may very well be in the program somewhere but I didn't have any more time to waste trying to find it. I even went as far as using the tutorials posted on this site and still didn't enjoy one second of my groping around in the program. To me if software isn't intuitive then I can't be bothered) there was no way to save the scrapbook page as a JPG and add the to a slide show. It wouldn't allow me to save as/export as any other format.

The latest version 3.0 of the Scrapbook Factory software does so easily and from what I could tell just about everything else that I could want, and you can do 12X12 pages (to the other newbie in this thread) and it comes with thousands of graphics for those new to the hobby and looking for inspiration. I know I could download freebies but searching for them isn't as easy as doing it all in the software and with a $10 rebate I've only invested $30, so if someday I find I need better photo editing capability I could still move up without having sunk too much for nothing.

Anyway bottom line is, I'm very happy with my choice and I'm very grateful to you all for having been so much help in making my decision. And please don't take my personal dislike for the Adobe product personally, I don't mean to offend!

Thanks so much!
Gina

[Starling]

I started with the Hallmark scrapbook software and with an earlier version of Scrapbook Factory. It isn't a bad place to begin, and I made nice pages with those programs, some of which I still like. And at $30 the price certainly is right.

The important thing with this hobby is to have fun. If you decide, as I did, that the program you are using is too limiting, you can upgrade later. Meanwhile you can make pages you like with the software you have.

You are also right about all Adobe products not being intuitive for PC users. They were originally made for MACs, and follow MAC conventions. And no, MACs are not easier to use. The easiest computer is the one you know how to use and for most of us that is a Windows based PC. When Adobe moved into making software for PC users too they made the decidision that Photoshop would be Photoshop and would be the same on all platforms. They weren't sure how many platforms that would be, because at the time, Windows hadn't won the OS war yet. It was a reasonable decision.

Slowly, some PC conventions have crept into Photoshop (and Elements) because most of their customers use PCs and not MACs. There is a tough learning curve even for Elements although Adobe has been trying to make that easier on the newbies since Photo Deluxe (their earlier version of a photo program for general consumers which was the first I ever owned).

[Amanda]

Starling is right - you have to go with a program you are comfortable with.

FYI thought - PSE has a great slideshow program (I use it all the time) and you can save your pages in just about any image format you want :) It just takes a little getting used to.

[rosen]

I am new to this and bought Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0 and love it. Didn't realize after reading some posts that I am not getting high quality prints. I am actually a MAC user but bought this PC version for my computer so I could use it. I guess I am looking for a MAC compatible high quality printing scrapbook program filled with tons of templates fonts and graphics like my SFD3.0. Does this mean I am a dreamer????? Any suggestions. :eek:

[Amanda]

HP's Creative Scrapbook Assistant sounds like just the program you are looking for. It is available for purchase in our store. Also check out our DSU Class to learn how to use it.

[crazycowgirl]

There is a program out there called Flipalbum at http://www.flipalbum.com/ and it can make slideshows. I bought it many years ago becuase you could make a scrap page and burn it on a disk and plop it in any DVD player and it would play on the TV. It has it's own supporting software for that. The only drawback for me was you couldn't make your own elements. Truth be told I haven't used it in a long time. I love printing and giving books better. It's fun to see people look at the page and feel it to see the embellishments. They look at you and say "Hey, where is it".

I started using PaintShopPro for getting the white out of a background for my cards, I was hooked. I still remember sitting at my computer in tears over a tutorial, I just couldn't figure out. But I was determined and the more I did the more I understood the concepts behind, layers-shadows-floating.

The main thing is to have fun like Starling said. It is all about comfort and love for what you are making.

Tammy

[usukhk]

Hello ladies, I hope I'm posting to the correct place and I hope I'm not being redundant regarding software choices, if I am, please forgive me as I'm new to this wonderful site!
I have had a digital camera for a few years and am currently using Picassa to organize and edit my photos. I undertook it upon myself a few years ago to begin a family archive - it is a huge project! I've made a series of scrapbooks for both of my children as well as my spouse and I. With my digital photos I usually print them out, cut them and proceed with the "traditional" methods of scrapbooking (cutting/glueing/journaling/etc.). I do not need to tell you all how time consuming it is. I can barely keep up with the newest addtions, never mind working into the past to make an archive of old family photos. I have a scanner and am in the process of scanning in very old family photos and hope to print and add them to our paper scrapbooks eventually (ha, ha!). In any case I stumbled upon this lovely site and am certain I can somehow use digital scrapbooking software to make my life and this project easier (the completion of this archive has been my New Year's resolution for the past 3 years!).
Soooo, after this wordy introduction, I basically was wondering if anyone uses Picasa to edit and then Nova Scrapbook to make pages. A great flaw of Piscasa is that there is no way to print photos with ANY captions at all! It is impossible to add text with Picasa which makes no sense to any scrapbooker. It seems like Photoshop Elements 3.0 is sort of a combination of Picasa and Nova combined. I like the idea of that, but I truly fear what will happen if to my very organized photos if I were to upload Photoshop Elements 3.0 on top of Picasa. It is a truly precarious balance I strike with my finicky computer and I am always fearful of "fixing what ain't broke".
Any suggestions?
Thanks so much for your patience (saves my husband ears!).
Hil

[usukhk]

By the way, I forgot something that probably makes a difference in what type of software I will purchase. For the most part, I am a very minimalistic scrapbook. I almost always use white pages/backgrounds with just a few captions and added embellisments. I probably don't need a lot of bells and whistles. Also, I may be making a big mistake in assuming Elements is equal to the combo of Picasa/Nova. Can you even make scrapbook pages with Elements? Mostly I want to be able to print out some layouts with 2/3/4 photos per page with captions. Thanks again!

[Emma]

PSE is amazing for scrapping! It's probably the most popular scrapping software on this site with the most users, so you'll love it.

the Organizer won't affect Picasa settings at all. It won't overwrite anything, and you can turn it off as the default when loading camera images and viewing, etc. Picasa is JUST album software, organization, NOT for any advanced image editing. Don't know about Nova, but PSE will do it all.

Let us know what you decide!

[usukhk]

I am certainly leaning towards PSE, I'm sold by the "all in one" aspect of it - organizing/storage/editing/scrapping. I'm wondering if there is a way to delete Picasa and then subsequently load PSE without messing up my photos - that way I could use PSE for everything instead of still using Picasa which I'm not crazy for anyway!

[usukhk]

By the way, how is PSE at organizing your photos? I never liked Picasa's organizing "tree". Picasa does not follow the Windows folder tree and you only get subfolders listed with it. I would be very happy if elements would maintain any set up you already have within Windows. For example, I organize my photos by year then month then individual photo collection, ie, 2005/Aug/kids in pool.....with Picasa you only get "kids in pool" and none of the other folders. Does Elements give that to you?

[Emma]

Elements sorta does that, but not as bad. You have to Get Photos for them to appear in the Organizer, and then you can view by tree as in Windows.

Uninstalling Picasa won't harm your photos, it's jus ta catalog, your photo files are stored elsewhere. Installing PSE and Picasa won't harm anything either.

Wal-mart seems to have the best deal on PSE, check there

[Lauren]

PSE combined with Picasa would also be my choice if I were you - I do use Picasa for photo enhancement - it has some very clever and easy tools and despite the fact I can do everything in Photoshop that Picasa does I often use picasa to improve my photos- then save the new version - and use the right click - locate on disc and drag that new photo into photoshop. - Im sure you will find that digital scrapbooking is the way to go!!- I know that I am still addicted 4 years after my first layout

[usukhk]

Do you really prefer Picasa to Photoshop Elements for photo editing? I can't imagine that as it seems Picasa is fairly limited to the quick fix type editing vs. Photoshops hands-on manual editing. I like the ease of Picasa, but can't stand that you can't add text to any photos when you print directly from Picasa - I find that frustrating and silly!
Is Photoshop Elements 3.0 TWO separate programs - one for organizing and one for editing? Are they both called Elements? Ahhhh, so confused!!
Thank you for all your input, it's so very helpful!
Hil

[Lauren]

I use photoshop cs not pse ( pse has easier photo enhancing tools than photoshop ) but yes I LOVE picasa for simple photo editing !!- I ran a chat recently to show how easy and great picasa can be for photo editing - If you check out this post - http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=42120 - all photo enhancement is done in picasa - the photo itself was not touched in photoshop

[Emma]

Picasa has a lot of retouching options for a free little program, and for quick or minor fixes it's fast and easy!

PSE has more auto photo fixes than PS does. Sometimes the auto really grates if it's not right, but when it works it's so fast, so use what works.

[usukhk]

Wow - I don't know what was more impressive from the Picasa chat you led, the amazing editing tools, or your seemingly endless patience!
Ok, I'm convinced to stay with Picasa, in fact, if Picasa would only let me add text to my printed photos :( I would be happy to continue using it without any additional software. Since it will not, I see I could benefit from some layout/editing software, but isn't PSE very similiar to Picasa? Isn't it just photo editing/organizing software? Or, does it do much more than Picasa and allow you to make layouts/embellishments/text/etc. I noticed on the beginners tutorial it was listed under editing software, not layout software so I am confused. Sincere apologies for all my many questions, I promise I will stop soon!

[Starling]

Elements is basically Photoshop's little brother. It does a lot of the same stuff and it does it mostly the same way. It just doesn't have some of the more advanced pieces. Adobe has had Consumer software that was a sub-set of Photoshop for a long time, but with Elements they finally came up with the right combination.

With Elements 3 they threw in the catalog program that used to be a stand alone program. They were improving the file browser/organizer in Photoshop so they did likewise with the Consumer program. Because the two programs are intended for different markets, they made different decisions on the cataloging and organizing.

[Emma]

Elements is a graphic design program, and with some add ons it does almost everyting Photoshop can do. Amazing little program!

[Starling]

I use Photoshop, but I took a "Photoshop" class that turned out to be an Elements 3 (2 day) class at my local camera store. So I not only got to have a look at the program, I also got to use it for a couple of days.

If I was going out to buy something for the first time, I'd buy Elements 3. The price is right and you are getting an awesome program for the price. There are loads of tutorials all over the web for the program, and there are wonderful books in the bookstores too. It took multiple tries for Adobe to come out with a great consumer program for graphics, but they are now on a roll. Elements probably will get better as versions 4, 5 and 6 (etc.) come out, but the base they have in versions 2 and 3 is pretty amazing already.

PSP is probably also a wonderful program. It does have great tutorials available, especially scrapbooking tutorials, but there are NO BOOKS. Now that Corel owns the program that might change, but right now that is the way it is.

With either program you can tweak your photos and make layouts and your own elements when you get to the point where you want to do that. It will take years to really learn the program and there is no way you will outgrow it any time soon. With Elements there are at least two sets of inexpensive add ons that increas Elements' capabilities almost to Photoshop levels, but most people won't need those add ons.

Chose one of these programs and you can't make a bad choice.

[usukhk]

Thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge - it is so helpful! I'm wondering if I can install PS Elements WITHOUT the album portion of the software. I already use Picasa for my photo organizing and would really hate for Elements Album to mess up my current organizing system - it's taken me so long to get it set up! I'm very wary of new software so I'm probably being over cautious, but really, I don't want the album part of elements!

[Amanda]

I'm not sure. But even installing the album software will NOT mess up your Picasa. You don't have to use their software. I have both successfully installed on my system :)

[Emma]

I don't think you can leave that portion out, I have never seen an option for it when I've installed PSE

You don't have to use it, though. I rarely use mine, I just don't have enough stuff to need organized, and my naming system works really well. I had Picasa for awhile too. Both work on a catalog file, they don't touch your actual photos in any way.

[usukhk]

Ok, made the leap and ordered PSE. I'm waiting for it to arrive and then I fear my troubles will begin. I am keeping my fingers crossed I can manage this complicated software - even the loading part! I am certain I will be back soon with PSE woes. Thanks for all the help ladies.
H

[Starling]

The loading should go easily. I've never had any trouble with loading Adobe products on my computer. It is one of the things they do extremely well.

As for learning the program, there is a steep learning curve. You handle that by doing the beginner's tutorials here and as many of the others as you can. Consider taking Emma's class too. You are going to do just fine.

[Pammi]

Do you know if the HP Creative Scraobooking is available in Australia I can't seem to find it anywhere
Thanks
PAm

[hickoryp]

I too am wondering what program to buy. I just got Scrapbook Factory Deluxe. I am wondering about the picture quality because it doesn't support what was recommended by one of the places that printed the 12x12 pages. It also seems very slow because everytime you add a picture it starts out big and you need to resize it. After reading all these posts I am leaning towards the Photoshop Elements also. Basically all I want it to be able to is make 12x12 layouts with cropping and captions available. A lot of what I do with layouts is collages and cropping. I don't need a lot of clip art or graphics. I would also like very good picture quality. I believe you can save the pages as a jpeg? I don't need a lot of photo editing stuff I just want to show case pictures more easily than doing it by hand. Please tell me if you think photoshop elements would fit me well. The other one I was wondering about was also Photo fusion.
Thanks so much for your time
kristine

[Lorne]

You might want to try Scrapbook MAX too. There's a free trial, so you can try it out before you buy it.

It supports 12x12 (and higher), you can set the DPI to whatever you want, and it has built-in cropping and rotating and all that, so it sounds like it would suit you just fine.

[Amanda]

You might want to try Scrapbook MAX too. There's a free trial, so you can try it out before you buy it.

It supports 12x12 (and higher), you can set the DPI to whatever you want, and it has built-in cropping and rotating and all that, so it sounds like it would suit you just fine.
Kristine -
PSE will definitely work but it does have a bit of a learning curve. If you are looking for something simple to get your going try our Starter Kit (link up in the menu).

[Emma]

be sure to check out some of the free trails and demos for software you'r einterested in
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11020

[hickoryp]

Thanks I will check out Scrapbook Max. The other thing I need in a program is to be able to do unlimited layouts with as many pictures as I want on a page. I downloaded the trail version of photoshop elements but I think the most you can have is 4 photos on a page. Is that true. I also want to be able to save pages as a jpeg so I can order the pages online.
Thanks again
Kristine

[hickoryp]

The other thing I would like from a program is the ability to crop pictures.
-jpeg format (so I can have pages printed)
-good print quality -how can I tell if a program will make good print pages?
-12x12 page
-unlimited pictures/page
-cropping
I like to use my own layouts not be stuck with just a preset way that I need to layout the page
I don't need a lot of clip art I mainly use matting to accent my pictures

I don't need a lot of editing type things although PSE would be nice if it allows all these things too.
Thanks again
Krisitine

[Emma]

PSE does all of that and tons more. HP CSA and Scrapbook Max (as far as I know) don't do photo editing, though they do all the other things you listed.

If you can't get more than 4 photos on a layout w/ PSE, then let's figure out why not. You may be using their project templates rather than starting from scratch in the Editor

[Lorne]

The other thing I would like from a program is the ability to crop pictures.
-jpeg format (so I can have pages printed)
-good print quality -how can I tell if a program will make good print pages?
-12x12 page
-unlimited pictures/page
-croppingScrapbook MAX is a yes on all counts:
- output to JPEG
- very high quality printing; you can set the DPI as high as your computer will handle
- supports 12x12 pages or any custom size (the default is 8x8)
- unlimited pictures per page, and as many pages per project as you want
- cropping

Although Scrapbook MAX isn't meant to take the place of an advanced editor like Photoshop, there are a lot of photo effects built into the program...everything from sepia and B&W to gaussian blurs and crackle effects. There's even a basic red eye tool.

[hickoryp]

I am trying the trial of scrapbook max. I am wondering if HP CSA does cropping. I thought it said it did not on one of the reviews. Are there things that are better or worse between scrapbook max and HP CSA (I wish they had a free trial)? What about speed between the two. Thanks so much so all of your help. I can't wait to get a program decided so I can start scrapping on the computer instead of by hand.
Kristine