Started with DIP now what??

[MrsWagoner]

Okay, I've done several pages on Microsoft Picture It (DIP) and I'm having a blast! I also have a scrapbooking program Art Explosion Scrapbook Explosion and it's fun as well, but I keep reading about PSE (Photoshop Elements right??) and Fotofusion. Are these programs too advanced for a still somewhat beginner? Can you get programs with just digital layouts, embellishments, etc? If so where do I find them? I would love to hear what you guys think! TIA!

[Amber]

PSE is Photoshop elements and it is a great program! I personally use PS CS (just because I started out learning PS7 and I just love it!) but think the PSE would be a great program if you are just starting out. Although, many people use DIP and love it! Its really all a matter of personal preference.

Im not sure, but you should check to see if PSE has a trial version that you could download and use to see if you like it. I think PSE is around $50.

Also, if you want a more advanced program but cant afford PS you should check out PSP- Paint Shop Pro. They have a trial version that you can download and its pretty reasonably priced- about $100 if Im not mistaken!

If DH didnt already have a copy of PS7 then I probably would have gone with PSP8- Its a really good program!

[KittyieCat]

:o I have had psp...but it boggles me! If you visit my site(link) you might wonder why - I do too :eek: ,but I have found it real confusing! Everything I do is indip & will get the new one this week...still useing 8 !
Heres a link to a fun page ...her lessons are fantastic! Proud to use..... (http://www.marysgraphics.com/picit.html)
I too am looking into more of a scrapbook one...right now I have hp ($39.00),
but haven't had time to mess with it! :D

[Amanda]

We should have an intro to PSE class in August in the University if you want to get started with the program :D

[3beautifulkids]

Also, if you want a more advanced program but cant afford PS you should check out PSP- Paint Shop Pro. They have a trial version that you can download and its pretty reasonably priced- about $100 if Im not mistaken!



PSP has a $30 rebate until the end of the year. Amazon was the cheapest most reliable place i found seling it.

[KittyieCat]

I owned it & also have adobe p 7..so money isn't the issue - I'm dyslexic :rolleyes: I just know the spelling is wrong on that! I just see things different....Pretty much self taught - just don't ever give me a map! Once I drove a whole hour in the wrong direction on the way to Texas as my hubby slept - he never let me forget that one ! :D Also, if you want a more advanced program but cant afford PS you should check out PSP- Paint Shop Pro. They have a trial version that you can download and its pretty reasonably priced- about $100 if Im not mistaken!



PSP has a $30 rebate until the end of the year. Amazon was the cheapest most reliable place i found seling it.

[Emma]

Program choice can be really confusing: here's my personal opinion with pros/cons, and best purchase prices

PS CS: handsdown most powerful, professional grade, can do almost anything, but expensive and difficult to learn if you get overwhelmed by options (I just "tune" them out until I feel ready, and read tons of tutorials online). Download a 30-day free trial from Adobe.com, purchase through Amazon or ebay around $500, used around $400. Buy a lower version and pay $169 to upgrade. Available for under $300 or cheaper upgrade fee through educational stores if you're a student or teacher.

PSP 8: awesome software, the more I learn about it, the cooler it seems! Powerful, a little easier than PS, and much cheaper. Download a 90-day free trial from Jasc.com Purchase used through Amazon.com for $30

PSE 2: wonderful software, powerful, less options and customizable than PS. Download free 30-day trial at Adobe.com. Purchase at Wal-Mart for $58 (awesome deal) or used for $50+shipping

FotoFusion: great for doing layouts, not great for making elements. If using premade elements, this program puts layouts together in record speed and is easy to use. Download free trial from Lumapix.com and purchase there. Great tool to have even if you use a separate design program to make elements or complex layouts!

HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant: another great program for making pages using premade elements, has some easy to use features, templates. Purchase for around $30

DIP is more powerful than FotoFusion or HP software, and with plugins and premade elements can be very good. Easier to learn, purchase from microsoft.com for $50

It all depends on whether you want to MAKE things, or assemble things. The question is design versus layouts. Some of the cheaper software are great to have for making speedy pages, and the more expensive for designing elements or assembling more complex pages. I have PS, PSP, PSE, FF, and HP.

I am teaching beginner Photoshop and Paintshop Pro starting July 1. The tutorials work through several layouts explaining each tool as we go, with weekly chat and email communication with instructor, and a private forum for class members' questions. A great value for $20, and since you already have PS 7, come join us!

[Emma]

FYI, BEWARE buying used software. Make sure it's not a pirated copy, that it has the manual, perhaps original packaging, and definitely a registration code. Email the seller to make sure it's a legal copy with these criteria, otherwise you can't upgrade it.

[scrapqltr]

I love FotoFusion for doing collages and scrapbook pages. Very easy to learn, or I wouldn't have it! It's a really fun program. I just got DIP9 for my birthday, and have just starting learning the ins and outs, but I really like it. I had PictureIt Plat 2002, so was more familiar with the MS software. I wanted an easy program to learn. I tried the PSP trial, and gave up on that after a couple of days. Waaaaayyyyy tooo hard for this old brain! :) My patience level is very low. LOL
Jan