Broderbund Print Shop VS. Creating Keepsakes scrapbook software

[MicheleK]

Okay, I have Photoshop 5.0 (dh uses it) and I hope to be using it with some skill someday, but with my limited time for scrapbooking (along with rapidly increasing quantities of photographs, both due to having two small children) I need an easier program to use. I was looking at the Creating Keepsakes software at the store, but I thought it looks little different than Broderbund's Print Shop, which I already own and at which I'm very skilled. So I didn't buy. But then I came home and tried to make a nice layout. Right away, I encountered a problem. Print Shop only does 8.5X11. Well, I might be content with that until I learn more about Photoshop, but I wonder if Creating Keepsakes is similar? Or does it allow different sized layouts?

What other differences are there between Print Shop and Creating Keepsakes? Please try to convince me I need yet another piece of software. ;)

[Amanda]

I believe that with the CK software you can do different size pages - but the biggest draw back to these programs is that they don't support a high enought resolution for great prints and many older ones don't support transparent PNG.
If you are looking for an easy to use scrapbooking program rather than a photo editing program, try the HP Creative Scrapbook Assistant. We offer it in our store as well as a class. It's a great little program and comes with tons of GREAT graphics in it (DSP was the primary provider of graphics for the program as we helped HP develop the new version).

HTH!

[jtaubman]

I'd also like to put in a plug for FotoFusion. http://www.lumapix.com I bought it a few months ago and have been very pleased with it as I can do layouts and collages of my photos to share on other sites very quickly.
This one was 5 mins from start to being on the web
Example collage (http://www.rjt.org.uk/collage/tintinhull2.html)

You can download a version and give it ago, I picked it up easily, all the layouts in my gallery were done with it. The one from yestersdays Breakfast club only took 10 mins.

[FancyLady]

I'll second the plug for Fotofusion. It is a great program with very good support from the developer. I'm always amazed at how quickly a nice page can be made.

[MicheleK]

Okay, then, how does the HP program compare with Fotofusion (the trial of which I have dowloaded)? I notice FF costs $10 more and is not available at ebay. I found a bunch of copies the HP program, new and unopened for around $10 on ebay last night!

Thanks!

[jtaubman]

Sorry never used the HP program, I bought FF for the auto collage and web publishing and got into digital scrapbooking from there.

[FancyLady]

I've never used the HP program either so I can't tell you. With Fotofusion you can download a trial copy, but I'm not sure if you can do that with the HP program or not. Perhaps someone else can put in their two cents worth.

I see the HP program has received good reviews below, perhaps Amanda can help you with an answer to that question.

[Amanda]

Its been a long time since I used both - but from what I remember they are pretty comparable except that HP's comes with a TON of GREAT scrapbooking graphics already in it. You'll get your money's worth in graphics alone.
Be careful of older versions of CSA though (like the ones probably being sold on ebay). They first version of the program is missing some key stuff (like drop shadows) that scrappers need. The second version is good though :)

[Pam]

I've used Broderbund's Print Shop for years -- it works with layers and allows minor photo adjustment -- one of the things I like best is the alignment of elements on a page - if I place three photos on my page I can ask that they be adjusted equally across the page! Creating Keepsakes does the same (yes they are the same program), EXCEPT . . .

Creating Keepsakes includes many CK fonts -- a real bonus for the price. Plus you get backgrounds and elements that apply to digital scrapbooking. They also include a library of examples (called the idea vault). It doesn't compare to my Paint Shop Pro, but I've created a good many layouts in Print Shop -- and can do the same for digital scrapbooking in Creating Keepsakes. I can also import the files from a designer's kit to use with the photos I've scanned or imported from my digital camera.

If you are skilled in Print Shop, this will help you (until you decide you want to create your own kits) -- and CK does print at 12" square with an option for optimal printing (which is supposed to adjust the resolution). Print Shop will also import a kit, but CK will do the same and print at 12" square.