which software is best

[Sarah Bisel]

I am looking into digital scrapbooking (have done the old fashioned kind for15 yrs), but I am wondering which is the best software. I am leaning toward PSE, but I am wondering how limited I am with that program. But, I am a little afraid to spend $500+ on PS. What are the benefits, drawbacks of the various programs. I really like the look of different kinds of text within photos (on various axis, so it looks like a watermark, , etc... How well does PSE and PS do that? What about the other programs? I would really appreciate any insight you might have, I am excited to get rid of my scrapbook stash and work only on my computer....ahh the cleanliness of it all.

[Diginellie]

Sarah I use Elements 2 and PSPX. I would have PS if I could afford it, or if I was doing graphic design professionally. I don't think its needed for hobbyists. There are pros and cons to all the programs but I think it really comes down to learning your chosen software really well and then just using your creativity. There are classes here for different programs and lots of LO's in the Gallery for inspiration.

I have seen wonderful LO's done with all different programs. One thing though, PSE is not great with text. Some others may be able to let you know about the effects you want to create. :)

[Abby]

Sarah .. I use PSE3 and PSPX and find them both excellent programs for digiscrapping! If you advance beyond either of these programs, you could look at PS, but it's really not necessary. Many designers use PSE and PSP and Digital Image Pro .. there are many. Most of these programs offer free trials, so you can download them and try them out to see which one you prefer. They all have a learning curve, of course, but that's part of the fun!

[Pam]

I've used PSP since forever - and there have been few times that I've been unable to create something that was done with Photoshop. Just different commands and learning processes. And when effects are created by outside filters, PSP can also use most filters that PS can. (I can buy PSP and a new computer with lots of hard drive and memory for the price of PS.)

As Helen stated, if doing graphic design professionally, the need might be there for the higher priced program. I believe there are trial downloads for PSE - there are for PSP at corel.com. You can try before you buy. But most limitations will be with getting to know what the software will do.

Check out this link (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/place/softwarewars1004.shtml) for a "software wars" friendly challenge that we did last year -- many great items were created by users of different software!

[TsMom]

I agree with what the others have said. I've used Digital Image Pro, Photoshop (a little), and Photoshop Elements. PSE is a very capable program and it will be tough to outgrow it IMO. I've used it for quite a while now and I still discover things I didn't know were there and create things that amaze me.
LaWanna

[Emma]

I would go w/ PSE because you'll use it for a LONG time w/o outgrowing it, and if you ever do Adobe offers upgrades to PS for about $300 once or twice a year. Overall, it's the cheapest way to go and the cheapest way to break into the Adobe software.

[scrapalongsadie]

I have used PSE, PS (once awhile ago in a job), HP Scrapbook Assitant and FxFoto. And I agree that all of these are very capable programs and all have their pros and cons.
Things to think about when trying to decide;
how much RAM do you have? Some of these require more than others so be sure you have enough!
Does the program support partial transparency png files? This is a must or your elements won't look right. All of these programs support it as do Picture It and DIP but some others do not.

How much are you going to use this? Daily? once in awhile? PS is fabulous but has a very steep learning curve. PSE is less hard and I found FxFto even easier and just as powerful.

What do you want to do with it? if you are just doing LO, then HP might be fine. It doesn't do editing or organize your photos. I outgrew it fast and that seems to be others experience too, but it is excellent for quick LO. If you need organizng and editing along with LO then Fxfoto or PSE are good choices. If you want to make your own elements then PS or PSE. You can make elements and stamps in Fxfoto too but I haven't tried much more than that since I have no artistic talent!

How much money do you want to spend? PS is the most expensive ($600) and HP is the least ($30). In between at PSE ($100 - $150) and Fxfoto ($50) and Dip ($50-100).

My only other piece of advice is to take some junk photos and use them to start. That way you can play around with the program without worrying about damaging a 'good' photo! :-) Good luck!

[premier]

I like Photoshop for photos and PSP for graphics. You can do graphics with Photoshop but it seems easier in PSP. You can download trial versions to test the waters before you invest in a purchase. I've found that no matter how good a program sounds, there have been times I totally hated it once I tried it.

[Sarah Bisel]

Thanks for everyone's tips! I really appreciate it.

[SRPhotos]

I'm in the same boat... looking for the best software for the price. The graphic design dept. where I work has PSCS, and there are a few features that I would use in a program, and I'm wondering if they're in PSE. Adding distress to a photo, and adjusting color tones of a picture for example. What types of features are in PS and not in PSE??? Also, I'm planning on using it more for digital photography editing than for scrapbooking.

[Kristen]

I have PSE2 at work and PSCS at home. I haven't found anything photo related that feels like it's "missing" in PSE.

What drives me crazy? No guides in PSE. And the text tools give me fewer options. I don't know if either of these have been fixed in 3.0 or 4.0.

[Emma]

PSE 4 has FAR better text than PSE 2. And the Guides are fixed by downloading Grant's Tools
http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Challenge/Tools/Files.html

These also have curves, missing from PSE that PS has. PSE is great for photo retoucing, has just about everyting that PS has, especially the most important features!

Go for PSE 4, or a used PSE 3, you'll really love it for the price!

[SRPhotos]

Thanks... That is what I was leaning toward, and I'm pretty sure that is what I'm going to be getting... Thanks for all your help!! :)

[TsMom]

I agree PSE great and Grant's Tools are killer. There are other free tools/layer styles/brushes out there to that make it an outstanding package.

LaWanna