Help!!!

[Calkacky]

I have been paper scrapbooking for a couple of years now. I think though that I am really considering switching to digital scrapbooking. I am so totally confused though and have some questions.

Here they are:

1.) I'm considering Scrapbook Factory Deluxe 3.0. Any comments about this program or any suggestions for a better one?

2.) I've been reading about the quality of printing with various programs and am lost. It seems from what I've read that the quality of prints with SFD 3.0 isn't very good. Am I understanding this? If so, what are you using that produces better prints?

3.) I plan on printing each page to make a hardcopy scrapbook. Since there are obviously pictures in the book, do I need to always print on photo paper? If so, what is the best brand and does glossy or matte look better? I read somewhere about printing on regular paper and don't see how that could work.

4.) I want my pages to look realistic. Do most scrapbooking programs produce realistic looking pages?

5.) Can I add embellishments to pages printed on photo quality paper?

6.) Do you use 12 x 12 pages or 8 1/2 x 11 pages. What are the pros and cons of each?

Sorry for so many questions. I am very interested in digital scrapbooking but am scared. I've looked around and cannot find the answers to my questions.

Thanks for any assistance you can give me.

-Amy

[Clark2006]

Hi, I don't know if I will be of much help, but I will give you what I can and maybe someone else can help you better.

1. I don't know anything about this, but I think it's a program that let's you just put your LO's together.

2. It shouldn't matter about what program you use for quality. Quality should come from the elements and the way they were created, and your printer I would think.

3. I print all of mine on photo paper, but I don't think you have too. I just buy a cheap brand and mine look fine.

4. If you know how to use the program, you can make it look very realistic. Just have a look at the gallery here.

5. I suppose you could add things after you have printed your LO. I have never done this, but I'm sure you could.

6. It depends on what size you like. I like 12x12 but don't have a printer that will print that big and it cost alot to get them printed that big (for me anyways). So I usually print 8x10 or 8x8 even 6x6 for mini albums.

HTH!

[l-o-fantz]

I have SFD 2.0 and it will not support the PNG files needed for most elements. The elements of the digi world are what make the pages look hand scraped, so you really need a program that would support these files. There are many out there and everyone has their preferences with what they are used to, but I use PSE4. I think this far, it has been very easy to learn, I have only been using it for 2 months or so and love it. I print on regular paper for the most part, and they still look perfect. I also print 12X12 and invested in the printer with the capabilities to do large formats, also LOVE it! Lets see, what else did you ask. Oh, of course you can add things after it is printed, but with the elements that are available digitaly CHEAP, (that you can reuse over and over again!) I don't know that you would want to! I think that hits most of your questions. I think you found the right site for learning though, this place is awesome! So much free stuff and the friendliest, most helpfull people anywhere! Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to so that you feel comfortable, you are in the right place!

[Vallie]

Hi, I will add to your confusion!
1) Dont know your program, I use Paint Shop Pro 9 and love it, also any of the Adobe Photoshop programs are excellent too. (e.g PSE4, PSCS etc). Get the best you can afford and that your computer can handle, they are very hungry for memory.
2) Prints depend on a lot of factors, like resolution and printer, the above programs will enable you to make great prints.
3) I use Kodak matte heavyweight for scrapbook pages, sometimes I use the satin but I am not fond of glossy.
4) Depends on what elements and papers you choose, you can add texture and dimension to most things if they havent already got it.
5) You could add elements to the digi, but remember they may dent the pages underneath, but I guess this could happen with regular scrapping too.
6) I print my layouts to fit 8x8. The 12x12 kits are easily resized to fit.

Hope this helps a little.

[jenscherr]

Just thought I throw my newbie 2-cents in. I tried digiscrapping several months ago and bought the Scrapbook Factory program that you are looking at and I have to say I was very disappointed. I myself don't like really "animated" looking pages I like simple pages with simple, realistic elements and that program did not offer that; everything is overly childish looking in my opinion. I would say to invest a little more money in an Adobe Photoshop program (I use Elements 4, I think) or one of the others featured on this site and then take the time to go through all of the tutorials for that program on this site, they are pretty easy to understand and you will be so much happier in the results. I actually printed all of the tutorials and made a huge book for reference (it is a 3 inch binder, plus a 1 1/2 in binder a well). The investment in time a dn effort is so worth it and you really feel like you have accomplished something in teaching yourself how to maneauver a program like that. Like I said just my 2-cents and I a newbie too! Good Luck!

[Calkacky]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I really appreciate your responses. After much reading on these boards and from the responses I got from y'all I think I am going to go with Elements 4. It seems to get glowing results!

-Amy

[l-o-fantz]

I love PSE4, and I just saw in a sale bill for "American" (if you have one by you) that they have it on sale for $69. I just paid $89 for it at WalMart 2 months ago.

[Calkacky]

Thanks l-o-fantz. I've never heard of American so I don't think I will get it at that price. It is actually going on my birthday wish list so it'll be next month before I get it. I am going to check some local stores here and see where I can find the best price.

-Amy

[ccdsmommie]

Thank you for posting all this I am new also and those were going to be my exact questions!!! You Guys are great. And I am going to start print the tutorials too!!

Thanks again for the help
Jodi