help with digital scrapbooking!!!

[loguernsey]

I really want to switch or just try out digital scrapbooking but I dont even know where to start... what software to use, can I find the software for free just incase I dont like going digital but I dont want trail version!!! I am running vista so I need a program compatable. please help me or give advice .... thanks

[woogiebop]

Have you tried GIMP? It's a free alternative to Photoshop and it gets good reviews. It isn't what I use, but I've heard nice things about it. You will love digiscrapping once you start and get the hang of it - I'll never go back to paper scrapping now, though of course there are plenty of people who do both (they call themselves biscraptual, LOL).

[loguernsey]

thanks...

[NoahsMom]

Do a search for digital scrapbook freebies. so many designers and stores give out free downloads of their products so you can see the quality of their work. So much is out there to collect before you start buying digi files. I suggest this so you have backgrounds and elements right away to try working with to see if you even like the digi scrapping world. also, i know a lot of digi scrappers like photoshop elements. i use photoshop cs myself, but i also do some graphic desing work. i have heard of people using powerpoint to do layouts but havent tried it.

i havent given up paper scrapping and i hybrid scrap. love it all.

good luck!

[saving4earlyretirement]

Try an online book - I've done a photobook through Creative Memories (you need the software though) and have one in the works with Walgreens (FREE).

They are so easy and FAST! You pick the background and place the picture in.

[shrup]

Have you tried GIMP? It's a free alternative to Photoshop and it gets good reviews. It isn't what I use, but I've heard nice things about it. You will love digiscrapping once you start and get the hang of it - I'll never go back to paper scrapping now, though of course there are plenty of people who do both (they call themselves biscraptual, LOL).

What is GIMP? I also would like to start getting in on the digi scrapping.

[pyxiwulf]

I use Paint dot net for all my digital scrapbooking and graphics needs. I love that it is opensource and highly customizable. it can use photoshop files too, unlike a lot of other programs, and a lot of digiscrapping embellishments are photoshop files

[icanhascoupons]

What is GIMP? I also would like to start getting in on the digi scrapping.

GIMP stands for The GNU Image Manipulation Program, and it's been around as a free alternative to Photoshop for a really long time (at least, in computer years, hehe). You can read about it and get the program at GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program
I've never tried it myself, but I've heard a lot of nice things about it, and it's been around so long...

Another option (not sure if it's been mentioned yet) is a new service from Adobe (the company that makes Photoshop) called Photoshop.com that allows you to do basic editing and apply a few special effects to your photos and add text and whatnot. This is a good option if you don't want to have to download anything, since the service is all online. They give you a free account with space to upload photos, so you can edit them and share them... whatever you want. Obviously, it's just the basics, since it is all online. Here's an example image I just did a couple of minutes ago while writing this post. I just signed up for the service to check it out, so if that's any indication of the speed...
Also, if you want to invest a little, there's Adobe Photoshop Elements, which again I haven't personally tried, but the learning curve is geared toward casual users more interested in editing personal photos so it's a good option for scrapbooking.

Good luck!