Digital Scrapbooking 101

To some, digital scrapbooking is a newer trend in scrapbooking circles while to others it’s become their main way to scrapbook. I’ve been digitally scrapbooking off and on for about a year now and have come to prefer digital scrapbooking over traditional scrapbooking. 

What exactly is digital scrapbooking?
Digital scrapbooking, also called digi scrapping and computer scrapbooking, is the art of using graphics software to create layouts (scrapbook pages) using digital photos. The point with digital scrapbooking is the same as the point with traditional scrapbooking – you are creatively preserving memories and moments captured on film. But with digital scrapbooking instead of dragging out loads of cardstock, stickers, brads, and numerous other embellishments, you are creating your scrapbook pages on your computer using your digital photos and other digital elements.

When I first heard of digital scrapbooking, I thought it wasn’t for me. But dragging out all of my cardstock, stickers, and other supplies only to work for ten minutes before I got interrupted got old quickly! But with digital scrapbooking, I can work on a layout, get interrupted, hit the save button, and come back to it when I’m ready.

So, how do you get started?
Well first of all you need some photo editing software. Even with old fashioned scrapbooking you crop your photos and you will want to do the same with your digital images. Photo editing software will get rid of the clutter in your pictures. You can also adjust the brightness, fix red eye, repair scratches, etc… Many digital cameras now come with photo editing software so you may have some and just don’t know it yet! Otherwise, you could download trial versions of programs like Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements to find which one you prefer before purchasing one. 

You could also purchase specific programs just for digital scrapbooking such as the Creating Keepsakes Digital Scrapbooking program. This is great for beginners as the pages are already set up, you just add your own photos and journaling.

Then What?
Now comes the fun part – creating the pages! If you are using a specific scrapbooking program like the Creating Keepsakes program I mentioned above, there are pages already in the program. If you are just working out of a program like Photoshop, you’ll need to download digital page kits and elements.
All over the internet (just google “free digital scrapbooking supplies) you will find digital scrapbooking freebies such as word art, page kits, embellishments, ribbon, and much much more! It’s amazing how much free stuff is out there just waiting for you to snatch it up.

Once you have the things you need to create a lay out, just begin layering and building that layout in your photo program. There are even tutorials out there to help you and get you started if you are unsure as to what you are doing.

What about printing?
I do print my layouts. I’m sure that some people don’t or may only print some but personally, the whole point of making them is to be able to display and share them with friends and family in a physical album so I do have them printed.

Even if digital scrapbooking doesn’t become your main mode of scrapbooking it is still great to use for albums that you want to complete quickly like for gifts and such. So, upload some photos and give it try!

See Also:

Tips for Taking Great Beach Photos
Tips for Scrapbooking Your Vacation