Rose
12-24-2006, 07:32 AM
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum (but have already met Connie/Bensenc over at DigiShop). She suggested I visit over here, too, and because she's already been so awesome and helpful I hopped right over!
Here's my question -- what do YOU think is the best digiscrapping software and WHY? Believe me, your opinion will go a long way in helping me pick something for myself.
And now, a little about me...
I have dozens of traditionally made scrapbooks stacked on my shelves, but I'm still really excited to go digital. I'm quite comfortable with graphics software and have used Photoshop extensively for photo editing over the past 5 years or so. I've also done a lot of professional page layout for books and corporate brochures/newsletters using PageMaker as well as Publisher.
So what do I want from my digiscrapping software? The flexibility to create completely custom layouts as well as the option to quickly throw pages together using templates. I also want to be able to share my albums with friends and family all over the world.
I look forward to hearing from you, and it's nice to meet you!
I'm new to this forum (but have already met Connie/Bensenc over at DigiShop). She suggested I visit over here, too, and because she's already been so awesome and helpful I hopped right over!
Here's my question -- what do YOU think is the best digiscrapping software and WHY? Believe me, your opinion will go a long way in helping me pick something for myself.
And now, a little about me...
I have dozens of traditionally made scrapbooks stacked on my shelves, but I'm still really excited to go digital. I'm quite comfortable with graphics software and have used Photoshop extensively for photo editing over the past 5 years or so. I've also done a lot of professional page layout for books and corporate brochures/newsletters using PageMaker as well as Publisher.
So what do I want from my digiscrapping software? The flexibility to create completely custom layouts as well as the option to quickly throw pages together using templates. I also want to be able to share my albums with friends and family all over the world.
I look forward to hearing from you, and it's nice to meet you!
VickiStegall
12-24-2006, 07:54 AM
Hi Rose,
What version of Photoshop have you been using?
I personally use Photoshop CS2 for scrapping and designing. It gives me the most flexibility and power. However, I have both PSE4 and ACDSee's photo editor on my laptop and scrap there when I don't feel like being at my desk. Both of those programs offer different approaches to digiscrapping. PSE is quick and easy for templates, etc. ACDSee's PE is more powerful than Adobe's PSE but not as easy for templates.
What version of Photoshop have you been using?
I personally use Photoshop CS2 for scrapping and designing. It gives me the most flexibility and power. However, I have both PSE4 and ACDSee's photo editor on my laptop and scrap there when I don't feel like being at my desk. Both of those programs offer different approaches to digiscrapping. PSE is quick and easy for templates, etc. ACDSee's PE is more powerful than Adobe's PSE but not as easy for templates.
ErinBoBerin
12-24-2006, 08:31 AM
I've only used photoshop so I guess my opinion is a little one sided, but if you're used to photoshop and have it, there's really no reason to get anything else. I've quickly thrown layouts together in 30 minutes or less, and I've also spent days on them doing all sorts of blending and advanced techniques. The only reasons I've seen not to use photoshop are the learning curve and price, but if neither one of those are a factor for you, then photoshop is the way to go!
Connie
12-24-2006, 08:49 AM
Welcome Rose!
As I promised - these ladies will help you! Vicki owns this house and she makes the most awesome designs.
Everyone here is very helpful & sometimes it's just nice to get constructive criticism when you're working on a page that has you stumped.
You covered the basics of what you need at DST:
- A photo editing program
- An Organizer - if you want to scrap efficiently rather than hunt down from memory
- A plan to print (personally - I don't think it makes sense to print ind. pages - but some do. I like the albums done in a hardbound version & as I said last night - I'm partial to Shutterfly - their service is amazing).
- and you may want to download Hello! - Picassa's version of messenger. This is the most amazing way to communicate because you can send images almost instantaneously & the receiver can give you ideas & feedback in real time. A couple of designers have helped me with layouts here that way. It's awesomely fun! ( hello.com )
So - girls - yes I met Rose last night - and she's as intense as I am! I love it!! Nothing better than someone who wants to learn everything immed., if not sooner! She'll fit right in here - and I know you'll all help her with Photoshop if that's what she decides to learn to scrap in.
As I promised - these ladies will help you! Vicki owns this house and she makes the most awesome designs.
Everyone here is very helpful & sometimes it's just nice to get constructive criticism when you're working on a page that has you stumped.
You covered the basics of what you need at DST:
- A photo editing program
- An Organizer - if you want to scrap efficiently rather than hunt down from memory
- A plan to print (personally - I don't think it makes sense to print ind. pages - but some do. I like the albums done in a hardbound version & as I said last night - I'm partial to Shutterfly - their service is amazing).
- and you may want to download Hello! - Picassa's version of messenger. This is the most amazing way to communicate because you can send images almost instantaneously & the receiver can give you ideas & feedback in real time. A couple of designers have helped me with layouts here that way. It's awesomely fun! ( hello.com )
So - girls - yes I met Rose last night - and she's as intense as I am! I love it!! Nothing better than someone who wants to learn everything immed., if not sooner! She'll fit right in here - and I know you'll all help her with Photoshop if that's what she decides to learn to scrap in.
Mooshu
12-24-2006, 09:16 AM
Hello Rose :)
I would vote for PhotoShop if that's what you're already used to, and then add organisational software like ACDSee if needed.
I'm Paint Shop Pro girl: I had 7 when I first started and upgraded to 9 earlier this year. I didn't like XI at all, so I'm sticking with 9 as it does everything I need, and there's still a lots left to learn about it. If you're comfortable with PhotoShop and can find your way around I would stick with that whilst getting to grips with digital scrapping.
Merry Christmas! :D
I would vote for PhotoShop if that's what you're already used to, and then add organisational software like ACDSee if needed.
I'm Paint Shop Pro girl: I had 7 when I first started and upgraded to 9 earlier this year. I didn't like XI at all, so I'm sticking with 9 as it does everything I need, and there's still a lots left to learn about it. If you're comfortable with PhotoShop and can find your way around I would stick with that whilst getting to grips with digital scrapping.
Merry Christmas! :D
Mlamarre
12-24-2006, 11:19 AM
Hi:
Welcome, I am a dye hard PSP user since version 5. now they are on 11.
I found both PSP and PCS2 lacking in a number of areas.
I found PSP the easiest software to use.
I found more options for Scrapbookers in PSCS2
Combined those two software together I have 1 dynamite package.
PSP have noise reduction for digital pics, depth of field at a click of a button and tubes. You can paste selections into an existing layer and several other options in psp. with just one click.
Fixing your pics wether they are over exposed under exposed, etcc very easily by clicking on a button and adjust to your liking..
You can also link any type of folders shapes, tubes, text etcc in psp.
You can adjust teh tool bar to your liking.
PSCS have layer styles that are so awesome. You can create template very easily with the Place feature.
You can create text in a path such as a Heart. you can export into Illustrator very easily. There are gazillion tuts for pscs and tv shows etcc...
Pscs2 you can't link folders unless it's the action everything have to be installed in pscs2 which bogs down the system. you can't adjust the tool bar either or turn off the splash screen.
That is what I've found I like about both programs so far.
Again I'm startign to use both programs and the results have been great,
PSP is only $59.00 compare to $600. for PSCS
Just my observation,
Maggie
Welcome, I am a dye hard PSP user since version 5. now they are on 11.
I found both PSP and PCS2 lacking in a number of areas.
I found PSP the easiest software to use.
I found more options for Scrapbookers in PSCS2
Combined those two software together I have 1 dynamite package.
PSP have noise reduction for digital pics, depth of field at a click of a button and tubes. You can paste selections into an existing layer and several other options in psp. with just one click.
Fixing your pics wether they are over exposed under exposed, etcc very easily by clicking on a button and adjust to your liking..
You can also link any type of folders shapes, tubes, text etcc in psp.
You can adjust teh tool bar to your liking.
PSCS have layer styles that are so awesome. You can create template very easily with the Place feature.
You can create text in a path such as a Heart. you can export into Illustrator very easily. There are gazillion tuts for pscs and tv shows etcc...
Pscs2 you can't link folders unless it's the action everything have to be installed in pscs2 which bogs down the system. you can't adjust the tool bar either or turn off the splash screen.
That is what I've found I like about both programs so far.
Again I'm startign to use both programs and the results have been great,
PSP is only $59.00 compare to $600. for PSCS
Just my observation,
Maggie
cggibson
12-24-2006, 11:35 AM
Hi Rose! Welcome to Oscraps!!!!
I too use Photoshop CS2. I've used Photoshop Elements from 1.0 up and Photoshop 7.0, but find I have everything I need in Photoshop CS2. So if you are using Photoshop, I don't see why you would need to get anything else. :D
I too use Photoshop CS2. I've used Photoshop Elements from 1.0 up and Photoshop 7.0, but find I have everything I need in Photoshop CS2. So if you are using Photoshop, I don't see why you would need to get anything else. :D
txmom2two
12-24-2006, 12:42 PM
Hi Rose! Welcome to Oscraps!
I use PSE4. I have used PS CS2, but did not feel it was in my price range since I had to intentions of designing. I am extremly happy with my software and how quickly I can put something together, and how easy it is to use templates.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
I use PSE4. I have used PS CS2, but did not feel it was in my price range since I had to intentions of designing. I am extremly happy with my software and how quickly I can put something together, and how easy it is to use templates.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
SteinwaysMom/DebraTope
12-24-2006, 03:11 PM
PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS - I recommend this for any new person. Full photoshop is very expensive and only necessary if you want to get into very advanced techniques or designing.
Elements is very inexpensive and has many tutorials as well as widespread support in digiscrapping. Moreover, if you master it, and want to move on to full Photoshop CS2 then you have already learned a lot of basics and it is not so intimidating and overwhelming.
Elements is very inexpensive and has many tutorials as well as widespread support in digiscrapping. Moreover, if you master it, and want to move on to full Photoshop CS2 then you have already learned a lot of basics and it is not so intimidating and overwhelming.
Rose
12-25-2006, 02:24 PM
Thanks so much for all your responses!
I'm currently using Photoshop 7.0 (not quite up to date, am I?) as a photo editor -- I haven't actually digiscrapped anything except for a couple test pages in ACDSee. It doesn't sound like many people here use PS7 for digiscrapping. Does anyone know the key differences btw PSCS2 and PS7 (or PS8) as it relates to creating layouts? I'm not exactly EAGER to drop $600 on software, but I'm willing to do so if it'll eliminate a lot of hair pulling as a result of not being able to do exactly what I want to do in a layout.
I guess that's what it's boiling down to. What will I NOT be able to do if I go for a program other than PSCS2?
I'm currently using Photoshop 7.0 (not quite up to date, am I?) as a photo editor -- I haven't actually digiscrapped anything except for a couple test pages in ACDSee. It doesn't sound like many people here use PS7 for digiscrapping. Does anyone know the key differences btw PSCS2 and PS7 (or PS8) as it relates to creating layouts? I'm not exactly EAGER to drop $600 on software, but I'm willing to do so if it'll eliminate a lot of hair pulling as a result of not being able to do exactly what I want to do in a layout.
I guess that's what it's boiling down to. What will I NOT be able to do if I go for a program other than PSCS2?
LDesjardin
12-25-2006, 08:39 PM
Well for the average beginner, I usually recommend either Photoshop Elements or Digital Image Pro. Photoshop, however, if you can afford it is the top of the line, can do anything imaginable kind of a program. I think Photoshop can do all the things the other programs can do and seemingly anything they can't do - as digiscrapping and photo editing go. So I highly doubt you'll be disapointed with it, especially since you are already familiar with it.
VickiStegall
12-25-2006, 09:10 PM
Rose, I haven't used PS7 - went straight from PSE3 to PSCS2, but I'm betting that PS7 will work just fine for your scrapping. You can download the free trial of PSCS2 (and 3 is in beta, now I think) and see what you are missing.
ErinBoBerin
12-25-2006, 11:01 PM
I just upgraded from version 7 this summer to cs2. There are a couple of things I really like, text on a path and the ability to select multiple layers. There is also a red eye brush and a color replacement brush that are kinda nice, but I don't use them a whole lot. I'm sure there are lots of other things I didn't notice too. When my computer died a couple of weeks ago I had to use my old one for a week which only had version 7 on it, and it really wasn't a big deal to go back.
I think there's an upgrade available for around $150 and you may want to go for that. I never really felt limited by version 7, but some things are just a little easier in cs2.
I think there's an upgrade available for around $150 and you may want to go for that. I never really felt limited by version 7, but some things are just a little easier in cs2.
faerywings
12-26-2006, 06:07 AM
Hi Rose, very nice to meet ya!
I use CS2 and I love it. If you are using PS, I'd say stick with it.
On the other hand. I just scrolled down to see if Connie mentioned it, but ACDSee has a photo editor.She hand her sister Heidi have some great tutorials and articles on that programn which is very reasonably priced- and available here at the Oscraps store. :D The organizer is awesome, and the photo editing in that Organizer is extremely user friendly. So that might also be an option.
Lookign forward to getting to know you better. :)
I use CS2 and I love it. If you are using PS, I'd say stick with it.
On the other hand. I just scrolled down to see if Connie mentioned it, but ACDSee has a photo editor.She hand her sister Heidi have some great tutorials and articles on that programn which is very reasonably priced- and available here at the Oscraps store. :D The organizer is awesome, and the photo editing in that Organizer is extremely user friendly. So that might also be an option.
Lookign forward to getting to know you better. :)
Rose
12-26-2006, 09:22 AM
Well, that solves it. I'm just going to bite the bullet and get PSCS2. Whoo hoo!
Mlamarre
12-26-2006, 10:25 AM
HI Rose:
You might want to wait I just got an Eamail from Adobe for the PSCS3 beta.
I'm installing it tonite and checking it out. It's supposed to have some new tools in there. Since I'm new to PSCS2 not sure what they are yet.
Maggie
You might want to wait I just got an Eamail from Adobe for the PSCS3 beta.
I'm installing it tonite and checking it out. It's supposed to have some new tools in there. Since I'm new to PSCS2 not sure what they are yet.
Maggie
Connie
12-26-2006, 11:32 AM
the funky Christmas tree with curled up branches is in there. :)
SteinwaysMom/DebraTope
12-26-2006, 08:12 PM
I guess that's what it's boiling down to. What will I NOT be able to do if I go for a program other than PSCS2?
I use PS7 and it's more than enough for digicrapping - somebody pointed out the new enhancements in CS2 (for digiscrappers it's mainly text on a path) so it's up to you if those features are worth the extra $$$ (they are also coming out w/a beta of CS3 so you may want to wait and upgrade to CS3 when the regular version comes out).
I use PS7 and it's more than enough for digicrapping - somebody pointed out the new enhancements in CS2 (for digiscrappers it's mainly text on a path) so it's up to you if those features are worth the extra $$$ (they are also coming out w/a beta of CS3 so you may want to wait and upgrade to CS3 when the regular version comes out).
faerywings
12-27-2006, 05:59 AM
And IIRC, Atomic Cupcake has an action for text on a path so for a few $$ you could use that as another option.
Rose
12-27-2006, 06:53 PM
Hmmmm, let the nail biting begin... Perhaps I'll just use Photoshop 7 and the remainder of my trial version of ACDSee for awhile, and shell out the big bucks when PSCS3 is released. In the mean time, I can buy pages and elements and all that jazz with abandon! Oh, but I guess that means I'd better get Photo Manager right away.
ErinBoBerin
12-28-2006, 12:58 PM
Sounds like a good plan Rose. Can't wait to see your layouts!
Inkspots
12-28-2006, 10:52 PM
Hi Rose,
I'm using PSE 3.0 and 5.0 right now and want to upgrade to PSCS. Thought I'd get two, but I think I'm going to wait until three comes out. Shouldn't be too long I'm sure. Maybe you should download the trial and hope three comes soon.
I'm using PSE 3.0 and 5.0 right now and want to upgrade to PSCS. Thought I'd get two, but I think I'm going to wait until three comes out. Shouldn't be too long I'm sure. Maybe you should download the trial and hope three comes soon.
TaniaJPS
12-29-2006, 01:02 AM
Thanks so much for all your responses!
I'm currently using Photoshop 7.0 (not quite up to date, am I?) as a photo editor -- I haven't actually digiscrapped anything except for a couple test pages in ACDSee. It doesn't sound like many people here use PS7 for digiscrapping. Does anyone know the key differences btw PSCS2 and PS7 (or PS8) as it relates to creating layouts? I'm not exactly EAGER to drop $600 on software, but I'm willing to do so if it'll eliminate a lot of hair pulling as a result of not being able to do exactly what I want to do in a layout.
I guess that's what it's boiling down to. What will I NOT be able to do if I go for a program other than PSCS2?
HI ROSE! I have PS7. I design with PS7, I scrapbook with PS7 and I decided that I wouldn't even upgrade to CS2 because really - I like it that much. :)
I'm currently using Photoshop 7.0 (not quite up to date, am I?) as a photo editor -- I haven't actually digiscrapped anything except for a couple test pages in ACDSee. It doesn't sound like many people here use PS7 for digiscrapping. Does anyone know the key differences btw PSCS2 and PS7 (or PS8) as it relates to creating layouts? I'm not exactly EAGER to drop $600 on software, but I'm willing to do so if it'll eliminate a lot of hair pulling as a result of not being able to do exactly what I want to do in a layout.
I guess that's what it's boiling down to. What will I NOT be able to do if I go for a program other than PSCS2?
HI ROSE! I have PS7. I design with PS7, I scrapbook with PS7 and I decided that I wouldn't even upgrade to CS2 because really - I like it that much. :)
TaniaJPS
12-29-2006, 01:03 AM
Hmmmm, let the nail biting begin... Perhaps I'll just use Photoshop 7 and the remainder of my trial version of ACDSee for awhile, and shell out the big bucks when PSCS3 is released. In the mean time, I can buy pages and elements and all that jazz with abandon! Oh, but I guess that means I'd better get Photo Manager right away.
And yeah, I'm waiting on the same thing. ;) Welcome to digiscrapping!!!
And yeah, I'm waiting on the same thing. ;) Welcome to digiscrapping!!!
Rose
12-29-2006, 07:36 AM
Thanks for easing my mind on PSCS2. If you guys are using PS7 to do great layouts, then (hopefully) I'll be just fine, too. I really WANT PSCS2/3, though -- probably motivated by the "fear" I won't be able to spend as much on supplies as I used to when I was paper scrapping!
ErinBoBerin
01-02-2007, 10:15 PM
LOL Rose, you'll find yourself scrapping so much more than with paper, all the kits and printing costs will add up, don't worry!
Sweeet
01-03-2007, 11:04 AM
Welcome aboard, Rose. Glad to have you with us!
I'm Jenna, 37, mom to 1 son (8 yrs old), a fiance (lol), 1 dog and 2 gerbils. We live in northern New Mexico and finally were able to dig ourselves out of all the snow we had for 3 days straight..blah!!! Oh and I'm currently expecting, 1 week to go and I'll officially be 7 mths preggars! wooHOO almost done baking..hehe
Anyways, I couldn't have said it any better than Mooshu and mphoinix! I am a PSPXI and PSCS2 user; but majority of the time I am using PSPXI. I've been through every version and cannot stand PSP8...ick! If you're already using PS, I would continue to do so. Good luck and cannot wait to see your LOs!
Again, welcome!
-----
Jenna
I'm Jenna, 37, mom to 1 son (8 yrs old), a fiance (lol), 1 dog and 2 gerbils. We live in northern New Mexico and finally were able to dig ourselves out of all the snow we had for 3 days straight..blah!!! Oh and I'm currently expecting, 1 week to go and I'll officially be 7 mths preggars! wooHOO almost done baking..hehe
Anyways, I couldn't have said it any better than Mooshu and mphoinix! I am a PSPXI and PSCS2 user; but majority of the time I am using PSPXI. I've been through every version and cannot stand PSP8...ick! If you're already using PS, I would continue to do so. Good luck and cannot wait to see your LOs!
Again, welcome!
-----
Jenna
SteinwaysMom/DebraTope
01-03-2007, 11:57 AM
Re: CS2 vs CS3 - Amazon.com usually has pretty good reviews on whether it is 'worth it' to upgrade. Of course CS3 is still in Beta but I thought I'd throw it out there cause if you upgrade to CS2 and then do CS3 it's a lot of extra $$$.
I'm probably going to wait on the verdict before I decide which one to upgrade to if I do it at all but it's just for some features I may use for desiging.
I'm probably going to wait on the verdict before I decide which one to upgrade to if I do it at all but it's just for some features I may use for desiging.
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