Using scrapbook software allows you to create elaborate yet efficient keepsakes. Along with avoiding the cost and chaos of various arts and crafts supplies, scrapbook software provides easily shared and copied projects. Digital photos, pages and embellishments can be edited without mistakes; the "undo" feature in word and image processors supplies previews and simple changes. Photo stores and online printers, as well as specialty personal printers, offer you the option of printing your keepsakes.
Instructions
1. Download or purchase scrapbook software. Google Smilebox and Scrapbook Flair are two of the most popular free downloads available. Although Smilebox has a free basic package, sending digital scrapbooks without advertisements and printing your creations requires a paid subscription or fee.
2. Upload photos onto your computer. If you have a digital camera, you can add photos to your computer using a memory card reader or a USB cord. If you are working with printed pictures, use a scanner or have your photos saved onto a CD at a development store (Walgreens, CVS, Kinko's, Wal-Mart or Target).
3. Choose which photos will be included in your project. Scrapbooking software can be used to make lengthy projects or single page cards. If you are using Smilebox, each template will have a suggested photo amount.
4. Edit your selected photos. Image editing software (free downloads like Picasa and Photoscape or purchased software like Photoshop) allows you to fix red-eye, change color settings, crop and rotate photos, and add text or graphics.
5. Pick a theme and customize your page templates and embellishments. Scrapbook Flair and Smilebox allow you to customize single pages or whole albums. Choosing an album saves you time since all the pages and accents are coordinated by your software.
6. Add photos to your chosen design. Smilebox allows you to upload as many photos as you need onto your workspace; this feature supports the easier "drag and drop" method. Scrapbook Flair has a separate "click here to add image" button for each space.
7. Add embellishments. You can add images of buttons, ribbons, flowers, pins or text to your pages. Scrapbook Flair provides free embellishment downloads that are easily attached to your photos and pages. Smilebox offers elaborate page designs and customizable text; embellishments are fixed on the page but there are drop-down menus to switch between available options.
8. Save and share your project. Make sure to backup your project by saving a copy online or on an external hard drive, CD, or USB drive. Print your keepsake, if your printer will support your chosen measurements (some printers are unable to print the 12 by 12 inch or 9 by 9 inch formats), or order prints through a development website or store. Smilebox has the option to send digital scrapbooks and cards through email.
Tags: Scrapbook Flair, scrapbook software, your project, digital scrapbooks, free downloads