DigiDesign Girls

Sharing tips, tools and tutorials for the novice digital scrapbooker.

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Getting the Right Equipment and Supplies

So, you are ready to get started on your first project!  First things first, let’s make sure you have all the right equipment and supplies you need.

Getting the right equipment

The “What, Where, and How” to Getting Started

Ever since I started creating digital scrapbooks, I get so many questions that start with “what, where and how”.  In short, I hope this will answer most of those question for you.

Continue scrolling or select a section to learn more!

What Equipment Do I Need to Get Started?

What Kind of Computer Do I need?

How Do I Find Software That Will Work For Me?

Where Can I Find Page Templates?

What Next?

 

What Equipment Do I Need to Get Started?

At a minimum, you must have the following before starting any digital scrapbooking project:

  • A desktop or laptop computer. If you are in the market for new desktop or laptop, see our recommendations below on which one would work best for you.
  • Photo editing software. Don’t be intimidated by all the hype!  We have broken down the best software based on your budget and skill level.
  • Digitized photos. Still have paper photos from years back?  We can show you the best way to get them digitized.
  • Premade page templates and/or digital embellishments.

What Kind of Computer Do I Need?

There is no need to run out and buy a new computer yet.  Work on the computer you currently have.  Chances are, it will work just fine for you to start off with.

However, if you notice long loading times and/or sluggish actions, you may be ready to upgrade.  Usually this happens once you start accumulating a lot of photos, templates and embellishments or the computer itself is just getting too old to keep up.

Desktop or Laptop? 

Make this a choice based on your personal preference and specific needs.  Do you need portability, or would you prefer the power of a desktop?  Both will work equally as well with any software program.

If you plan on scrapbooking entirely at home, then a desktop is the perfect fit for you.  A good desktop computer can be purchased for as little as $400.

Computer

Personally, I prefer a laptop because I am constantly on the go.  I love having the option of pulling out my laptop wherever I am.  The only drawback is the small monitor.  Fortunately, at home I can plug in to a full size monitor.

Getting the Most for Your Money

In general, laptops cost more than desktops.  You can get a more powerful desktop for the same price as a laptop.  Desktops have larger screens, which is a winning advantage over laptops.  In addition, they can be easily upgraded and most have a better graphics processor than laptops.  This is especially important in getting a crisp, clean resolution when editing colorful photos and design custom scrapbooks.

Whether you decided on a desktop or a laptop, at a minimum look for 8GB DDR4 RAM, Intel Core i7 Processor, and 1TB hard drive.

How Do I Find Software That Will Work for Me?

Yes, this is really part of the equipment you will need.  Trying to choose the right software can be a task in itself.  If you are new to scrapbooking, there are several software programs that will work great for you.

Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements would be my first choice.  They both have all the features you need if you are just starting out or ready to start designing and creating your own pages.

However, they both come with a price.

  • Adobe Photoshop Elements– Best choice for price. Has many of the features to fit the needs from beginner to the more advanced digital scrapbookers.   Uses guided edits making it easier to learn.  Allows you to auto enhance photos, remove objects, and includes a ton of artistic tools.  Price – starting at $79.99
  • Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud Subscriptions – There is no doubt Adobe Photoshop is still the best photo editing software for beginner or advanced users.  The sky’s the limit when designing and creating page templates.  In addition, it includes a wealth of editing tools to manipulate and enhance photos.  Price – starting at $9.99/month.

Before running out and buying any software, take advantage of the free trial period.  That way if it doesn’t work out for you, nothing lost!

Budget Friendly Software Options

If you are hesitant on splurging for the Adobe products right away, try one of the freebies.  Most of them have features that are perfect for using premade page templates and some even offer more advanced features.

When looking for any free photo-editing software, make sure it has the following features:

  • Layers – Allows you to add pictures in to your premade templates.
  • Unlimited “undo” – For undoing those dreadful mistakes.
  • Crop and resize – To size pictures to fit in your premade templates.
  • Basic photo enhancements – Allows you to remove red eye and adjust brightness or contrast.

Although there are several free software packages floating out there, these are ones I have personally used and would recommend:

  • GIMP – A Photoshop equivalent that is for beginners’ as well as, the more advanced digital scrapbookers. Offers many of the same editing features as Photoshop.  Plus, they are so similar, you can follow our Photoshop tutorials using GIMP!  Cost – Free
  • Paint.net – Has all the features to work with premade page templates. Straightforward and easy to use menus.  Supports layers and includes a variety of drawing tools, special filters and effects.  Unfortunately, you must wade through a ton of ads to find the “real” download button.  Look for “Free Download Now:  Paint.net 4.0.21”  Cost – Free
  • PhotoScape – Has all the features to work with premade page templates. Includes several photo enhancements, masking, and cropping features.  Cost – Free

Where Can I Find Page Templates?

The DigiGirls Shop will be uploading them shortly! Our first addition will be a free premade Digital Scrapbooking 20-page template for you to get started with!  It will have everything set up and ready for you to just add your photos and print!

What Next?

That daunting task of organizing photos.  Ugh!!  Well, fear no more!  It took years of trial and error, but I found a system that works perfect!  Let me show you the easiest way to get started organizing your photos!

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