Once again, let me say that I use Photoshop Elements and Photoshop CS4 exclusively in both my scrapbooking and in creating my papers and elements. Both of these programs provide me with maximum utility and versatility. I can not only create graphics, but also can do whatever I want or need to do to make my photographs better, all with one program. And, the cost for Photoshop Elements, which includes a wonderful catalog system for your photos, is comparable to that of many of the ‘canned’ programs. Photoshop includes drawing tools and many, many other things that make it a terrific value for anyone willing to spend a bit more time learning the ropes.

I continue to receive inquiries about self-contained digital scrapbooking software. These software packages appeal to novice digital scrappers because they purport to provide an ‘all-in-one’ solution to their scrapbooking needs. There are many, many different packages available, far too many for me to check them all out and provide fair evaluations of their usefulness and value for money spent. I do think the ‘right’ program would help new digital scrappers get started making digital scrap pages very quickly. And, if all you want to do ‘right now’ is get to scrapping, they may be just the thing for you! You may decide down the road that you want more flexibility, and you can look into my favorites (Photoshop all the way, baby). Because I can’t possibly review them all, I will again make a general recommendation to novice digital scrappers.

Before buying anything, go to the various sites and download the free trials they offer. Then by all means try each one out. You owe it to yourself to test the interface and the directions provided to see if the software truly is user friendly and easy to use – FOR YOU. That is an important criteria for any software these days; you don’t have to settle for klunky interfaces and poor graphics! Nor do you have to get what everyone else has…..you need to purchase and use what will make YOUR life easiest!

Having said that, there are other things you should look for in a ‘canned’, all-in-one digital scrapbooking program. Because they aren’t exactly cheap, be sure that the programs contain enough versatility to allow you to grow in your scrapbooking talents without having to purchase new or different software. Here is a short list of things such programs ‘should’ have:

Easy to use and pleasant to look at interface
Easy to access Help and instructions that are easy to understand
A robust support staff who will answer questions within 24 hours or less
Cut/Paste/Delete features that don’t involve intricate steps
Ability to import jpg and png files from outside sources
Ability to resize your papers, templates, and elements to suit your needs
Ability to recolor same
Layer capabilities that allow you to import elements and papers and stack them and arrange them into groups for realism
Ability to purchase their upgrades when available at a discounted price
Ability to upload your completed pages to Shutterfly and other online printers
Ability to upload your completed pages to other online websites if desired
(not necessarily directly from the program itself, although that would be great; but certainly be able to save the files as a jpg and then export them as you wish).

I’ve probably left something out, but this list should get you started. Also, be sure to check user forums and research the reputation of the particular software company. You will be investing a lot of time in your hobby, and you’ll appreciate placing your trust with a company that has a good track record of providing quality software and outstanding customer service.