For Beginners
FAQ: What is Digital Scrapbooking?
By Shelleyrae Cusbert 2005
Apr 10, 2005, 22:18

Digital Scrapbooking

What is Scrapbooking?
Definition: Scrapbooking (verb): The creative art of taking books with blank pages and adding photos, memorabilia, journaling, and embellishments. The primary purpose of scrapbooking is to preserve memories for future generations, but a secondary purpose often is to exercise your creativity as you display your memories in a scrapbook.

What is Digital Scrapbooking?
Definition: Scrapbooking (verb): The creative art of digitally creating an image, adding photos, memorabilia, journaling, and embellishments. The primary purpose of scrapbooking is to preserve memories for future generations, but a secondary purpose often is to exercise your creativity as you display your memories in a scrapbook.

Digital scrapbooking, also known as computer or electronic scrapbooking, is a way of presenting your photographs and memories in a digital file.
A digital scrapbook page is created by arranging digital or scanned photographs, journaling (text) and images in a software program that can manipulate text and graphics.
While most digital scrapbookers use a photo editing and graphics package such as Microsoft Digital Image Pro, JASC Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Photoshop, there are also specific software packages available produced by Hallmark and Ulead, among others. However, computer scrapbooking is possible even in the simplest of programs such as Microsoft Word.

What program should I choose?
Choosing a scrapbooking program is a personal choice but there are several factors to consider.
Some programs are considered to have a steeper learning curve than others, requiring a better knowledge of computing in general.
If you have limited knowledge of computers or software products in general you will need more time to invest in learning a more complicated program. While tutorials abound on Scrapbook-Bytes and the web in general it is acknowledged that some programs require more of an investment in time than others to take advantage of the features it offers.
Programs vary widely in cost and for budget conscious users, the cost of the program will always be a factor.
The type of scrapbooking that appeals may influence which sort of program would best suit you. If you envision creating your own elements, simpler programs tend to be limited in the amount of flexibility for these tasks. If you gravitate toward more graphic style layouts that use brushwork then you need to ensure your program are able to use them.

Generally the following applies:


You can download trials or demo’s of many of the programs listed above at the creators website. This is a good way of choosing the program that is best for you.

How do I get started?

Get started by browsing the gallery of Scrapbook-Bytes to gain ideas of style and design. You will find you may gravitate to a particular type of scrapbook layout. Study the layout and get an idea on how it works and is put together.
Follow the tutorials in the tutorial section to gain a better understanding of how your program works. It is important to be familiar with the basic operations of your program. Read through some of the threads relevant to your program in the forum for even more ideas.
Try downloading some of the elements available at Scrapbook-Bytes to work with, rather than trying to create you own straight off. As you gain confidence with your program you can branch off into designing your own elements.
You have to start somewhere, so just start!

In it’s simplest form, you create a digital scrapbook page in any program by:
1. Creating a new file - check your programs instructions on how to open a new file/canvas. Popular file sizes include 5x7, 8x8, 8x10, 8.5x 11 and 12x12. Your choice of layout size will depend largely on how you intend to display your finished pages. It is also important to know that if you at any time plan to print your layout or even submit your layout for publishing, 300dpi resolution is the minimum requirement for quality.
2. Adding photographs - You don’t have to have a digital camera to become a digital scrapbooker. If you are using film, you can scan your photograph or negatives or have them digitized to a CD when you have them processed into film.
3. Creating/adding a background paper – A background paper forms the foundation for your layout. Generally for the most pleasing result, your background should complement the colors in your photograph. Your background should also fit the theme or mood that you are trying to communicate.
4. Creating/ adding photo mats – Your photograph should always be the focus of your layout. Though not strictly necessary, photo mats give emphasis to your photograph and allow it to stand out from the rest of the elements on the page.
5. Adding titles and journaling – If you are scrapbooking to preserve memories for your family and its future generations then journaling is essential. You can add as much or as little as you like, but it is important to at least communicate the specifics of the page such as the name of the subject, the date and a description of the event. Refer to the principles of who, what, where, why, which and where for journaling. Quotes and song lyrics can also provide context to your layouts.
6. Adding elements – Anything that you add to a blank page is an element of that page. We tend, however, to refer to the extra decorative objects added to a page as elements. Scrapbook-Bytes has a large gallery of free downloadable elements as well as elements for purchase available. You can also purchase CD’s or downloads from a number of sources on the internet. The elements that you add to your page should be complementary to your photograph and sympathetic to the mood you are creating.
7. Adding drop shadows - Drop shadows add realism to a digitally created scrapbook layout. They give the viewer the illusion that the layout is three dimensional as traditional paper scrapped layouts are.To get the right effect it should be noted that the shadows on various elements should change according to the height each would have on a traditional layout. Photo mats, for example, would usually sit flat on a page and so any shadow it would cast would be dark and tight. A three dimensional object such as a loose hanging tag would cast a wider, more opaque shadow on the background. Imagine where the light source is coming from and ensure that all the shadows that your objects cast are consistent in direction as well as relative to their height and size on the page.

What do I do with my finished layouts?
When you have completed a page you have several options.

You can print the page to be framed or included in an album. For best results at home, print on photo paper compatible with your printer brand set on best or photo quality. Photo paper is available from many sources and can be either matte, semi gloss or glossy. These types of papers will give the best print of your photographs and design.
Printing on plain copy paper or card stock will give you reasonable results but colors are likely to be flat and lifeless in comparison. Specialty inkjet papers are also available from vendors of computer supplies to create varying effects.
Current information states that inkjet prints from recent models of home printers will keep in good condition if treated properly for up to and beyond 50 years. Just like normal photographic prints however they need to be protected from direct sunlight, water and other hazards. Of course with a digital scrapbook page you can always print out another copy if one is in some way damaged.

Printing could also be done at a printing/copy shop like Kinko’s, or photographic store, including online, that processes digital prints. The cost is comparable to printing at home but for further details and requirements approach the store. The option is available by taking a CD containing your file, or uploading your file, to the store and having them printed.

Scrapbook albums are an ideal way to display your printed pages for others to see and are available from a wide number of stores that stock scrapbooking supplies. They come in various colors, sizes and many can be expanded to add additional pages.
Frames are easily available in a variety of types, sizes and cost and can allow you to proudly display your work around the home.
You can easily make multiple prints of your layouts to share with friends and family at very low cost.
You can also use specific software to create CD or DVD’s that can be played as a TV or computer slideshow.

Sharing your layouts with distant friends and family is easy with digital scrapbooking. Save your file and attach it to your email message and as long as the recipient has a compatible program so that they are able to view the file, they can be kept up to date with the events, or the past, of your family.
You can also save your file to be viewed on your own or a host website for others to see.

By saving your layouts to your hard drive, a CD R or DVD R you will have a lasting record of your scrapbook pages. CD’s are said to have a shelf life on around 75 years and as long as you store the media as recommended and check the files and discs routinely your grandchildren or their grandchildren may be able to view your scrapbook pages.


Digital Scrapbooking is an addictive and fun pastime that can give you a sense of accomplishment, pride and provide a creative outlet. Get started here at Scrapbook-Bytes to find out why!






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