Kits can be made using any graphics program. The most popular ones around here seem to be Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and Digital Image Pro. I know there are others but I can't think right now! Elements can be created using so many different techiniques! I use Photoshop and some of the greatest things I've discovered were custom shapes and styles. The two combined always make great elements! There are lots of tutorials out there and also the School of Scrap on here ... it takes practice and lots of learning, but its so much fun and addicting! Good luck!