I realize that there is a tutorial on PSE2 but from what I can see, It's how to do specific functions. What I would like to know is how to START!!! Start a page, I mean . I've been using a very simple program called HP creative scrapbook assistant. I like the way my LO's turn out, but, it is limited on features, such as the brush technique I see in so many great pages. So, I realized that I have PSE2 in my computer- I didn't even know I had it. I thought I'd open it up and see if I can figure it out . What I was wondering, are there any step by step instructions out there on how to put a simple page together. Maybe if I can start there, I can slowly work my way into the more complicated features. I don't like the HELP section. It's not geared towards scrapbook pages- more towards editing photos. I'm obviously not a book learner, more visual . So if anyone can help or direct me to a place that has a step by step, I'd appreciate it sooooooo much!

I know the tutorials team will chime in here any minute, but I wanted to say that I use pse2 almost exclusively, so you can just post your specific questions as you poke around in the program. There are several of us out there who can help you along.

Your first step will be to start a new document - File/New. Here is where you decide what size you'll be scrapping in - 8x10, 8.5x11, 8x8, or 12x12 (not that there aren't other options.) Make sure that you select 200 or 300 dpi if you plan to print your layouts out.

Now that you have your document open, go to File/Open and surf to the location of your photos on your computer and open a photo or two that you would like to scrap with. They will appear in your workspace. You can just click on the bar above your photo, then use the move tool in your tool pallette (this is a little floating pallette in the upper left portion of your workspace - the move tool is the little plus with arrows.) Drag your photo into your new image. Play around with moving it around on your page. Now drag and drop your other photo onto the page. This is the same way that you will move backgrounds and different digital elements into your layout.

The other thing you may not have experience with is layers. If you look in the upper right portion of your screen, you'll see something called "Layers" - this is your layers palette and it shows each individual picture or element on a different layer. You can drag and drop the different layers using the layers palette to re-order the "Stack" of images. I hope this gives you a little food for thought and food for play hehe as you learn this awesome little program. Feel free to post your questions as you go along!

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DianneRigdon.com

Thanks Dianne for the help. Don't you have to put your backgrounds in first before pictures? Or is that where the layering thing comes in?

Exactly! You can do it that way if it makes it easier for you to think about it, but eventually you will have to learn to reorder your layers, so now is as good a time as any!

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DianneRigdon.com

Hi! Dianne is right, just keep asking questions and we'll all help you through! I sent you a Private Message with some specific instructions. Holler if you need help! How's the page coming along?

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Emma the Pal
GALLERY Web Page

I haven't started on a page with PSE2 yet. I went to Kinko's just now to pick up some LO's done with my HP program. Thanks for the PM. I'll check that out too. I'm excited to learn PSE2 because I know it can do more that my other program. I just don't like the learning part !.

You'll do fine. Again, you can email me anytime with questions.

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Emma the Pal
GALLERY Web Page