Needing advice on software.... - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

scrapchic · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

I was working for an architectural firm using photoshop, indesign and illustrator. I'm more proficient in photoshop than I am in the others.
I no longer have access to those programs and I'd like to start digi-scrapping.

For those who use elements and photoshop are they similar? I assume so, but since I haven't tried elements I have no idea.
Is elements an easy transition?
I'm willing to dive into something new also. If you can suggest other good affordable programs I'd appreciate it.

TIA.

Pesto126 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

Elements and photoshop share at their core the same general tools.. of course, photoshop takes them a step further with all sorts of added goodness. I would recommend that you download the trial of elements and play around with it. If you want to save a lot of $$.. it will certainly get the job done for you very nicely.

Also.. there are a lot of tuturials over in the elements section.. check em out. and Welcome!

arti-bytes · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

I actually preferred using PSE3 over PS6, if that helps at all. PSE4 was also very easy to use for creating layouts, although you won't have as much flexibility with layer styles when compared to what you have been using. I haven't tried out PSE5 since I use CS2 mainly for designing and doing my layouts at the moment.

You can try out a 30-day trial version of PSE5 from the adobe website, which will let you judge the differences between the programs. Since you already know the flow of the adobe products, it should be an easier transition than switching to a completely different manufacturer.

scrapchic · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

zHey thanks for the responses!!!
I think I'll try out the trial. Off hand, do you know am I going to miss from photoshop that elements doesn't have?
Thanks again!

Sarah96 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

I haven't worked a great deal in PSE as I used it only a few months and then just moved to cs2, but I do know that PSE doesn't have the same masking capability that cs2 has, and many of the layer effects available in cs2 are not in pse that I can find. I'm sure there are other differences, but I know those are the two main things I've found so far when I try to go back and use pse every now and then.

Good luck with the trial downloads, I think that will be a great way for you to really see what's available and how they work for you.

scrapgirl42 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

I like them both for different reasons. I primarily use PSCS2 for designing, but I still find myself going back to PSE3 for stuff that I know I can do quickly there - because I have done it so much! If you are familiar with the full version & cost isn't an issue go with that. I think you would be happy with elements, but you might find you can't do all you could before.

Do I make sense or am I just rambling

scrapchic · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

You make complete sense. That's what I'm a bit afraid of. I won't have some of the features that I use. Then again I was on PS7.

Oh I have a new question...
I know at times PS7 has a slight querk when it comes to fonts. They tend to be more pixelized when printed. It forced me to start using Illustrator so I could use the outline feature when sending things to print. It retained the fonts and they stayed crisp.

When images are printed using PSE are the fonts slightly pixelized? or are they crisp? How is this on CS2/3?

Sorry for the many questions. But I really appreciate all the responses.

arti-bytes · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006

From what I hear, nothing really tops Illustrator

You do have better font choices in PSE, and I haven't noticed any problems in the items I have printed but I have a really good printer as well. When you download the trial version of PSE, make something and then print it out. It doesn't cost anything to download, and you will be able see which items are better than PS7, and which ones you would miss too much.

I will just be sitting patiently waiting for the new CS3 suite to come out myself, since I have convinced myself that I absolutely "need" it. Now to convince my DH...