Digital Scrapbooking

Digital scrapbooking is a method of creating scrapbook pages using a computer and graphics software. Pages that are made digitally can look either high-tech or traditional. Some scrappers, called hybrids, combine digital and traditional scrapbooking elements by printing out digitally enhanced photos and adhering them to traditional paper. You don’t have to be firmly in one camp or another; you can learn both methods of scrapping and combine them. You’ll find a lot of digital scrapping resources on the internet, from kits and tutorials to support groups and digital magazines. If you’re computer-savvy or have a natural affinity for graphic design, digital scrapbooking can be a great fit.

To scrap digitally, you need a computer with photo editing or graphic imaging software (Adobe Photoshop® and Photoshop Elements® are popular choices). Either create your own page elements or purchase premade digital kits, which mimic every kind of physical embellishment available, from chipboard letters to paper flowers. Then use the embellishments as is or alter them to fit your layout. To include these layouts in your albums, you’ll need to print them with a large-format printer (ones that are at least 12" wide are available) or upload them to a service, such as www.scrapbookpictures.com, to have them printed on photographic paper.