The beginner's path: learn digital scrapbooking step by step
Read these guides in order and you will go from "what is a PNG?" to printed pages. Each step links to free supplies to practice with.
Understand the basics
What digital scrapbooking is, how it compares with paper, and the words you will meet.
- What is digital scrapbooking?Learn what digital scrapbooking is, how the image files work, and what software you need to get started with this fun…
- Digital vs paper vs hybrid scrapbookingCompare digital, paper, and hybrid scrapbooking. Learn the differences in cost, storage, and techniques to pick the…
- Digital scrapbooking glossaryLearn the language of digital scrapbooking with this beginner glossary. Understand common terms for supplies, files…
Set up your computer
Choose a program, learn to unzip downloads and install fonts, and give your supplies a home.
- Choosing digital scrapbooking softwareLearn how to choose digital scrapbooking software for your hobby. Compare free and paid options, essential features…
- How to download and unzip a digital scrapbook kitLearn how to download and unzip digital scrapbook kits on Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android. Unpack your ZIP…
- How to install fonts on Windows and MacLearn how to install new fonts on Windows and Mac for your digital scrapbooking pages. Follow our simple steps to…
- How to organize your digital scrapbook stashLearn how to organize your digital scrapbook supplies with practical folder structures, tagging tips, and easy backup…
Make your first page
Follow the first page walkthrough, then learn the two techniques every page uses.
- Getting started with digital scrapbooking: your first pageLearn how to make your first digital scrapbook page with this step-by-step tutorial. Find out how to choose software…
- How to use digital scrapbook page templatesLearn how to use digital scrapbook page templates. This guide covers stacking PNG layers, clipping masks, and adding…
- How to use quick pagesLearn how to use digital scrapbooking quick pages. Discover how to place photos, resize them, and export your finished…
- Clipping masks explained (and the shortcut in every program)Learn how to use clipping masks in digital scrapbooking. Find the shortcuts for Photoshop, Elements, Affinity, GIMP…
- How to add realistic drop shadowsLearn how to add realistic drop shadows to your digital scrapbook pages with the right settings for papers, flowers and…
Learn your program
Step by step guides for the most used programs.
- How to make a digital scrapbook page in CanvaLearn how to make a digital scrapbook page in Canva. This beginner guide covers setting up a 12 x 12 canvas, uploading…
- How to make a digital scrapbook page in GIMPLearn how to make a digital scrapbook page in GIMP. This step by step guide covers setting up a 12x12 layout, adding…
- How to make a digital scrapbook page in Photoshop ElementsLearn how to make a digital scrapbook page in Photoshop Elements. This guide covers page setup, layers, clipping masks…
- How to make a digital scrapbook page in PhotoshopLearn how to make a digital scrapbook page in Photoshop. This beginner guide covers document setup, placing supplies…
- How to make a digital scrapbook page in AffinityLearn how to make a digital scrapbook page in Affinity. This guide covers setting up a 12x12 canvas, adding supplies…
- Digital scrapbooking on an iPad or phoneLearn how to make digital scrapbook pages on your iPad or phone. Find out which apps to use, how to manage files, and…
Design better pages
Layout, color, titles, alphabets and words.
- Scrapbook layout design basicsLearn the basics of digital scrapbook layout design. Master focal points, the rule of thirds, visual triangles, and…
- Choosing color palettes for scrapbook pagesLearn how to choose color palettes for digital scrapbook pages. Discover tips for matching colors to photos, using the…
- How to make a scrapbook page titleLearn how to make a scrapbook page title that stands out. Discover tips for placement, mixing fonts, and using digital…
- How to use digital alphabetsLearn how to use digital alphabets on your scrapbook pages. Find tips for spacing letters, adding shadows, and building…
- Free fonts for scrapbooking titles and journalingLearn how to choose and pair free fonts for digital scrapbooking titles and journaling. Find the best font styles and…
- Scrapbook journaling prompts and ideasLearn how to write scrapbook journaling with easy prompts and practical ideas. Discover the five Ws, fun formats, and…
Go further with techniques
Edit photos, recolor supplies, use blend modes and scan old memories.
- Photo editing basics before you scrapbookLearn the basics of photo editing for digital scrapbooking. Fix lighting, crop out clutter, and prep your pictures for…
- How to recolor digital papers and elementsLearn how to recolor digital scrapbooking papers and elements. Discover simple steps for Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity and…
- Blend modes and texture overlaysLearn how to use blend modes and texture overlays in digital scrapbooking. Master Multiply, Screen, Overlay and Soft…
- Scanning old photos and memorabilia for scrapbooksLearn how to scan old family photos and memorabilia for digital scrapbooking. Find tips on resolution settings, file…
Print and share
Sizes, resolution, file formats, labs, photo books and posting online.
- Scrapbook page sizes for printing: 12x12, 8x8, 8.5x11 and A4Learn the standard digital scrapbook page sizes for printing. Find pixel dimensions for 12x12, 8x8, US Letter, and A4…
- DPI, PPI and resolution for scrapbookersLearn the difference between DPI and PPI for digital scrapbooking. Understand resolution, pixel sizes, and how to get…
- PNG vs JPG: which file format to useLearn the difference between PNG and JPG files for digital scrapbooking. Find out which format to use for papers…
- Printing scrapbook pages at home vs at a photo labLearn how to print digital scrapbook pages at home or at a photo lab. Discover practical tips for paper choices, color…
- How to turn digital scrapbook pages into a photo bookLearn how to turn your digital scrapbook pages into a printed photo book. Get practical tips on sizing, bleeds…
- Sharing your scrapbook pages onlineLearn how to safely share your digital scrapbook pages online. Find tips on resizing files, removing location data…
Pick a project
Albums and themes to start with.
- Pocket pages: Project Life style scrapbookingLearn how to create digital pocket pages for your scrapbooks. Discover the basics of Project Life style scrapbooking…
- Ideas for a baby's first year scrapbookCreate a beautiful baby's first year scrapbook with these practical ideas. Learn how to organize monthly pages, record…
- Wedding scrapbook ideasLearn how to organize and design a beautiful digital wedding scrapbook. Get ideas for layouts, journaling, scanning…
- Travel scrapbook ideasPractical travel scrapbook ideas for beginners. Learn how to structure your album, use maps, scan memorabilia, and…
- School year scrapbook ideasLearn practical ideas for school year scrapbook pages. Discover how to document first days, growth, interviews, and…
- Christmas and holiday scrapbook page ideasGet practical Christmas scrapbook page ideas for your holiday photos. Learn how to document December traditions…
- Hybrid crafting: cards and tags from digital suppliesLearn how to make hybrid crafting projects like cards and tags using digital scrapbook supplies. Find the right paper…
Once you have made a few pages, browse the gallery of example layouts for ideas and the freebies for supplies.