Getting started
How to download and unzip a digital scrapbook kit
When you download digital scrapbook supplies, they arrive in a specific format. A digital kit contains dozens of individual graphics, but downloading them one by one would take a long time. To make things easier, designers bundle everything into a single ZIP file. Before you can make a scrapbook page, you need to extract the contents of this file. This guide explains how to open your new supplies on any computer or device. You will learn the exact steps for your operating system and how to fix common download problems. Understanding this basic process is the first step to building your digital stash.
What a ZIP file is
A ZIP file is a compressed folder that packs many files into one download. This makes it much faster to save large digital scrapbook kits to your computer. When you download freebies from Free Digital Scrapbooking, they will always arrive as a ZIP file.
Our freebie ZIP files contain one folder named after the specific freebie. Inside this folder, you will find a README.txt file and a LICENSE.txt file. You will also see the actual supplies. General reference dictates that digital papers are JPG files, while elements and alphabets are transparent PNG files. You can learn more about these formats in our guide to PNG vs JPG.
You must always unzip the folder before using the files. Programs often cannot open files that are still inside a ZIP. If you try to drag a paper directly from a zipped folder into your software, you will usually get an error message.
How to unzip files on Windows
Windows computers have a built-in tool to extract ZIP files. You do not need to install any extra software to open your scrapbook kits.
Here is how to open your files on a Windows PC:
- Right click the ZIP file you just downloaded
- Choose Extract All from the menu
- Pick a folder where you want to save the supplies
- Click Extract to finish the process
Once the extraction is complete, a new regular folder will appear. You can now open this folder and use the JPG and PNG files inside. It is a good idea to keep the license or terms of use file with the supplies. This helps with organizing your digital stash so you always know how you are allowed to use the kit. Keeping your files tidy from the start makes scrapbooking much easier.
How to unzip files on a Mac
Mac computers make it very simple to open compressed files. The operating system handles the extraction automatically using a built-in tool called Archive Utility.
Follow these steps on macOS:
- Locate your downloaded ZIP file in your Downloads folder
- Double click the ZIP file
- Archive Utility unpacks it next to the ZIP
The unzipped folder will have the exact same name as the original file. You can now move this new folder to your main scrapbooking directory. After you extract the contents, you can delete the original ZIP file to save storage space on your hard drive. Your Mac will treat the new folder just like any other directory on your computer.
How to unzip files on iPhone and iPad
You can easily download and use digital scrapbook supplies directly on your mobile Apple devices. The built-in Files app manages all your downloads and handles the extraction process.
Here is how to unpack kits on an iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Files app
- Locate your downloaded ZIP file
- Tap the ZIP file to unpack it
A new blue folder will instantly appear right next to the ZIP file. This folder contains all your papers and elements ready for digital scrapbooking on an iPad or phone. Just like on a computer, make sure you are selecting the graphics from the new blue folder rather than the original zipped version.
How to unzip files on Android
Android devices also allow you to download and extract scrapbook kits without needing a computer. You will need a file manager app to complete the process. Many phones come with Files by Google pre-installed.
Follow these steps for Android devices:
- Open your file manager app such as Files by Google
- Find your downloaded ZIP file
- Tap the file and choose Extract
- Wait for the progress bar to finish
Once extracted, the app will show you the unzipped files. You can then import these JPG and PNG files into your preferred mobile scrapbooking application. You might want to move the extracted folder to a dedicated scrapbooking directory on your phone.
Troubleshooting download problems
Sometimes a ZIP file will not open or your computer will say the file is invalid. The most common cause is a partial download. This happens when your internet connection drops briefly and the file stops downloading before it is complete.
If a download fails or the ZIP will not open, download it again. Delete the broken file from your computer first, then return to the website and click the download link a second time. A fresh download almost always solves the problem.
When you open the new folder, check the contents. A standard digital scrapbook page is 12 x 12 inches at 300 pixels per inch (ppi), which is 3600 x 3600 pixels. If your papers look very small or blurry, check that you actually extracted the folder. Programs often display low resolution preview thumbnails if you try to view files while they are still packed inside the ZIP.
Questions people ask
Why can my software not open the digital papers?
You must always unzip before using the files. Scrapbooking programs often cannot open files that are still inside a ZIP. Make sure you have extracted the folder completely, then try opening the JPG or PNG files from the new regular folder.
What files are included in a digital scrapbook kit?
A kit contains digital papers which are JPG files, and elements or alphabets which are transparent PNG files. Our freebie ZIP files also contain one folder named after the freebie, a README.txt, and a LICENSE.txt file.
Do I need to keep the text files that come with the kit?
Yes, you should keep the license or terms of use file with the supplies. This helps you remember the rules for using the graphics, which is especially important if you plan on sharing your scrapbook pages online.