How to make a digital scrapbook page in Photoshop Elements

Expert mode basics

Photoshop Elements features three different workspaces for editing. You will see options for Quick, Guided and Expert modes at the top of your screen. Scrapbooking requires the Expert mode because it gives you full access to the layers panel and advanced tools. The layers panel is the most important part of your workspace. It lets you stack papers, photos and decorations just like you would on a physical table.

Before you begin your layout, make sure you have your supplies ready. Digital scrapbook kits usually include a mix of files. Papers are saved as JPG files, while elements and alphabets are transparent PNG files. Knowing the difference between PNG vs JPG files helps you understand how they behave on your page. PNG files have clear backgrounds, which allows you to stack them over your papers like physical stickers or die cuts. You can organize these files in folders on your computer before you start.

Set up the page

The standard digital scrapbook page is 12 by 12 inches at 300 pixels per inch. This resolution equals 3600 by 3600 pixels and ensures your layout looks crisp if you decide to print it later. You can read more about page sizes for printing if you prefer a different format, such as a rectangle shape.

Follow these steps to create your new blank canvas:

• Open Photoshop Elements and make sure you are in Expert mode
• Go to the top menu and select File, then New, then Blank File
• Set the width to 12 inches
• Set the height to 12 inches
• Set the resolution to 300 pixels per inch
• Click OK to open your new page

Your screen will now show a large white square. This is the base for your layout. You can zoom in or out using the magnifying glass tool to see the whole page clearly.

Add papers and elements

Once your blank page is ready, you can start adding your photos and digital supplies. You will need to open the files you want to use from your computer.

• Go to File and select Open to find your saved papers and elements
• Select the Move tool from your toolbar
• Click on an open paper or element and drag it directly onto your blank 12 by 12 page

Every item you drag onto the layout becomes its own layer in the Layers panel. You can drag these layers up or down in the panel to change their order. A paper layer needs to be at the bottom, while ribbons and buttons belong near the top. If you need to make an item smaller, click the corners of its bounding box and drag inward. You may need to hold the Shift key while resizing to keep the proportions correct, though this behavior varies a little by version. Always make sure your photos look proportional and not stretched.

Clipping masks

Clipping masks allow you to cut a photo or paper to fit a specific shape. This technique is especially useful when you use page templates with pre-made photo spots. A clipping mask acts like a digital cookie cutter.

To create a clipping mask, you need two layers. The bottom layer is your shape, and the top layer is the photo or paper you want to clip.

• Place your photo layer directly above the shape layer in the Layers panel
• Make sure the photo layer is selected
• Go to the top menu and choose Layer, then Create Clipping Mask
• Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+G on Windows or Cmd+G on a Mac

Your photo will now take the exact shape of the layer beneath it. You can still select the photo layer and use the Move tool to adjust which part of the image shows through the shape. If you make a mistake, you can release the clipping mask from the same Layer menu.

Shadows with Styles

Adding drop shadows gives your layout a realistic, three-dimensional look. Shadows make flat digital elements look like actual paper, ribbons and buttons resting on a page. Without shadows, your scrapbook page might look very flat and computer generated.

Photoshop Elements includes built-in shadows that you can apply with a single click.

• Open the Styles panel from your workspace
• Select the Drop Shadows category from the dropdown menu
• Click on a shadow style to apply it to your active layer
• Go to Layer, then Layer Style, then Style Settings to adjust the shadow

The Style Settings menu lets you change the size, distance and opacity of the shadow. A thin piece of paper needs a very small, tight shadow. A bulky flower needs a larger, softer shadow to look realistic. You can play with these settings until the item looks like it is resting naturally on the page.

Save and organize

Saving your work correctly is just as important as creating it. You should always save a working copy of your layout first. Go to File and choose Save As, then select the PSD format. A PSD file keeps all your layers intact so you can edit the page later. If you spot a typo in your journaling next week, the PSD file lets you fix it easily.

When you are ready to print or share the layout online, you need a flat image file. Go to File, choose Save As, and select JPEG. This creates a single layer image that photo labs and websites accept.

As you download more free supplies from Free Digital Scrapbooking, your collection will grow quickly. Photoshop Elements includes an Organizer feature to help manage your files. The Organizer allows you to tag your supplies by type and theme, which helps with a large stash. Spending a little time organizing your digital stash makes it much easier to find the perfect paper or element for your next layout. Good organization saves you time and keeps your computer tidy.