How to use digital scrapbook page templates

What a page template is

A page template is a ready made layout that helps you build a page quickly. It consists of gray shapes placed on separate layers. These shapes mark exactly where your photos, background papers, journaling, and elements should go.

The standard digital scrapbook page is 12 x 12 inches at 300 pixels per inch. This equals 3600 x 3600 pixels. The template provides a blueprint at this exact size. You do not have to guess about proportions or placement. You just replace the gray shapes with your own supplies.

Template files and folders

Templates usually come as layered files like PSD or TIFF formats. However, our templates come as a set of individual PNG layers that line up perfectly when stacked. When you download and unzip one of our templates, you will find a folder filled with these transparent PNG files.

You will also see a flattened guide image to show you what the final layout looks like. A layer order text file is included in the ZIP to help you arrange the pieces correctly. This format makes our templates compatible with almost any photo editing software.

Stacking our PNG layers

Building your page starts with a blank 3600 x 3600 pixel document. You will bring each template piece into your workspace and stack them. Our templates are 3600 x 3600 pixels, and each layer is a full size transparent PNG. This means you just place every layer at the top left corner and they line up automatically. It is easiest to work from the bottom up to keep things organized.

• Start with the background layer at the very bottom of your stack.
• Add the paper blocks and mats next.
• Place the photo layers above the mats.
• Add the journaling and title layers.
• Finish by placing the element layers on top.

Following the layer order text file ensures nothing gets hidden behind a larger shape.

Filling the shapes

Once your template is stacked, you need to replace the gray placeholders with your actual supplies. Digital papers are JPG files, while elements and alphabets are transparent PNG files. You will use a tool called a clipping mask to attach your papers and photos to the template shapes.

• Drag a digital paper or photo into your workspace.
• Place it on the layer directly above the gray shape you want to fill.
• Apply a clipping mask to attach the photo or paper to the shape below it.
• Hide or delete the original gray color so only your design shows.

If you use Canva, you will use a frame instead of a clipping mask. For more details on this process, read our guide on clipping masks explained.

Making it your own

You are not locked into the exact design of the template. Templates are just a starting point for your creativity. You can easily adjust the layout to fit the specific photos and supplies you want to use.

If a template has 4 photo spots but you only have 3 pictures, you can delete one of the shapes. You can move paper blocks around, rotate shapes, or duplicate an element placeholder to add more decorations. Feel free to resize a photo mat if your picture has a different orientation. Customizing the template makes the final page uniquely yours.

Shadows and finishing touches

The final step in using a template is adding depth. Digital scrapbook pages look flat until you add shadows to the individual layers. You should add shadows at the very end of your process.

Make sure your shadows are consistent with one light direction across the entire page. For example, if the light comes from the top left, all shadows should fall to the bottom right. Apply shadows to your paper blocks, photo mats, and elements. Do not add a shadow to the flat background paper. For more help with this step, check out our tutorial on realistic drop shadows.