How to use quick pages

What a quick page is

A quick page is a single image file that contains a complete scrapbook layout. The background paper, frames, and embellishments are all flattened into one layer. The secret is that the spaces inside the photo frames are completely transparent.

Because these holes need to stay transparent, quick pages are always saved as PNG files. You might already know that regular digital papers are JPG files, while elements and alphabets are transparent PNG files. The transparent holes in a quick page act just like a window.

When you look through the window, you see whatever is placed behind it. You can find many free quick pages to practice with in our gallery. The standard size for these digital pages is 12 x 12 inches at 300 pixels per inch, which equals 3600 x 3600 pixels.

Placing photos under the holes

To use a quick page, you need a photo editing program that supports layers. You will open the quick page file and then bring your photo into the same document. The most important step is making sure your photo sits on a layer below the quick page layer.

When the photo is on the bottom layer, it will show through the transparent hole. The rest of the photo will be hidden behind the solid parts of the scrapbook page. You can then click on your photo layer and move the picture around until the best part of the image shows through the window.

• Open your quick page PNG file in your software.
• Open your photo and copy it into the same document.
• Drag the photo layer below the quick page layer in your layers panel.
• Use your move tool to position the photo inside the frame.

Sizing your photos

Unless your photo is the exact same size as the transparent hole, you will need to resize it. You want to make your photo slightly bigger than the hole. A slightly bigger photo hides the edges of the picture behind the frame. If the photo is too small, you will see empty gaps around the edges.

When you resize your photo, always make sure your proportions are locked. If you do not lock the proportions, your photo will stretch and look distorted. Just grab a corner handle on your photo and scale it up or down until it fills the space perfectly.

• Select your photo layer in the layers panel.
• Activate your transform or resize tool.
• Check that the proportions lock is turned on.
• Drag a corner to make the photo slightly larger than the transparent hole.

Adding your words

Many quick pages already include a title as part of the design. If the page has room, you can still add your own title or journaling. You will want to place your text on a layer right on top of the quick page.

You can type directly onto the layout using your text tool. If you want to use digital letter stickers, you can learn how to use digital alphabets to build your title. Just arrange the letters on top of the page.

You might also want to look at some scrapbook journaling prompts and ideas if you are not sure what to write. Keep your text simple so it does not clutter the finished design.

Exporting the finished page

While you are working on your layout, you must keep the file as a PNG so the holes stay transparent. Once you are completely happy with how your photos and text look, it is time to save the final version. You will export the finished page as a JPG file for printing.

A JPG file is smaller and is the standard format required by most print shops. If you are curious about the differences, you can read our guide on PNG vs JPG files. Saving as a JPG flattens all your layers together into one solid image.

If you are making a whole album, this is a great way to turn digital scrapbook pages into a photo book quickly. You can finish many pages in just one afternoon.

• Save your layered working file just in case you need to change a photo later.
• Go to your file menu and choose export or save as.
• Select JPG as the file format.
• Save the file at maximum quality for the best print results.