Printing, files and sharing
Sharing your scrapbook pages online
Once you finish a digital scrapbook page, you might want to show it to family and friends. Sharing your layouts online is a fun way to connect with other crafters and get feedback. Before you post your work on social media or a gallery, there are a few important steps to take. You need to resize your file so it loads quickly and protects your original work. It is also important to check your privacy settings and give proper credit to the designers who made your supplies. This guide will show you exactly how to prepare your finished pages for the web.
Export for screens
A standard digital scrapbook page is 12 x 12 inches at 300 pixels per inch (ppi). This means your full size file is 3600 x 3600 pixels. This large size is perfect for printing, but it is much too big for the web. Large files load slowly and could be downloaded and reused by others without your permission.
Always keep your full size file safe on your computer for printing. When you want to share a layout online, you need to export a smaller copy. A good size for viewing on a screen is about 1200 to 2000 pixels on the longest side. Saving this smaller copy as a JPG file will keep the file size low while looking great on a monitor.
Here is how to prepare your file for the web:
- Save your finished full size page to your computer
- Flatten your layers or use the export menu in your software
- Change the image size so the longest side is 1200 to 2000 pixels
- Save this new smaller version as a JPG file
If you want to learn more about file types, read our guide on png vs jpg.
Privacy and location data
When you take photos with a smartphone or a modern camera, the device often records extra information. This hidden information can include EXIF GPS data, which pinpoints the exact location where the photo was taken. If you use these photos on a scrapbook page and upload the file, that location data might go with it.
This is an important safety issue when sharing pages that feature children or photos taken at your home. You do not want strangers to know your address or daily routines. Before you post your pages online, you must remove this location data.
Many photo editing programs have an option to strip metadata when you export a file for the web. You can also turn off location services in your phone camera settings before you take pictures. Always double check your privacy settings on social media platforms. If you are sharing personal family moments, consider posting them only to private groups rather than public forums.
Giving credit to designers
Digital scrapbooking relies on the hard work of designers who create the papers, elements and alphabets we use. Giving credit to the designers of the supplies you used is good manners. In fact, many terms of use ask for it when you share a layout online.
When you post your page, simply list the name of the kit and the name of the designer in the description. If you used supplies from several different kits, list them all. This helps other scrapbookers find the products if they want to use them on their own pages.
You can keep a simple text file on your computer to track the supplies you use while you build your page. This makes it easy to copy and paste your credits when you are ready to share. If you used free digital papers or free embellishments from our site, you can mention Free Digital Scrapbooking in your credits.
What you may share
Understanding what you are allowed to share is an important part of digital scrapbooking. When you download a kit, you are agreeing to the designer's terms of use. It is important to read these rules carefully.
Sharing a finished, flattened scrapbook page is allowed by our terms. You can proudly post your completed layouts in galleries and on social media. However, sharing the actual supply files is not allowed. Digital papers are usually JPG files, while elements and alphabets are transparent PNG files. You cannot email these individual files to a friend or upload them to a file sharing site.
If your friends like the supplies you used, you should direct them to the website where they can download the files themselves. This respects the designer's license and ensures everyone follows the rules.
Where to share your pages
Once your page is resized and your credits are ready, it is time to share your work. There are many places online where scrapbookers gather to show off their layouts.
Posting in a dedicated digital scrapbooking gallery is a great option. These galleries are full of supportive crafters who understand the hobby. Participating in galleries and challenges in online communities is also a very good way to get layout ideas for your next project. You can see how other people use the same supplies in completely different ways.
You can also share your pages on your personal social media accounts or in private family groups. Just remember to use your smaller 1200 to 2000 pixel JPG file. If you need help figuring out how to set up your page before sharing, check out our guide on Scrapbook layout design basics.
Questions people ask
Can I upload my 3600 x 3600 pixel page to Facebook?
It is best not to upload your full size 3600 x 3600 pixel page. Large files can be downloaded and printed by others without your permission. Always shrink your page to 1200 to 2000 pixels on the long side before uploading it to any website.
Do I need to credit free supplies?
Yes, you should always credit the designer even if the supplies were free. Giving credit is good manners and respects the time the designer spent creating the files. Check the terms of use included with your download to see exactly how the designer wants to be credited.
Can I share a kit I downloaded with my sister?
No, sharing the individual supply files is not allowed. You can share your finished, flattened scrapbook page with your sister. If she wants to use the same kit, you need to send her the link so she can download the files herself.