Whether you are new to scrapbooking or if it is a hobby you have enjoyed for years, your interest may be peaked with digital scrapbooking. For many, digital scrapbooking sounds like a great concept, but it is right for you?
Before highlighting the pros and cons of digital scrapbooking, it is important to focus on what it is. When using the computer, you download digital scrapbooking software onto it. This software is available for purchase and for free online. Each software program varies, but it should come loaded with a bunch of templates, backgrounds, fonts, and other embellishments. Customization is possible, but the easiest approach is with a template, as all you do is insert your digital picture into the predetermined slot.
As for the pros and cons of digital scrapbooking:
It requires less room. When scrapbooking by hand, this hobby can require a lot of space. Many scrapbookers takeout all their supplies and lay them on their workstation. At this time, many find little room to work. You do not have this problem with a digital scrapbook, as your supplies are virtually stored on your computer.
It creates less mess. When scrapbooking by hand, you may acquire a large collection of supplies. After all, there are so many supplies and accessories for you to purchase. It is not uncommon for an avid scrapbooker to collect thousands of stickers, hundreds of cardstock sheets, hundreds of background sheets, and so much more. Unless scrapbookers have an elaborate storage system, this hobby can be very messy.
It is quicker. As previously stated, hand scrapbookers tend to collect supplies. By the time you sort through these supplies to find what you need to create a scrapbook page, an hour may have already passed by. In that same time, you could have created two or more digital scrapbook pages on your computer. Most software programs categorize their templates, fonts, and other embellishments for easy access and use.
It creates a backup of your work. Scrapbooks are best when saved and treasured for years, but throughout those years it is easy to lose one. Whether moving or redecorating your home, your book can disappear. You will not have this problem with digital scrapbooking. A copy of each page is saved on your computer.
It makes it easy to share. If you enjoy taking pictures, whether it be of your children, your pets, or nature, you may share those pictures with your friends and family. Why not share your scrapbook pages instead? Digital scrapbooking makes it easy. Some software has an email attachment program preinstalled. Otherwise, you just add an attachment to your email and select the page you want to share.
It is cheaper. This is the biggest reason why digital scrapbooking is increasing in popularity. As previously stated, digital scrapbook software can be found online, either for an affordable fee or for free. Even if you purchase a software program, you will rarely spend more than thirty dollars.
Other supplies may be needed. As previously stated, digital scrapbooking is cheaper. There are, however, more supplies you may need. If you wish to print your scrapbook page, computer paper is needed. For quality printing, an ink jet printer and photo paper can be used.
It is not as hands on. Yes, scrapbooking by hand can be messy, but that is part of the fun. For most, having glue stuck to your hands and marker streaks on your clothes is too much of a mess. On the other hand, it is exciting for an avid scrapbooker. It is proof they are working hard. Many miss this, yes even the glue stuck to their hands, when creating a digital scrapbook.
As you can see, digital scrapbooking has a number of pros and cons. As to whether it is right for you, it depends on your personal preferences. Do you have access to a computer? Are you good at using it? Do you prefer to get your hands dirty?