Why 8 X 8?

[HeidiD]

I always design in 12x12, but have only printed in 8x8. But, since I designed in the larger size, I always have the option of printing in the larger size if I choose to later.

 

Some people design in 8x8 because the file sizes are smaller, and it takes less memory (RAM) to manipulate the files while creating your layouts. It also takes less disc space to save your files.

 

Personally, if you have the capability, I'd design in the larger size. That way you always have the option later to print in whatever size you choose!

[Kricket]

I always design 12x12 but print 8x8 - I don't have a printer for 12x12 but hope to in the future. This way I can print

and have albums to show now rather then wait.

 

I also prefer the smaller size to give as gifts, easier to store, etc.

[RamonaGN]

I have read that some digiscrappers design in the 8 x 8 format so they can print them at home. Is this the only reason to use this size? I have a large format printer that does great photos. But I question whether the pictures that I print at home will last as long as those printed at a photo lab. Also, once I factor in paper and ink isn't it just as cheap to have someone else do it?

 

My goal is to make most all my layouts the same size to fit in the same size albums. I want to make albums that I can give to each of my three children and keeping one for myself as well.

 

Thanks!!!

 

Ramona

[goofyemt96]

Its more of a preference i believe!! The 12x12 cant beb printed at home unless you have a big printer...Some do have and print fine..But does use tons of ink..I print 8x8 at home and loave it...But once i do have a full album done im going to send it out once for Bounding just to see how it turns out!! But like i said its all about preference!! adn what you have available where your at!

[Ngaire]

I design in 12x12 but print in 8x8. This is just my preference and also I don't have a big printer but even if I did I still think I would print 8x8 its such a nice size. I find that 12x12 is too big to store and makes a heavy album to put on peoples laps for them to look at. I thinkI design in 12 x12 because alot of the papers come in that size and I can just drop and drag into my LO's. Just a lazy thing I suppose!!

[jennk]

I am another one that designs in 12 x 12 but prints in the smaller 8 x 8. I'm not sure I will ever print out in he 12 X 12 but I do have that option if I ever get a larger printer. I guess it is just nice to have options :-)

[Sarah in VA]

I keep all my materials in the original 12 x 12 size so I can keep that option open, but always design in 8 x 8. Personal preference for several reasons. I like to print at home - it's just more convenient that having to get out in traffic and go to a printer - and I prefer the 8 x 8 album size. A second, but very big reason, is the amount of RAM memory is saves while working. Even though I have a fast processor, 2 hard drives and 2GB of RAM, the difference between 12 x 12 and 8 x 8 is very noticeable.

[DDecker]

You have already gotten some great answers that I totally agree with. The only thing I would add it that when you resize UP from 8 to 12 you will lose quality while when you resize DOWN form 12 to 8 everything stays crisp and clear.

[RamonaGN]

Thanks to everyone for their answers about this! I can't believe how helpful this forum has been with my questions. I have had many questions answered right away - and great answers too!

 

Ramona

[ManiakMama]

I too design in 12x12 and I actually print in 8.5x8.5" because that's the size of the album that I have. I don't have a wide format printer, but I have a standard HP Photosmart printer. They guarantee their prints for something like 150 years I think, and I've been VERY happy with the quality of my prints and the amount that I am able to get out of an ink cartridge.

[angelaNussbaum]

Im one of those who stick to 8x8. I started only because i had no RAM, and i could do more with the smaller size. I have found... to add to all the above, that i like doing the 8x8 now that i have more RAM, because i like to make sure my photos arnt going to be to small when the system resizes it to 12x12. I like my photo to be predominant in the page. I have found that when i did do a 12x12, i didnt like how small the photo resized.

 

I hope that makes sense. Also.. 8x8 albums are just perfect for us. size, weight... love em.

 

angela

[jmillen]

I use 8x8 always. I have 3 kids and find that having the 8x8 photo albums is much more practical for the amount of pages that I make. They fit easier into shelves and also are easier to pull out to show to people.

[nicole_j]

hmmm this is interesting... I've been creating at 8 X 8 and printing at that, but maybe I'll switch to creating at 12 X 12 and printing at 8 X 8 just in case I ever want to reprint it at 12 X 12.

8.5 X 8.5 sounds like a great idea... I could print to edge and only have to cut one side of the page. Where do they sell 8.5 X 8.5 albums?

Thanks for the info girls!

[PBarnes]

Other than my first two layouts that I did at 11x8.5 before I joined Scrap Girls, I have created my pages at 12x12. My horse album I am going to print at home at 8x8 but I intend to do my wedding album and my heritage album at 12x12. I recently had five prints done by Scrapbooks to Share at 12x12 and I was thrilled with them. At the price they charge, I'm not sure you could do it any less expensively at home on a large format printer. One of the 12x12s I got printed I have put into one of the scrapbook frames available at Michaels.

 

I'm lucky to have a new computer, so at this point storage is not a problem and I have sufficient RAM to handle the 12x12s.

[Brenda Peters]

I agree with a few others here. I use the smaller sizes for practicality. They fit easier on shelves and they're not so large and clumsy when pulling them out to look at. Currently I create 12x12 and print at 6x6 only because I have a 3- 6x6 albums that were given to me as gifts. When I'm done filling those I'm going to the 8x8 and thinking about creating in 8x8 as well. I honestly don't think I'll ever go back to filling 12x12 albums. I hate pulling out the ones I already have. I don't ever predict that I'll own a large format printer or I'll ever opt for having a service do my printing. Printing at 8x8 will always be cheaper and more convenient so that's my story and I'm stickin to it! LOL

[Wendee-CreativeSparkle]

Man everyone said what I was going to say.

 

Ditto...

 

(I design in 12x12 and print in 8x8. I like the smaller size and it's cheaper, but I still want to have the option to biggie size if I want later.)

[Erika in TX]

So how often have you gone back and printed in 12 x 12? I'm doing it just as everyone else has said, but I wondered how many of you actually have gone back and printed out the larger size.

[Guest moopadaisy]

I do both but I am lucky enough to have a 12x12 printer at home (thanks to my hubby who got it for me last Christmas!) but I am currently printing out 8x8's to make albums for the holidays for family, that way we all have a copy of the LO's I have made!

[April Showers]

I too have a wide format printer, I haven't printed every page at 12"- but the ones that fit into existing 12" albums are there. I was the obsessive chronological paper scrapper before, you see.

[jmaussie]

I like to print out in 8"x8", as it is a great size and doesn't take up to much space on the shelves. Also it is great to give that size in an album as a gift. I don't think that I will ever print out in 12"x12"!

 

Janene

[Canyon Momma]

I am hoping to some day have a 12 x 12 photo gallery framed and hanging in my rather long hallway. For the wall layouts would probably be the only time I would print in 12 x 12.