Pse 4 Vs. Cs3

[myeags]

Hi all:

 

I am currently trying to decide what program to purchase for my mac. There is a HUGE price difference between the two programs. Can you guys let me in on why the huge price diff. and is it worth it. Can I create the same awesome pages I see here on either program?

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

Mary

[MichaelsMomJo]

Hi Mary, and to Scrapgirls! You have definitely come to the right place to ask your questions. There are so many friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable people around.

 

Here's a rundown on the two programs:

The huge price difference is because PSE 4.0 is a watered down version of CS3. There simply aren't as many features, which means you don't have as much control (through the software itself) of things like layer styles and actions. But that doesn't mean that you can't make magnificent pages like you see in the gallery. Scrapgirls has all sorts of products in the boutique that allow you to customize your layer styles in order to make your layouts look just they way you want them too. In addition to some gorgeous kits, there is the whole Scrap Simple line of products that includes things like layer styles, custom tools, templates, actions, etc.

 

What it comes down to is how much you want to be able to play around with the settings. I started on PSE 4.0 and did just fine with it. As I became more interested in design, I wanted more features, so I moved to CS2 and have now upgraded to CS3.

 

Regardless of whichever software you get, you should consider getting Ro's Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed. They're awesome, and will have you making incredible layouts in no time! Here are the links:

For PSE 4.0

For Photoshop

 

 

Welcome, again. I look forward to getting to know you and to seeing lots of layouts in the gallery.

[Laurel Lakey]

Jo has summed it up pretty well. I think it really is a personal decision, though, because only you know if you're going to want to do this professionally someday. That's the biggest reason that I would recommend going to CS3. That's what I use, it's what I lucked in to, actually, and it does give you a lot more control over your layouts than PSE would. Having said that, though, PSE is a great, capable program that tons of people use and love. So if this is something that you're going to be doing as a hobby, I think PSE would be sufficient. If you are willing to spend the big bucks and want to have the pro version, then CS3 would be for you. Like I said, it's pretty much a personal decision.

 

HTH!