[MaryJo]

Hi everyone, I am new to digital scrapbooking . My question is I have MS works, word processor, is this the same as word or do I have to invest in a new program? I am unsure of the difference. Can anyone help? I purchased Ro's tutorial and have started looking thru them, but I can't find the answer to my question. Thanks in advance for the help .

[MichaelsMomJo]

Microsoft Works and Word are two different software packages. Word is part of Microsoft Office and does have a bit more functionality than Works does. I imagine you would be able to do some of what Ro demonstrates in her video, but not necessarily all of it. And some of the commands might be a little different. Most people choose to scrap using a graphics program like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, or Paint Shop Pro.

You might want to spend some time playing with Works and seeing if you can apply what Ro demonstrates in the video. You might be able to make it work. If not, there are other avenues you can explore. HTH!

[Germon's Mom]

Works is a stripped-down version of Word. I've never used it for scrapping, but in terms of word-processing, it is far more limited than Word. Try it out and see if Works will function using the instructions Ro gives you for Word first before you start looking at other programs--especially if you've already bought the videos!

[MaryJo]

Thank you both for the input. I thought it was something like that. Unknown to me my son installed the Photoshop elements when he was home on leave. I assume when viewing Ro's videos I just use the photoshop instead of the word. I found online that I can download word free for 30 days. Which would be better to start with? I'm all ears... I have tons of photos just waiting to be done ... Especially of my son in Iraq. He sends us photos as often as he can and i really want to have them done when he comes home in January.. Thanks again, MaryJo

[MichaelsMomJo]

Honestly, if you have Photoshop Elements on the computer, that would be the way to go. Word is first and foremost a word processor, not a graphics program. So although Word can be used for scrapbooking, it's not ideal. It is also an expensive program, so you'll be paying a lot for it when your trial is up. If you have Elements already, I'd go ahead and use that. Even if you wanted to buy Ro's videos for it, it's still less to do that than to pay for Word. But ultimately, the decision about what software to use is a personal one. You have to decide what you're most comfortable with.

[MaryJo]

I truly don't want to go to that expense. I am going to try it tonight with the photoshop elements and see how it goes. Thanks so much and happy birthday to your son.

[anna]

Welcome to ScrapGirls, MaryJo! Many many people here use PSE (Photoshop Elements), and so if you run into problems, post your questions on the message board. Usually you will get an answer within minutes. On the other hand, not many use Word for scrapping. I for one wouldn't have a clue how to help you with that. So, if you want my opinion, jump on in with PSE. You'll be scrapping in no time!

BTW, there is no such thing as a silly question here. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask. We've all been new at this, so we know what it's like. And we're all happy to help!

[MaryJo]

anna, on Aug 19 2007, 12:36 AM, said:

Welcome to ScrapGirls, MaryJo! Many many people here use PSE (Photoshop Elements), and so if you run into problems, post your questions on the message board. Usually you will get an answer within minutes. On the other hand, not many use Word for scrapping. I for one wouldn't have a clue how to help you with that. So, if you want my opinion, jump on in with PSE. You'll be scrapping in no time!

BTW, there is no such thing as a silly question here. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask. We've all been new at this, so we know what it's like. And we're all happy to help!

HI Anna, and thank you for the info. Actually I did just that. I purchased the ebook and started last night. So far so good! I have transferred all my photos and it was a breeze. I have so many ideas in my head, I know today will be filled with scrapbooking!!!! Again Thank you for the advice... have a great day. MaryJo

[crush4dolphins]

Welcome to our addiction! You're gonna love it here. Try your free downloads from PSE, PSP, ACD or PS depending on your budget. All of these offer 30 day fee trial. The most popular are PSE and PSP. Like them both but tend to stick with PSE because theres more out there for it and it's better on my computer, but PSP can do a lot more, esp for designing. Good luck and looking forward to seeing you los.