Scrapbook MAX!: Step-by-Step

If you have ever thought of trying digital scrapbooking you have probably felt pretty intimidated by all of the programs and information out there. It can be pretty overwhelming! Thankfully there is hope. Scrapbook MAX! is easy-to-learn software that can get you digitally scrapping in no time.

I am going to walk you through the simple steps of the Scrapbook MAX! software, so let's go!

Step One: Getting Started

When you load the Scrapbook MAX! software to begin your layout you will be prompted to "Create a Scrapbook." You are given several options on this screen. You can choose a blank scrapbook page, or you can choose from several templates. Let's choose the blank scrapbook page. Simply click on it and then name your new page.

Step Two: Choosing Your Layout Size

Once you have loaded the blank scrapbook page you will see your "page" before you. Simply double click on the page. A screen titled "Page Settings: Page 1" will pop up. You have two options: "Background" and "Size." Click on "Size." There are several preset sizes, everything from 8" x 8" to 12" x 12". Choose your preferred size and then click "OK."

Step Three: Choosing Your Background Color

In the same screen where you choose your size is the option to change your background color. You can choose from a variety of colors and shades, or you can choose a background image. The choice is yours.

Step Four: Adding Elements

Here is where the fun begins! Scrapbook MAX! offers hundreds of papers, embellishments, alphabets and more to play with. You can also use digital scrapbooking kits from your favorite digital designer's website. It's totally up to you.

Adding a Photo:

On the toolbar you will see several options: File/Edit/Align/Page/Object/Effects/View/Help. To add a photo, choose "Object." A drop-down menu will appear. Choose "Photo." A browser window will come up. Typically it should pull up "My Pictures" or "My Documents." Simply choose the area in which you store your photos.

Once you have chosen your photo, double click it to add it to the page. A "Photo Properties" box will come up. You can choose to "shadow" the photo, which will make it transparent or opaque. You can even change the shape of it. Simply click "OK" to add it to your page.

One of my favorite features of Scrapbook MAX! is that you can enlarge or shrink your photo with a drag of the mouse. Just place your arrow on one of the "boxes" at the corner, sides or top and voila, you can enlarge it or shrink it. It's that simple! Moving your photo (or elements) is as simple as a drag of the mouse as well. Place your mouse on top of your photo and move it to the desired spot. Another neat trick is that you can rotate your photo (or elements) to tilt it, or to turn it sideways. If you place your mouse to the side of your photo a curved arrow will appear. Simply hold down the left button on your mouse to rotate.

Adding Patterned Paper & Embellishments:

Scrapbook MAX! offers tons of patterned paper and embellishment choices. But, the awesome thing about this program is that it allows you to use digital kits from other designers as well.

To add an embellishment or paper scrap simply choose "Object." A drop-down menu appears and you have the option to add a "paper scrap" or "embellishment." You can choose from the embellishments/paper that Scrapbook MAX! offers, or you can choose the "Browse" button and choose from any kits that you have downloaded. Simply choose one, double click, and then click "OK". You can move it, rotate it and change it up just like you did with your photos

Adding a Title & Journaling:

To add a title (caption) and journaling simply go back to "Objects." From the menu choose either caption (for your title) or journal text. A separate screen will appear where you can type in your title and journaling as well as choose fonts and font sizes. Once you are finished, click "OK". You can move your title and journaling just like you moved your photos.

A side note: You can also choose from the images on your browser bar, i.e. the photo, heart, etc. (These will do the same thing as the Objects menu.)

Step Five: Publishing & Saving

Once you are finished with your layout it is time to publish and save. There are several publishing options, one of which is is simply saving it in JPEG format.

Choose "File" from the browser bar. Choose "Publish To" from the drop-down menu. A second drop-down menu will appear. You are given several publishing options, but, for this article, let's choose "Images." A screen will appear that says "Image Output Options." Click on "My Documents" and from there "My Pictures." This will save your JPEG format into your "My Pictures" folder for easy access. Once you have completed this step, click "OK". Once the process is complete it will pop up with a screen that says "Publishing Complete."

See how simple Scrapbook MAX! makes digital scrapbooking? I hope that these steps will help to get you started on your way to digital scrapping and a new passion.

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!