Hardware and Software Requirements for using Simply Digital™ CDs and Downloads (updated 03/24/2008)PC System Requirements* Mac System Requirements* *A photo quality color printer is recommended,
if printing layouts
Simply Digital CD and Download Products Overview
A feature on many of our CDs is a help file (help.html), which will open up a help interface, as well as an option to print an image catalog for your reference. This page also has links to our website, as well as a coupon code for your next purchase, however, you need to be connected to the Internet for these links to work. To work with the files on the CD, you need to open them within your image editor of choice and not from this help file. The following CDs have this feature: Simply Moments, Simply Elegant Albums, Simply Celebrations, Simply School Days, Simply Recreation, Simply Memories, Simply Kids, Simply Stated, Simply Vintage, Simply Sampler When you view the CD contents within your browser, you will see it is broken down into most of the following folders (CD content varies- see View Contents links for each CD here):
The layout folders contain fully-layered PSD layout templates, including all the elements needed to make a page: background papers, photo mats, embellishments, title art, and sometimes poetry already laid out in a beautiful design (see below for further explanation). These background folders also contain Quick Page flattened templates in JPEG format, in which you can add your own photos, text, and embellishments on top of. If included, the AlphaSets folder includes dimensional letters and numerals you can use for artistic title and word art. The embellishment folder contains realistic elements we’ve created to add dimension and texture to your layouts. And, finally, Page Paks include coordinating papers and embellishments. Below is an outline of each of the image types and how best to use them in your scrapbooking or paper crafting.
12 x 12 Layouts and 8.5 x
11 Layouts (CDs) If your image editor of choice is not compatible with PSD files, you can open the JPEG version of the same layout. Even though the JPEG file will be flat, it is still a great deal of fun to create with, as described in the Background section below. If your software does support PSD files, open a desired layout from the CD that has a .psd extension. You will notice when using the PSD files that all text has been rasterized (or simplified), which means it is no longer text, but an image. We did this for ease of use for you. As you most likely have different fonts saved on your system than our company does, you would be given an error if you opened a file without the same fonts on your system. Therefore, we simplified the text, and you can use it as is, or delete it and add your own in your font of choice. We added text to aid you in your layout design, but it is there only as an aid. Go to our website, www.cottagearts.net, for recommended fonts, great font websites, and downloading font tutorials. Just check out our resources on our Home page or click on the Tutorials link. When creating a custom layout with our templates, save the new files as PSD files (.psd extension), in order to maintain the separate layers. Saving in other formats will most likely FLATTEN the image and make it impossible to edit the individual elements.
12 x 12
Backgrounds and 8.5 x 11 Backgrounds or Papers (CDs and Downloads) Once you open a background image in the software of your choice, you can add photos, text, and embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind layout. You can then save it in PSD file format, if possible, as this will retain all of your added layers. If your image editor does not support PSD file formats, save the page in the software’s native format. You can resize background papers to whatever size you wish, but remember to constrain proportions so they do not get distorted. You may also crop these to any smaller size and maintain high print quality. A favorite technique is to layer background papers on top of each other, “tear” each of them into different sizes and shapes, then apply drop shadows, giving a life-like 3D appearance. Again, see our tutorials for more step-by-step help. You can print the paper backgrounds for use in traditional scrapbooking and collage art, as well. Epson has 12” x 12” archival scrapbook photo papers for use with inkjet printers. This is very exciting, as it’s a favorite paper size for scrapbookers.
Embellishments and
AlphaSets (CDs and Downloads) There are some fun, unique embellishments we created that you are sure to love adding to your layouts like buttons, frames, fibers, slide mounts, torn paper, ribbon, charms, tags, eyelets, etc. Each CD has different embellishments, which coordinate with the specific product line. One point we’d like to make is when you open a PNG file within Adobe Photoshop/Elements and try to click and drag it into a layout, you might find the image is LOCKED. To unlock an image in Adobe Photoshop/Elements see image and instructions below:
Most of our embellishments were created with a slight drop shadow for dimension and realism. However, some of them were intentionally left without one, allowing you to customize the shadow. In Adobe Photoshop Elements, this can easily be accomplished in Layer Styles/Drop Shadows. We usually select Low or Soft and then adjust the direction and intensity of the shadow in Layer>Layer Style>Layer Settings. For a more detailed tutorial on adding drop shadows, click here. Most other digital imaging packages can also apply a drop shadow. For example, the steps to create a drop shadow in Corel Paint Shop Pro are Effects>3-D Effects>Drop Shadow>Customize dialog to your preference. Look in your image editor’s help documentation for more details.
Page Paks (CDs and Downloads)
ScrapOver Templates (CDs
and Downloads)
Printing
Tutorials Now you are ready to go play! Thank you for buying our product, and we hope it is a great addition to your scrapbooking tool base. Just e-mail us at support@cottagearts.net, if you have any questions or concerns. We will do our best to reply within two business days. Happy Scrapping! The Team at CottageArts.net |
