Page sizes

[agarzaldynrd]

Way back when I first started digi-scrapping, Debra gave me directions for saving my los. I save a psd, a jpeg, then I resize and save a web-ready. All my los are 12x12. I'm thinking of switching to 8x10 just for storage/display purposes. How do I save for that size? What is the dpi? Is there any way to save what I already have in a different size? So many questions that are technical in nature that I have no clue about. Any advice is appreciated.

[scrapmami]

I'm going to answer two ways, because I'm not sure if you're referring to computer disk storage or physical storage (printed pages).

Computer storage:
Are you keeping all your psd files? Some people may disagree with me, but when I like my final page, after I've checked it to see if it's okay, I delete the psd file. They're always huge files, eating up way too much memory. the way i see it, when I paper scrapbook, once I'm done with a page, I'm done. If you're really hesitant about deleting all your psd files, at least put them on dvds to clear up some space. Another option, instead of 8 x 10, that uses less memory would be 8 x 8 if you prefer a perfect square to work on.

Physical Storage:
For the past year, I'd been resizing all my pages to 8 x 8 so that I could print them from home. Unfortunately, it's quite expensive once you take the ink and paper into account. Then I decided to try Shutterfly, which lets you upload your own digital pages and make them into a hardbound book of up to 100 pages. I just ordered a book with around 85 of my layouts in it. It would have taken me several large, bulky scrapbooks to house all these layouts. Now, I'll have them in a hardbound coffee table style book, which will take up 1/10 of the space. I haven't received mine yet, but should be getting it in the next couple of days and will let you know how it came out.

[agarzaldynrd]

Thanks for the response. Both answers are very useful. Space does seem to be an issue both on my hard drive and in my house!!

[OneMemory]

Anna, to answer your other question...NO. LOL if you have created 12X12's you can print them in any smaller size square format-8X8, 6X6, 4X4, 1X1-WHATEVER as long as they are square.
I have a new line of products coming out next month that will help you to take a square layout and shrink to fit an 8X10 or 8.5 X11 size page without redoing it all.
Best of luck!

[ponicedan]

Thanks to both of you for responding to Anna's question. I also was interested in knowing how to do this. I can use all the advice I can get as a newbie!

[tweederbug]

I have been doing 12x12 and just switched to 8x8. I like the looks of them and they do take up less space !

[elenasworld]

I scrap 12x12 since most digi kits are designed that way. Once I am done, I resize to 8x8, save my .jpg file, create a web size version for uploading to galleries and then I save the .psd file in the new size. Every month or so, I burn my layouts to DVD to free up space on my hard drive.

Since I dont print things right away, I keep the .psd files so when I go back and print I can easily adjust to what ever format I decide -- photobooks are what I usually print (and I have tried several online places to do this, and they all have different guidelines)

As much as I proof read, I often find I have typos in my pages once I upload to a gallery. that's the other reason I keep the .psd's for a while.

[britnkaysmemaw2]

I always do my lo's in 8x8 so I can print them myself. I like Liz's idea of doing the lo in 12x12 and then resizing when done. That sure would make it easier, especially on those speed scraps, lol.
I just solved my hard drive problems. My DH bought me a 1TB external HD. Good ole wally world has them on rollback for $119. Gotta love that store, and isn't it great I am helping out the economy, lol.

[scooter59]

Hi Anna,

I also always keep my LO's, both PSD, JPG and Save for Web. But I keep them on an external HD. I also use Mozy to back up my computer and HD. I once had my PC crash and lost a bunch of pictures and LO's now having an automatic back-up is a blessing and I really don't have to worry about space.

Ravelle

[donakat]

I've had a small photo book printed (not scrapbook pages, but pictures and a story), and I love how well it turned out. I used Blurb, but there are any number of places that will do the same thing. So far I prefer the 12x12 prints, but I did do an 8x8 album for my mom, printing the LOs at home (plain paper), then consulting with her and changing some, adding some, and finally had the ones I wanted printed by Costco on photo paper. It helped me work out some problems I had with keeping track of all the layouts for the book, etc.