If you are brand new to digital scrapbooking, there is some basic terminology that you might find helpful. Here is a little compilation that I’m sure we’ll keep adding to. Let me know if there is anything that you’ve been wanting to know!
Technical terms:
.JPG: Digital Elements that do not need transparent areas. Most commonly papers and rectangular cards/elements.
.PNG: Digital Elements that need to have transparent areas are PNG files. This can be stamps, stickers, or even quick pages where the photo slot needs to be clear so you can place your photo behind it.
Canvas: The area of your page in PS/PSE. This is where you build your layout.
DPI: This is the resolution or quality of a file based on the pixel to size ratio. When creating a file, you must look at the both the size and the DPI of your document. For best results, stick with 300 DPI at a size you want to print at. So for a standard 12×12, you want the image size to be 12×12 and the quality to be 300 DPI.
Hybrid: A combination of paper scrapbooking and digital scrapbooking. You can customize and print digital items and then embellish them with physical scrapbooking items. More than just layouts, this can be items like party decorations, holiday gifts, goodie bags etc.
Layers: Just like working with paper, you are able to shift files above and below each other. In PS/PSE you’ll have a layer tool box that will allow you to quickly change the order of your layers.
Element Terms:
Actions & Styles: You can stylize your photos or elements using actions and styles. Things like making words epoxy or metal looking, or photo editing styles. There is a large variety out there, and they all do different things, so look for examples to see if it’s exactly what you want to buy before buying.
Alphas: Sets of 26 or more characters that are stylized. These are not fonts, and have to be manually arranged just like working with a chipboard or sticker alphabet.
Die Cutter Files: These are digital files that are for use with a digital die cutter like a cricut or a sihlouette. You will need specific software to be able to use these files with your cutting machine.
Elements: Elements is an all-encompassing term to describe any digital scrapbooking file that is used to adorn a layout. This includes stickers, masks, stamps, frames, borders, word art, etc.
Frames: Sometimes frames are transparent, like a rub-on or an overlay. Those types of frames can be used for anything.
Freebies: Kits that you can download for free. These items are made available so that you can get a feel for the quality of kits here at Design House Digital. These items also available so that you can learn the basics of digital scrapbooking with minimal investment.
Full Kits: A full kit is a kit that has lots of coordinating papers, elements, alphabets, and brushes.
Masks: A mask is usually a shaped file that you can use to “mask-off” an area of a photo or paper.
Mini Kits: Mini kits are made up of several coordinating papers and 4-6 elements.
Paper: Papers are 12×12 (3600px) digital files that are usually patterned or subtly textured to look like the paper or cardstock that you would find in a scrapbook store. Just like a scrapbook store, there are thousands of designs and styles to choose from.
Printables: Items like cards, invitations, calenders, and stationary that you can customize and print or just print as is and customize by hand.
Stamps, Brushes, Rub-ons: These are all basically the same thing and exactly what they sound like. Just like “real” stamps you can alter the color and place them anywhere you want on your layout. Usually a brush kit will contain PNG files for all the designs as well as a .ABR file which you can import into Photoshop/PSE and use as a brush.
Templates: Templates are usually layered files that you can use as a starting place to create a layout. You’ll need photos, digital papers, and digital elements to customize your layout. Most templates will allow you to move things around as much as you like for complete customization.
Quick Pages/Quick Albums: These are pages that are completely pre-designed and flattened. You only need to add your photos and then share or print.
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