Using layered templates is the absolutely easiest way to learn how to scrapbook digitally. A year ago, I shared a simple descriptive tutorial on using layered templates and I thought it might be nice to add on to that lesson. Below I share a 10 minute video guiding you through the process of starting a digital layout with Photoshop Elements.
How to use layered templates with PSE from Simple Scrapper on Vimeo.
Ali Edwards has a great video on this topic as well, where she illustrates a slightly different approach. Generally, I only drag items to my page from an opened file if I need to edit the file first. I find that the File > Place approach helps to save RAM by minimizing open files. That said, both approaches work great!
Thanks so much for the layered template refresher video. I enjoyed watching both videos from Simple Scrapper and Ali Edwards.
Thanks for the video. I learned several things that should make my digital scrapbooking easy.
Can you tell me more about the RAM issue you mentioned? I’ve only ever dragged whatever papers, elements, etc. to my LO from another open file in PS. I never thought about RAM usage before.
If you have ever watched the list of processes on your computer, you can see the amount of memory each is taking grows and shrinks with what you ask it to do. Additionally, each open application adds to the total memory used by applications and other system tasks. So while opening a lot of files, especially those with large file sizes, does not impact that total as opening multiple programs, it is important to be mindful of the total drain on your system. The last thing you want to happen is have PSE crash before you’ve saved. This is especially true if you’re running 1-2GB of RAM (or less).
Makes total sense really, I just never thought of it like that. I’m pretty sure I’ve got 4GB, maybe why I haven’t had a problem. But it’s a good thing to be aware of for sure. Thanks for mentioning it!