As a magazine designer, I would never create a page layout without a plan, and the same holds true in creating?modern digital scrapbook pages. With a little planning, you'll create more pages in less time. It eliminates sitting in?front of a blank computer screen, not sure where to start on a page.

I've designed a page planner that you can download as a PDF. Make several prints of this sheet (there are two planners per page) and store them in your resource binder.

PLAN YOUR BACKLOG. Got some catching up to do? The "assembly line" method of dealing with a photo backlog helps you get a lot of pages done in a short amount of time. Print a stack of planners and crank it up. Here's how:

1) Make sure you've organized your photos (see Quick Tip #3). Open an event folder, browse the Scrap photos, and write down the number of photos you'll use and memories jogged by the images on the planner. Go from one event to the next, not worrying about completing the rest of the planner.

2) When you've entered this info for several events — some people like to do six months at a time — go back and take the time to do all of the creative writing (descriptive word and journaling). Again, do just that portion of every planner.

3) Now you're ready to plan your layout. Your planner shows the number of photos, and includes notes about the event, and this will help you choose the color palette, Clean Sheet Page Template, digital paper and page accessories.

4) Choose the products you'll use for each page and write them down. Look at the templates you already have. Or, it may be time to go to the Studio Boutique. When you're ready to download, you'll have an organized shopping list. You can just do one page a day, and download only those products you need immediately, or stock up on supplies for several pages.

You'll have some design decisions to make as you bring together your photos, your digital page elements, and your creative writing. Quick Tip #8 explores some of them. That's when the real fun begins!

KEEPING UP. Even if you only have one page to do, the planner helps you get it done efficiently. Here's what the planner includes:

Event, Date and Place. Every Clean Sheet Page Template has a place for this information.

Photo Files. Describe where the photo files are; hopefully in an event folder with the same name.

Clean Sheet Page Layout Template. Since you now know the number of photos you want to use, scan the Boutique to find the one that appeals to you and jot down the name.

Background Digital Paper/Patterned Digital Paper. Every project will include a background layer, and a patterned digital paper layer for interest. You can choose to keep your background white, or make it a solid color. You may also choose a coordinating pattern for interest.

Accessories. Clean Sheets Page Templates include suggested placement for Accessories. Look through the accessories indexes and jot down your choices.

Descriptive Word, Captions and Journaling Text. I believe it is better to compose your text BEFORE you're facing a half-completed digital layout! It is easier to relax with a pen in hand and let your journaling flow on your planner. Or, you can write the journaling in Microsoft Word and easily cut and paste it into your page.

Quick Tip #10 helps you choose your journaling style. Most Clean Sheet Page Templates have room for about 80 words. Or, you can use Personal History Pages (which are in Microsoft Word) and insert them in your Fusion Album.

That's it! With your page planner at hand, you can now open Photoshop Elements and browse to everything you need to create a page. Your projects will take shape quickly and you won't have sacrificed any creativity.

Planning saves a ton of time — but if you get to the creating stage, and brilliance strikes — feel free to go another direction. Always follow your inspirations!