Quick Tip #6:
Find an easy,
inexpensive way
to print pages

I'm convinced that using your photos to create beautiful modern digital scrapbook pages, and
then printing them and sharing them online, is
the best way to unlock the potential of your
photos. Remember you can create modern digital
scrapbook pages in Square (12 X 12, also print-
able as 8 X 8) and Letter (8 ½ X 11). Fusion
Albums also include 4 X 6 prints. You may choose the size of your album based on your best
printing option.

PHOTO PRINT RETAILERS

These sites offer reasonably-priced prints that accept JPEG files via upload. Several also offer photo sharing and storage. You may want to choose separate sites for printing and sharing (as I do); I don't think you must find a one-site-fits-all. Note: I have not tested all of these sites for quality, but I plan to, and will share the results in my blog.

If you are creating Square (12 X 12) layouts, some of these sites print 12 X 16 or 12 X 18 sheets. The last section of this Quick Tip explains how print your Square files in these sizes.

In-store pickup. These retailers also offer home delivery and many locations offer one-hour service: Costco.com (requires Costco membership), Samsclub.com (requires Sam's Club membership), Target.com.

Home delivery. Shutterfly.com, PEphoto.com (can pickup in New York City area), Snapfish.com, Winkflash.com, Scrapbooksplease.com (offers a variety of paper options with costs that go down to .99 for a 12 X 12 with a white border).

Photosharing sites with print home delivery. Flickr.com, Photobucket.com, Smugmug.com. (I go into more detail about online sharing in Quick Tip # 7.)

Retail copy centers that print high-quality 8½ X 11 laser prints in-store: Kinkos.com, Officedepot.com, Staples.com. These prints will have a white border approximately ¼" around all edges. Remember, Clean Sheets Page Templates in Letter format are designed with a white border to accommodate this type of printing.

Photo books. You can create modern digital scrapbook pages and have them bound into a custom photobook via these websites: Shutterfly.com, Scrapbooksplease.com. I love Family Yearbooks, which is a collection of modern digital scrapbook pages from an entire year. This makes a particularly beautiful gift.

HOME PHOTO PRINTERS

Most of us start digital scrapbooking by purchasing prints from retailers, but nothing beats the ease of printing your pages in the comfort of your home studio. Although I did a lot of research, I am hesitant to offer recommendations for specific printers. For specific product reviews, I recommend cnet.com. But here are some thoughts as you begin exploring this option.

First, determine paper size:

4 X 6 Prints. I have seen them as inexpensive as .06 each from retailers. My research of the cost of printing your own 4 X 6's show they run from .07 to .45 each, which includes paper and consumables. Convenience is a huge factor.

8 ½ X 11 Prints. Many people find 8 ½ X 11 pages to be the most flexible option. You can print them on a regular ink jet printer, but you may find that the print quality is low, and/or consumable prices are prohibitively high when you print ink-heavy pages. However, There are several low-to moderately-priced photo printers that print this size.

High-quality laser printers can also be used to print 8 ½ X 11 sheets with a white border. If you already have a good laser printer, research different effects with various laser-friendly papers. Just remember you can't use glossy photo paper in a laser printer, and remember the cost of those consumables!

8 X 8 Prints. You can create your layouts as 12 X 12 and easily print as 8 X 8. On your home printer, print at 65% to print an 8 X 8 image. After printing, trim the edges.

12 X 12 Prints. Home printer options include a few moderately-priced models designed for home use. Many digital scrapbookers swear by the convenience and quality of their 12 X 12 home printers.

The big four in affordable home photo printers are Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, and Epson. To read comparisons and reviews of the latest models, I recommend you visit cnet.com.

TIP: To print a 12 X 12 project as a 12 X 18: With your final JPEG file open, go to Resize>Canvas Size and replace 12 Width X 12 Height with 12 W X 18 H. Save your project and order your print. When you receive the print, trim the white space.