What is digital scrapbooking?
Digital scrapbooking has evolved from the age-old craft of cutting and pasting bits of paper, fabric or photographs. Rather than going to the store to buy glue and appropriate material, graphics software enables you to create layouts which display special moments in your family's or friends' history.

Developments in technology (digital cameras in particular) have spawned a new generation of scrapbooking artists, thus increasing the popularity of digital scrapbooking. It's easier to create layouts this way than to print photos for traditional photo albums, and that's not the only advantage, as you'll soon discover.

You can create digital photobooks loaded with different colours, fonts, banners, images, drawings, newspaper clippings and certificates. You will be able to share the scrapbooks quickly and easily with people far and wide.

This variation on a common hobby is gaining momentum and can be undertaken with very basic computer skills and easy-to-use graphics software. If it's more stylish and elaborate results you're after, you can use a professional graphics program.

What are the benefits?
As mentioned above, digital scrapbooking is more convenient than its traditional alternative, but that's not all it has to offer.

Your scrapbooks can be visible to anyone, anywhere, anytime because designs can be shared online, through email, on CD or DVD. This also means there are no bulky albums taking up room.

The process can be extremely simple and inexpensive. Templates found in software or on the web can give a homely and craft-like feel, and they're free to download in some cases. Such templates may be ideal for people wanting to spend little money and time, and yet compose attractive scrapbooks.

You can also unleash the artist in you! Digital scrapbooking really gives you the chance to realise your creativity with some software packages boasting built-in photo editing features. These will quickly add effects to your images or correct issues such as colour balance and red-eye.

Another great benefit is that you can alter elements on your pages such as backgrounds, photos and text, as well as adding to, or taking from your scrapbook at any time. There isn't any hassle and mess that comes with ripping out physical items and glueing bits and pieces back in.

How do I create a digital scrapbook?
Templates are readily available and essentially mean the hard work is done for you. All you need to do is add your own photos and text perfect for beginners. Or if you fancy yourself as a bit of a professional artist, you can fully customise scrapbooks yourself and take advantage of advanced features like blending, layers and masks.

A page is typically made up of background papers one paper can cover the entire page or several composed together can create a layered effect. Scrapbooking overlays are also frequently used because they cover the page but leave space for you to add photos and elements.

These elements, or embellishments, enhance the layout and are the focal point of your scrapbook. Many websites sell them, some offer them for free download, and you can even create elements yourself. Some scrapbooking programs enable you to do this without using any additional software.

Digital scrapbooking has seen a real surge in popularity, largely due to its effectiveness and convenience. What's more, there's an abundance of free online resources and video tutorials on how it's done to get you started.