Our Simply ScrapOver templates are a popular choice because they are so easy to use and help you get so much done in no time!  Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to use them with Photoshop Elements.  Most other image editors that are compatible with PNG formats would follow similar steps.  Our sample is using the fun Birthday Bash 6-Pak ScrapOver Album, which includes 6 intrically-pieced 12x12 templates.

See our selection of
Downloadable ScrapOver
Templates here

What you’ll need:

•  Adobe Photoshop Elements® 1.0 or higher (or any other image editor that supports PNG files, such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Digital Image Pro, Ulead PhotoImpact, etc.)

•  Simply ScrapOver template of choice (available from CottageArts.net's shop)

• Photograph(s) in digital format

You’ll learn how to make:

•  Finished layout ready to print, e-mail, or post to on-line gallery

Open Photoshop Elements

Open a Simply ScrapOver template within Photoshop Elements:

Choose File > Open and browse your system for the template you want to open.  We chose Birthday_Vertical Slanted.png from our Birthday Bash Album.

Click Open. 

Notice the transparent openings for your photo, which is what makes ScrapOver templates so easy to use!

Add Photo

Choose File > Browse and browse your system for the photo you want to open. Click and drag photo onto template.

Resize and Reposition Photo

With the Move Tool selected and by holding the shift key (to retain proportion) drag the corners pulls of the photo by dragging in or outward to size to photo opening in template.  Also, rotate if needed. In this particular template the opening has a slant so it is a good idea to slightly rotate the photo counter-clockwise.

If desired, rename this layer (named raster2 or background) to PHOTO to help distinguish it.  Right click on it in the layer palette, select Rename, and give it the name of your choice. Enhance your photo as needed such as brightening or adjusting the hue/saturation.

Move Photo beneath Template

Choose the layer named Layer 1 or PHOTO if you renamed it, in the layer palette, which is the upper layer at the time and is the photo.

Click on it and drag upward in the layer palette, so it is now below the template.

Voila!  The photo is now perfectly sized and has an automatic drop shadow around it. 

Repeat steps if there are openings for more photos.

Add Text

Click the Horizontal Type Tool tool on the tool bar and choose font and settings from menu across the top. Be sure you are on a layer above the photo and template layers.

Place cursor in position on layout where you want title to appear.

Type journaling, adjust position and size, if necessary.

Add additional text in different fonts and colors, if desired.

Add Drop Shadow to text (optional)

If desired, add drop shadow to text, for added dimension.

Open Styles and Effects Palette and select Drop Shadows. With the layer of the text highlighted as the active layer, click on the shadow of your choice. Usually Low works well. For a more detailed tutorial on modifying your drop shadow settings in Photoshop Elements, click here.

Save and Print Layout

You’re done!  Save as a .psd format file to retain layers (choose File > Save As: >.psd).  Print at any square size on photo paper using the highest quality setting. If you do not have a wide format printer and want to print at 12x12, check out our printing article to learn about other options.

Save as .jpg format to share on the Internet (resize to 72 dpi for this option).  Good luck enjoying the ease and versatility of digital!