Discover scrapbooking tools that are available online, many of which are free.

Online tools for scrapbooking abound, if you know the right places to look. After reading about what is available, you'll be armed with knowledge to locate the best tools to suit your needs. Online scrapbooking supplies and tools fall into two broad categories: those that are free and those that are not. Within those categories, you may find everything from downloadable kits to 3D templates, computer software and scrapbooking-centered networks with forums and blogs.

Free Online Tools for Scrapbooking

Here are four of the leading sites which offer free online tools to create scrapbooks:

• Canon's Creative Park - This company offers a free downloadable kit that allows you to print standard scrapbook pages. Create new books or add to your existing books. Canon also offers downloadable 3D templates.

• Scrapblog - This company features an online scrapbooking tool with site-to-site photo uploading. The software searches your digital photo storage (both on your computer and on other websites) and gathers the photos to your Scrapblog webpage. You may print out your photos as well. This tool offers easy drag-and-drop technology.

• Shutterfly - This company offers free membership and unlimited photo storage. Create photobooks, websites and digital scrapbooks, network with other enthusiasts, and read step-by-step guides.

• My Photo Album - This site offers a free membership to create photo albums and scrap books. Share and store photos; enjoy the use of hundreds of designs. You may also purchase prints or gifts.

Buy Online Tools for Scrapbooking

Sometimes there is an advantage to using paid services and tools. It is convenient to use photo printing services or computer software programs which offer options that meet your needs. Here are two of the leading companies for paid scrapbooking services:

1. CVS Photo Center - This company allows you to upload and arrange your photos. You may decorate them online or print them out to decorate at home. CVS offers one of the most well known photo printing services.
2. StoryBook Creator 2.0 - This specialized scrapbooking software features a variety of template options and design themes for scrapbooks and photo books.

Scrapbooking Computer Software

The following computer software products are available for purchase. They are all commonly used for scrapbooking projects. Prices vary depending upon the retailer.

• Memory Mixer
• My Memories Suite
• Digital Scrapbook Artist
• Photo Fusion
• Art Explosion Scrapbook Factory Deluxe
• Photo One Print
• Hallmark Scrapbook Studio
• Photo Collage Studio
• PhotoMix
• Smile Box

Printing Out Digital Scrapbooks

Most of the online tools given above allow you to print out a physical copy of your scrapbook and accompanying photos. Specialized tools and software help you create truly unique additions to your scrapbooks, like photo mosaics, picture words and custom-tinted black and white photographs. Once you have created your digital scrapbook, you may want to decorate it at home so you'll have a copy to put on the coffee table for others to enjoy, or to put in a safe place as a keepsake.

This is when scrapbooking, craft and hobby supplies come in very handy. Although it is relatively easy and very nice to create a scrapbook digitally, it is also nice to hold the physical object in your hands and "touch" the memories. Crafts and scrapbooks have a delightful way of bringing people together - whether it is virtually or in the real world, in your own home or across the globe.

References:
Scrapbooking Software Reviews
Online Scrapbooking Tools