Digital or printable paper is decorative paper that you can print at home and use in place of traditional scrapbooking or decorative paper. These images can also be used in digital crafting projects.
Unlike traditional scrapbooking and decorative paper, however, this is a digital product that exists solely in digital form on your computer until you print it out. Digital paper isn't just for digital scrapbooking and, when printed, it can be used in many ways.
Advantages of Digital Paper
There are many advantages of digital scrapbooking paper. These include:
- Storage – Digital paper is stored on your computer, therefore you don't need to worry about storing packs of paper so that they do not get damaged. Many hundreds of digital papers can be stored on your computer if required.
- Convenience – Digital papers are very convenient to use. They often delivered instantly, thus meaning that there is no wait when you are wanting to start on a special project. Also, because you can store them on your computer and use as many times as you like, you don't need to worry about running out of a particular type of paper.
- Cost – The cost of a pack of digital paper is often much less than the traditional scrapbooking paper equivalent. This is because you are buying just the digital image; there is no cost for materials, transportation, etc.
- Delivery – Digital paper is typically delivered by download. Therefore there are no delivery or packaging costs. Some digital paper and other crafting products are offered on a CD and there can be an additional cost associated with delivery
Disadvantages of Digital Scrapbooking Paper
While there are some real advantages to digital paper for scrapbooking, paper crafts and card making, there are also some downsides that should be considered. These include:
- Printing cost – The cost of digital paper is often less, as you are buying the design and not the printed version. If you want to print the paper at home, you must consider the printing cost. Lots of large printed pages can use up a significant quantity of ink.
- Print quality – The quality of the printed paper will only ever be as good as your printer and paper. Therefore, digital paper that looks great on your screen may appear disappointing if printed on a low quality printer or paper.
- Storage – While digital papers can be stored on your computer hard drive, they can take up a lot of space. Many digital scrapbookers and crafters find that they need to use an external hard drive to keep all of their digital papers and other digital crafting elements stored.
Digital paper won't be for everyone, however it can provide an interesting alternative to traditional paper. Many digital scrapbook supply websites and other digital crafting supply stores offer regular free items and this can be a great way to try working with digital paper and see if it is right for you.
Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
