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I really want to try digi stamping, but I'm not graphics program savvy (to put it politely)... Does anyone here use Stampin Up's MDS? Their website says you can only use their downloads in MDS, but can you use other companies' images in MDS? Is there another program you like better that is very user friendly/easy to learn?
I use Studio which is a free program really meant as a design program for cutting machines. But you can do so much to your digital images with it. There are plenty of tutorials on UKScrappers on how to use it.
Kandmwilson & BathBelle's suggestion for those programs will both work great for digis. If you already own MDS and are comfortable using it, you can bring your digi stamp into it to resize, flip, or rotate into the program and print from there.
Have you heard of Studio J? It's Close to my Heart's digital scrapbook program. studioj.com. You can get onthe site, it's VERY user-friendly, and you only pay for layouts you decide to order.
MDS2 is a great program. You can use other images in it, and you can also use the MDS downloads in other programs. You don't have to have MDS to use them. That said, you can try MDS2 free for 30 days. It will give you a peek at what it can do. You can also visit My Digital Studio for help and information. There are so many videos and samples there.
Have fun creating!
__________________ Elizabeth Proud SU! demo since 2006! my SU! website my blog
SCS Fan Club Member
another newbie question about digi's...... once you've purchased them and they are on your computer, can you put them on a cd? my kids use my computer and we've had to "fix" it like three times(lost everything that i had saved on it, lol )..... and if i understood right, you can use word to size and whatever else you want to to do digis? this is something new for me to learn..... sighs!!!
Ok, I am also a computer dinosaur.. I am on a computer all day at work...but this detailed techy stuff throws me. I ordered the 30 day free trial of MDS today....
Is that going to come into my inbox as a download or a disc in the mail?
I watched a few videos but that was not made clear. Unfortunately I do not have a catalog nearby.
Ok, I am also a computer dinosaur.. I am on a computer all day at work...but this detailed techy stuff throws me. I ordered the 30 day free trial of MDS today....
Is that going to come into my inbox as a download or a disc in the mail?
I watched a few videos but that was not made clear. Unfortunately I do not have a catalog nearby.
If I remember correctly, you should just be able to download it and then install it right away after you go through checkout. If you didn't, then you can probably go into your account and find the link to download it. If you can't find it, give their customer service a call and they can walk you through how to get it installed.
I downloaded the trial and played with it a bit. But SU did not offer me any guidance or instruction. I find that disappointing given they want to sell me the program!
I will go on line and look for information... but why does SU not offer a tutorial right with the program? Sorry to complain as it sure does look like a ton of fun!
I downloaded the trial and played with it a bit. But SU did not offer me any guidance or instruction. I find that disappointing given they want to sell me the program!
I will go on line and look for information... but why does SU not offer a tutorial right with the program? Sorry to complain as it sure does look like a ton of fun!
You might find more help on the My Digital Studio blog. Google it and you'll find it right away.
If you go here you'll find some of the beginner videos. Ones from 2011 use the older version of My Digital Studio, but are still valid and show you how to use it.
Or call/email/FB/... a demo for help.
But I've found the videos helpful!
I bought the software; unfortunately, it is time consuming to learn; and even with the purchased Cd; you really need to print off a lot of pages for the learning of the program.
It also, uses a lot of space in my computer documents, so I need to uninstall, I think.
It's too time consuming to re-install each time I use it and put it into a separate folder; if possible. there are about 120 pages in the tutorial on the CD
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
I'd like to step in here. I have been using MDS for about three years now. I found it difficult to use at first, but once I played with it, it became easier. I think the video tutorials SU! provides (and many of their demos) on mydigitalstudio.net helped with the learning curve. I also use Inkscape to create my own designs and that helped with learning SU! as well as I have an e cutter which also uses a graphics program.
I think learning any graphics program has a learning curve, but they seem to have basic components the same. Before using MDS, I was strictly a Word girl - data entry type. I haven't delved into the Photo Elements (et al) world, but from what I can tell they all work basically the same. Some of limitations which after using Inkscape, I found that MDS has those limitations. I have now purchased Craft Artist Professional 2 and it is far more robust than MDS. But, to be honest, I don't think I would be as comfortable with it if I hadn't have started with MDS (and Inkscape and Silhouette).
I have imported other digi designs into MDS. You have to do this through the administrator and it's not difficult once you figure it out. The difficult part is becoming familiar with the process not that the process is particular difficult. I can't remember if there is a vid tutorial on how to actually import "outside" digi images into MDS, but if you watch one of the vid tutorials on how to save background paper that you've created to MDS that is the process just a different component.
I purchased MDS because I'm a SU! junkie. I purchased CAP2 because it's more robust than MDS. I believe any digi program out there has it's good points and bad points, you need to weigh what you're looking for. For me, it was the kits that came with MDS and I found that there was a lot of information on how to use it at the website. The reason I purchased CAP2 was I was ready to move up to a more robust program AND I found out that I could import my MDS products into the program. Now, from what I can find out, I can't reverse CAP2 to MDS though. I also cannot design in Silhouette and transfer that to MDS, either. But I can design in MDS and transfer to Silhouette. Occasionally, I have difficulties transferring from Inkscape to MDS but I think that's more operator error than either Inkscape's or MDS's fault. (I can transfer MDS components to Inkscape - that's why I started using Inkscape.)
BTW, Inkscape is a free graphics program and has a HUGE learning curve, but what I use it for didn't take much time. There are a gazillion vids on youtube on how to use it as well.
I download MDS trial, I didn't find it difficult but I already have My Memories which is a very similar program. The price has dropped to $19.95 so I think I will be buying soon. I don't really need another program but I love the fact is has all the SU colors and many of their stamps.
Newbie needing advice re: digi programs
Digi
