Creative Memories StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0
FAQs
What is StoryBook 3.0?
Creative Memories® StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 Software is an innovative, easy-to-use digital scrapbooking software program with unlimited creative potential. This software lets you create StoryBook photo books, as well as greeting cards, Page Prints, newsletters, stationery, photo gifts and desktop wallpaper for your computer screen. An ever-growing assortment of digital artwork provides the paper and embellishments you need to celebrate your favorite memories and keep your creativity alive. With this software, these creative resources are right at your fingertips 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Print your projects at home or online at Digital Center.
What are the new features of version 3.0?
A few of our favorites are:
1. Journaling and Text Enhancements
You’ve never been able to do more with text and journaling! Wrap your text around images and objects, fill any shape with text. You can even draw a line, straight or curvy, and text will follow the line. And we’ve added an “insert symbol” option to support special characters. When you are selecting a font you’ll see a preview of each font as your mouse moves over font options, and you’ll find the most recently used fonts at the top of the list. Just enter the first letter of a font name and the software will bring you directly to that portion of the list.
2. Project Auto-Populate
After selecting photos, you can choose to auto-populate your project with them – a unique smart feature that populates templates based on photo dates and times.
3. Facebook Upload
Share your pages and other creations with your friends. Now your pages can easily be uploaded to Facebook right from your software!
4. Page Resizing
No need to re-do all your hard work for multiple project needs. Now you can resize your 12 x 12 project to 8 x 8 or your 8.5 x 11 to 7 x 5! Order a large copy for yourself and a smaller version for friends and family. Note: You may need to make minor adjustments to text boxes and other items, so be sure to check your pages after resizing.
5. Two-page Spread Viewing
This improved 3.0 feature allows you to view both sides of your two-page StoryBook spread at the same time for easier editing and alignment of items across two pages.
6. Improved Content Manager
See and sort your digital artwork to easily find what you’re looking for. Assign keywords that are searchable to quickly locate the paper, embellishment, or color scheme you want.
7. Easy Upgrading from StoryBook Creator Plus 2.0
When you upgrade from StoryBook Creator Plus 2.0, the software will find your most recently used projects and your purchased content and move them over to version 3.0 automatically.
Other new features:
• Grid cutting tool to cut an element into a grid of equally-sized rectangles.
• New straight cutter options, including paper tears, blended edges, and patterned edges using shapes and more; new corner cutters too!
• Rubber stamping tool allows users to create a rubber stamp effect from any element on the page.
• New filters to add an artistic effect to your photos or any element on your page.
• Add a page element directly to your content library from the page you’re working on, or add any papers and embellishments directly from files on your computer rather than having to load the files into the content library first.
• Self-Installing Packages: Content packages will now automatically be loaded into the software when you download them – just click on “Open” when you’re downloading.
• Easier access to Memory Manager 3.0 photos – just click on Get Photos/from Memory Manager and the program will open and allow you to share your photos with any open StoryBook.
• Photos – you can now sort your photos by date. You can also remove multiple photos at once. And you can choose to view either: All Photos, Photos Already Used, or Photos Not Used.
• You can now mat a photo with any paper. And the new frames will allow you to double-mat, triple-mat, even quadruple-mat a photo! Each layer of these mats can be individually changed.
• You can add a favorite page from any project to your home page (much better than viewing the software logo).
• User settings section now includes setting the location for both purchased packages and user-created content.
• Custom-sized projects now allow the user to specify the bleed on all four sides of the page in addition to the page size.
• Anything the user can add to the page is now available on the new Insert ribbon, including inserting a straight line, straight path and curved path.
• The license manager now shows a list of current license keys and which content packages are unlocked by a particular license key.
• A new touchup photo option gives you five new brushes.
• Tutorials are included with the software – a Virtual Tour and “Getting Started” overview.
• New Display ribbon group on the View ribbon gives the user the option to choose between High Speed (which moves the program around faster but user will see elements “jump” slightly at times) and High Quality (runs a bit slower but no effect on any elements as you move through the process).
Why should I upgrade?
StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 Software has many enhancements that allow you even more creative freedom than previous versions. As you can see from the new features listed above, the value of the 3.0 upgrade is truly worth every penny. Although we will continue to support StoryBook Creator Plus 2.0 through the end of 2010, we will not be releasing any updates or new functionality for version 2.0.
What is the cost to upgrade?
The cost to upgrade is $19.95 for either the Upgrade CD or download.
Why is there a cost to upgrade?
Significant enhancements add to the value of the product. You rarely see an upgrade price as reasonable as ours. Beginning in November 2009, the upgrade price will increase to $19.95, which is still almost 70 percent off the full list price of the software. Minor updates and changes will remain free.
How do I upgrade?
You can purchase the upgrade on a CD or as a download from your Consultant’s Personal Web Site or www.creativememories.com
What information do I need to upgrade?
You will need:
• The serial number from StoryBook Creator Plus (in case the software doesn’t automatically find it)
• Your new serial number from StoryBook Creator Plus Upgrade (from the packaging of your CD or on the e-mail confirmation from your download purchase)
How do I get my packages and projects from version 2.0 onto version 3.0?
When you install the Upgrade the software will find your content automatically.
How long will you support the StoryBook Creator 2.0 free version and Plus?
Creative Memories will support StoryBook Creator Plus 2.0 through Dec. 31, 2010. We will discontinue support of the free version of 2.0 as of Sept. 1, 2009, as it will be replaced with a new free version, StoryBook Creator 3.0.
What are the minimum system requirements for version 3.0?
Operating System: Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
Processor: 1.5 GHz (2 GHz or higher recommended), 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
System memory (RAM): 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
Monitor: 1024 x 768 resolution or greater with 32-bit color
Disk space: 2 GB free space on system drive for software installation; as needed on system drive or other drive for storage of projects and content.
Other: Mouse or other pointing device; high-speed Internet connection is recommended
Note: Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration.
How do I install version 3.0?
The software comes with a QuickStart User Guide that will take you step by step through the installation and activation of your software.
Where do I find the serial number for StoryBook Creator?
Your serial number can be found on the back of your CD packaging or, if you purchased as a download, in the e-mail confirmation of your order.
What is activation and why do I have to activate the StoryBook Software?
StoryBook Creator Software is licensed software and may only be installed on one computer at a time. Activation is required to be sure all users are complying with this license.
How do I get the most recent updates for the StoryBook Software?
When you open your software and are connected to the Internet, the software will automatically check for new updates and alert you when an update is available to download and install.
Does StoryBook Software run on an Apple (MAC) computer?
Although this software will run on a newer MAC, it is not an officially supported platform. In order to run the software on a Mac, you will need a Mac with an Intel Processor, the Windows operating system, and Windows emulation software (such as Bootcamp, Parallels or Fusion).
What versions of Windows does StoryBook support?
Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista and Windows 7
How much memory (RAM) do I need to run version 3.0?
Minimum of 1GB; 2GB is recommended
How much disk space do I need to run version 3.0?
Minimum of 2 GB free space on the system drive for the software installation; as needed on the system drive or other drive for storage of projects and content.
Can I install the software on more than one computer, or is there a multi-user license?
StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 is licensed software. You may not install it on more than one computer.
Can I still use StoryBook Creator Plus 2.0 on one of my other computers, and for how long?
If you have upgraded your software to version 3.0, you may not use version 2.0 on any other computer. If you purchased the full version of 3.0, you may install version 2.0 on another computer.
Can I install version 3.0 over the 2.0 version or do I have to uninstall 2.0 first?
There is no need to uninstall version 2.0 before installing version 3.0. Once you’ve installed 3.0 and have been able to access all your content and packages, you can uninstall version 2.0 from your computer.
Can I have version 2.0 and 3.0 on the same computer?
Yes you can.
Is version 3.0 compatible with Windows 7?
Yes!
Will I be able to open my projects (created in version 2.0) in StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0?
Yes – just browse your computer for any projects that don’t automatically show up when you choose to Open a Current Project. Please note: Once you’ve opened a project in 3.0, you will no longer be able to open it in 2.0.
What other changes are coming to StoryBooks?
Beginning in September 2009, we will be discontinuing our Linen and Leatherette cover options for the 11 x 8.5 StoryBooks. These cover options will be replaced by higher-quality Creative Memories book cloth, available in eight different colors. If you have any Linen or Leatherette 11 x 8.5 StoryBooks in your shopping cart at the Creative Memories Photo Center on Sept. 1, 2009, they will be removed from your shopping cart but will still remain on your account. When you add one of these books to your shopping cart, you will be directed to choose a new book cloth cover or go back to StoryBook Creator software and create a custom cover for your book.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2009, we will offer a personalized cover for our 7 x 5 Softcover StoryBooks. If you have any 7 x 5 Softcover books without a personalized cover in your shopping cart on Oct. 1, 2009, they will be removed from your cart but will remain in your account. When you add one of these books to your shopping cart you will be directed to go to StoryBook Creator 3.0 or Plus 3.0 to create a new custom cover before ordering. You will no longer be able to create and order 7 x 5 Softcover StoryBooks using StoryBook Creator 2.0 or Plus beginning Oct. 1, 2009. An upgrade to StoryBook Creator 3.0 or Plus 3.0 will be required.
Can StoryBook Creator Plus be installed and run from an external hard drive?
We don’t recommend installing the software on an external drive, as the software itself does not take much room on your computer and it will tend to run slower if installed on an external drive. You may not install the software on an external hard drive with the intent of using it on more than one computer – the software is still tied to the computer where it was originally installed. The software is licensed for use on only one computer and if you try to move it to another computer via an external hard drive, the software will not be activated and will only run in the free version. We suggest installing the software on your computer’s hard drive and storing your pictures and projects on an external hard drive if you need more space.
What’s included with StoryBook Creator 3.0 (the free version)?
The download includes the software and the Basic Black and Basic White themes in all four book sizes (7 x 5, 8 x 8, 11 x 8.5, and 12 x 12).
What’s included with StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0?
The software includes our Discover Digital Power Palette and Predesigned Pages in all 4 sizes (7 x 5, 8 x 8, 11 x 8.5 & 12 x 12), the Delight Digital Power Palette and Predesigned Pages in all 4 sizes, Basic Black and Basic White Predesigned Pages in all 4 sizes, and the Office Supplies-Silver Digital Embellishments.
What’s included with the StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 Upgrade?
The Upgrade includes our Cottage Garden Digital Kit and Cottage Garden Predesigned Pages in 12 x 12.
What are Content Collection CDs?
A selection of digital artwork is placed on a CD for those customers who prefer a CD over a download of content.
I purchased the Content Collection CD. Where do I find my activation code?
The activation code is on the back of your CD packaging.
Will all new Predesigned Pages and Digital Power™ Palettes, Kits and Additions be available on CD?
Not all content will be available on CD, however the most popular themes will be available several times a year.
Can I create and purchase Page Prints with StoryBook Creator 3.0?
You’ll need to upgrade to StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 to create Page Prints.
What are the prices for StoryBooks, Page Prints and Wall Prints?
StoryBooks:
• 7 x 5 Softcover StoryBooks retail for $17.95 for a standard book with 20 pages; extra pages are $1.50/2 pages.
• 8 x 8 StoryBooks retail for $44.95 for a standard book with 20 pages; extra pages are $2.50/2 pages.
• Beginning Oct. 1, 2009, 8 x 8 Softcover StoryBooks will be introduced and will retail for $24.95 for a standard book with 20 pages; extra pages are $2.50/2 pages.
• 11 x 8.5 StoryBooks can be ordered with a Personalized Cover for $49.95, or with a book cloth cover (with or without a window) for $39.95; extra pages are $2.50/2 pages.
• 12 x 12 StoryBooks retail for $79.95 for a standard book with 20 pages; extra pages are $4/2 pages.
Page Prints:
• 8 x 8 Page Prints retail for $3.49 each, or $2.99 each if you order 10 or more.
• 12 x 12 Page Prints retail for $5.99 each, or $3.99 each if you order 10 or more.
Wall Prints:
• 16 x 24 Wall Prints retail for $26.99 ($27.99 for Wishes & Dreams).
• 20 x 30 Wall Prints retail for $29.99 ($30.99 for Wishes & Dreams).
Can I use the free themes in both StoryBook Creator 3.0 and StoryBook Creator Plus?
Yes. You can use the free themes with either version of the software.
What are Predesigned Pages?
Predesigned Pages are pages where we’ve created the page design and you just add your photos and journaling. Each set of pages includes either 20 (7 x 5) or 30 (8 x 8, 11 x 8.5, 12 x 12) different page designs. Used with StoryBook Creator 3.0 software, these pages remain static. Simply drag and drop your photos into place, add your story, and you’re done. But when you’re looking for more options, use the pages in StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0. You can leave the page as is; or move, add, and delete elements, change colors; even add paper, stickers, or titles from different themes. Predesigned Pages are purchased through creativememories.com or your Consultant’s Personal Web Site and are immediately available after purchase as a download.
What are Digital Power™ Palettes and Additions?
All are digital versions of traditional scrapbooking products, and contain individual papers, title stickers and embellishments. There are no Predesigned Pages included. They are designed to be used with StoryBook Creator Plus to create pages from scratch or to embellish our Predesigned Pages. They are purchased through creativememories.com or your Consultant’s Personal Web Site. They are immediately available after purchase as a download. The Digital Power Palettes retail for $9.95 and Digital Power Palette Additions are $4.95.
I upgraded from 2.0 to 3.0 and I can’t find my content. What happened?
The Everyday and Gazebo Digital Kits from the original SBC 2.0 discs and the Discover content from the newer SBC 2.0 disc is automatically installed with the program. If you uninstalled SBC 2.0 after you upgraded to SBC 3.0, this content would be removed.
To get these packages back, please install SBC 2.0 from disc 1 again (do not activate the software). After it has installed, go into Content Manager in SBC 3.0, click on Import Package, browse to C:\Program Files\Creative Memories\StoryBook Creator 2\Packages and import the Everyday and Gazebo Digital Kits or all of the Discover content (depending on which version of the discs you have). After this content has been imported into SBC 3.0, you can uninstall SBC 2.0 from your computer again.
How do I install digital content?
With StoryBook Creator 3.0, just click on “Open” when you begin your download and the content will automatically install to your software! For content purchased on a CD, simply place the CD in your drive, click on “Import Package” from the Content Manager of StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0, and browse to your CD drive. Click on each package to begin the installation process.
If I have content from other digital Web sites, can I use it with StoryBook Creator Plus?
Yes! You can import these into the software by creating your own folders in the Content Manager. To create a new folder, click on “Create” and choose “Create User Content Package”. Name your package and decide which folder you’d like it to appear in. To get the content into the newly-created package, click on the new package name and then click on either the Paper or Embellishment icons on the top of the screen and browse your computer to where they are currently stored. (Note: Papers are generally saved as .jpg files, and embellishments are generally saved as .png files.) You can also now create your own shapes, edges, corners and colors to attach to your new package.
Can I set a default font that’s used throughout my StoryBook?
You can set a default font using StoryBook Creator Plus if you are building a page completely from scratch. If you are creating your book from the predesigned pages, the font will always default to the font the designer used when creating the templates. However, if you add a text box to a page, it will use whatever default font setting you have created.
How do I delete a project from the software?
Because the software allows you to choose where you save your projects, there is not a “delete project” button available. To delete a project, you’ll need to browse in your computer to where the file is located and delete it manually.
Where do I get help learning to use the software?
The Help section of the software contains the entire User’s Guide and is very easy to use. We also have online video training available on the Help Zone on your Consultant’s Personal Web Site or creativememories.com.
StoryBook Creator Plus Software — Tips and Tricks
Can I mat a photo with patterned paper?
Yes! When you select the Mat option from the Format Photos ribbon you can choose to fill your mat with color, a gradient, or any paper by clicking on Change mat fill.
Can I double-mat a photo?
Definitely – you can even triple- or quadruple-mat a photo! To quickly single-mat a photo, just click on the Format Photos ribbon and select your mat color and cutout using the Mat option in the Frames section. For double, triple or quadruple mats, click on Select from the Frames section, then use the drop-down box to choose Frames, then make your selection from the list. Once you’ve applied the mats you can adjust any layer by either (1) right-clicking on the photo and choosing Edit frame effects, or (2) clicking on the Format icon in the Frames section and choosing Edit the current list of frame effects.
Am I able to flip the paper to create a mirror image of the actual background paper I used on the opposite page?
You can flip anything on the page by going to the Arrange ribbon and choosing Flip Horizontally from the Rotate section.
Am I able to use a “Corner Maker” on my photos?
Yes. StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 offers many corners for your photos and any other element on your page. Just click on the Cut & Fill ribbon, then click on More from the Cutters section and choose Corner Cutter. You can even create your OWN corner cutters!
Once I have created a StoryBook, can the slide show be downloaded to a CD/DVD? Can I add music to a slide show?
The software does not currently have this capability. You can, however, play it on your laptop from the program and you can add music.
Can you change the color of the text in the title stickers?
Yes! Just highlight the sticker, go to the Tools menu and choose Color from the Fill options. You can even use the Sample Color tool to match the color of something on your page.
When I share my StoryBook through the Creative Memories Photo Center, can the people I share it with make changes to the book?
They will be able to view the book. However, they would need the original file from you and a copy of the software to make any changes to the book. When a book is uploaded to the Creative Memories Photo Center it is uploaded as a PDF file, not as a StoryBook file.
Why do my photos look different in my StoryBook, especially when compared to my 4 x 6 prints?
StoryBooks are printed with a different process than traditional 4 x 6 prints so you’ll notice a few differences in color and clarity.
If my photos are a bit dark, will they print dark within the StoryBook?
Because the StoryBook is ordered as a PDF file, we are not able to add any photo enhancements to the photos. If a photo is dark, you’ll want to lighten it with the StoryBook Creator Software before you order your book. Dark photos tend to be printed a bit darker in a StoryBook.
Can you copy an individual completed page from one StoryBook to another?
Yes. Just choose Import Page from the Pages section of the Home tab within the software.
Can I have more than one book open at a time?
Yes. Just click on the blue book inside the circle at the very top left corner of your book to show the Start menu. From there you can open another book or create a new one without closing your current book. This will allow you to easily copy and paste items from one book to another.
If I create a 12 x 12 StoryBook, can I change the size to 8 x 8 in order to make a less expensive copy for friends or relatives?
Yes. You can also resize an 11 x 8.5 StoryBook to a 7 x 5 StoryBook. Just open your original book and then click on Convert from the Project section of the Home Ribbon. Currently we can only convert to a smaller size, so if you think you might want a large book and a smaller one, you’ll want to start with the larger size.
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