When it comes to scrapbooking, journaling, or paper crafting, one of the first choices you’ll face is whether to use traditional scrapbook paper or digital papers. Both options have their fans, and both come with pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look to help you decide which one fits your crafting style best.
What Are Traditional Scrapbook Papers?
Traditional scrapbook papers are the printed sheets you buy in craft stores. They come in a variety of sizes, textures, and finishes, and you can flip through them in person before purchasing.
Pros:
- Tangible and ready to use immediately
- Wide variety of patterns and textures (glitter, embossed, metallic, etc.)
- No printing required
Cons:
- Once you use a sheet, it’s gone
- Can get expensive if you need multiples of the same design
- Limited to the patterns available in-store
What Are Digital Papers?
Digital papers are high-resolution files (often 12×12 inches or 3600×3600 pixels) that you download and print yourself, or even use digitally in design programs like Canva or Photoshop. At EverAfterWonderland.com, these papers can also be printed on products like wrapping paper, journals, or décor.
Pros:
- Instant download and reusable forever
- Affordable compared to buying stacks of paper
- Easy to print at home or have printed professionally
- Flexible for both physical and digital projects
- Endless creative uses—scrapbooking, journaling, stickers, gift wrap, wall art, and more
Cons:
- Requires access to a printer if you want physical sheets
- Texture and finishes (like glitter or embossing) can’t be replicated unless professionally printed
Which Is Better for Crafters?
The truth is, it depends on your needs:
- If you love tactile finishes and don’t want to deal with printing, traditional scrapbook paper may be your go-to.
- If you want flexibility, affordability, and designs you can use over and over again, digital papers are the clear winner.
Many crafters actually use both, mixing traditional papers with custom-printed digital designs to expand their creative options.
The Best of Both Worlds with EverAfterWonderland
At EverAfterWonderland, you don’t have to choose. You can download digital papers for immediate use, have them print the papers for you or have them printed on a variety of products. That way, you always have exactly what you need for your next project.
