Wednesday, January 9, 2013

My Digital Studio software program by Stampin' Up - Try it for free! FAQs




You can try Stampin' Up's My Digital Studio (MDS) for free for 30 days!  If you can use a computer, then you will easily be able to use My Digital Studio (MDS).   
Shop now/click here to go to my online shop and get your free copy, which will be at the top right in my store.
Really, this digital software program is super easy and user-friendly to use - I had it for almost a whole year before I attempted to try it out and then wondered why I waited so long and missed out on all the fun things you can do with it!


Questions & Answers about MDS


My Digital Studio
MDS 2 SoftwareMDS 2 TrialMy Digital Studio ContentMy Digital Studio Print ProductsOther Information

Q: What is Stampin’ Up!?
A: Stampin’ Up! is a direct sales company specializing in crafting supplies and accessories for the creation of handmade cards, scrapbooking, craft projects, and home décor. Stampin' Up! products are not sold in stores, but may be purchased at home parties or through a network of independent sales consultants called Stampin' Up! demonstrators. For more information about Stampin’ Up!, please visit the  website at www.stampinup.com or call us at 1-800-STAMPUP.

Q: What is My Digital Studio?
A: My Digital Studio is Stampin’ Up!’s line of digital products. There are three different components to My Digital Studio:
  • Software: The My Digital Studio software is called MDS 2. It enables you to digitally create a variety of projects including (but not limited to) photo albums, cards, calendars, individual scrapbook pages, and multimedia projects that use exclusive Stampin’ Up! art, accessories, and colors. MDS 2 will install directly on to your computer. The software is available on disc or as a download.
    • MDS 2: (download or disc) MDS 2 is our digital design software. It includes some functional content to get started. You can view a complete list of MDS 2 content here.
    • MDS 2+: (download or disc) MDS 2+ contains the full MDS 2 software plus over $500 US/$650 CAN of digital content. You can view a complete list of the MDS 2+ content here.
    • MDS 2 Trial: (download) The MDS 2 Trial is a way for users to try MDS 2 free for 30 days. With the MDS 2 Trial, you are able to use the full MDS 2 software plus almost $200 US (over $250 CAN) of digital downloads for 30 days.
    • MDS 2 Upgrade: (download) The MDS 2 Upgrade is for users who previously purchased the original My Digital Studio. Upgrade to MDS 2 for the discounted price of $19.95 US/ $24.95 CA.
  • Downloads and Content: Stampin’ Up! regularly adds to an ever-increasing library of My Digital Studio downloads that are perfect for seasonal projects, important events, or everyday creativity. New downloads are added weekly. Click here to see a catalog of digital artwork.
  • Print Services: My Digital Studio gives you the option to have your projects professionally printed and delivered right to your door. Our professional print services are the best way to insure correct color coordination with Stampin' Up!’s exclusive colors. Click here  to see a list of our print products and prices.

 MDS 2 Software
Q: What is MDS 2?
A: MDS 2 is an easy-to-use design software that is compatible with PC and Mac operating systems. MDS 2 allows designers of all skill levels to create their own digital projects or use hundreds of templates to make professionally designed cards, photo albums, scrapbooks, and more.

Q: Is MDS 2 web-based or will I receive an installation disc?
A: MDS 2 and MDS 2+ are not web-based, but you can choose to purchase them as a download that you will install directly to your computer without needing an installation disc. You will not need an Internet connection to run the program after you have installed it on your computer. If you choose to purchase the MDS 2 or MDS 2+ disc version, you will receive an installation disc that you will install on your computer. You will only need an Internet connection to register the product when you install it, to purchase print products, or to purchase digital downloads.

Q: What are the computer system requirements for MDS 2?
A: Click here to see MDS 2 system requirements.

Q: What's the difference between MDS 2 and MDS 2+?A: MDS 2 and MDS 2+ both include the same design software. When you purchase MDS 2, you will receive our full digital design software and some functional content including a few punches, card stock, and photo layouts. MDS 2+ is our MDS 2 software plus over $500 US/$650 CAN of digital content. Both MDS 2 and MDS 2+ are available on a disc or as a download.

Q: Can I share my software with my family and friends?
A: During the installation process, each customer will be asked to accept an End User License Agreement. This agreement allows each copy of the software to be installed on two computers per household.

Q: How much does the MDS 2 software cost?
A:  MDS 2 (design software only) is sold for $39.95 US/$49.95 CAN. MDS 2+ (full software plus over $500 US/$650 CAN digital content) is sold for $79.95 US/$99.95 CAN.

Q: The software agreement allows for installation on two computers in my home. Can I also install the application on a second computer where I work or in another location outside of my home?
A: The software license agreement allows you to install one copy of the software on two computers in your primary residence. If you would like to install the software on a computer in another location, you may purchase another copy to do so.

Q: What is the difference between the original My Digital Studio software and MDS 2?
A: We have added 75 new design tools for increased flexibility in your digital designing. You can view a list of the 75 new features here.

Q: How can I learn how to use MDS 2?
A: Here on MyDigitalStudio.net! This website is dedicated to all things My Digital Studio. Click here to access the training section of the site. We have posted short videos to help you learn how to use MDS 2.

Q: What is the MDS 2 Upgrade?A: The MDS 2 Upgrade is for users who have already purchased the original software version of My Digital Studio.  They can upgrade to MDS 2 for the discounted price of $19.95 US/ $24.95 CA.  The MDS 2 upgrade is only available as a download.

Q: Will my original My Digital Studio software still work, now that MDS 2 is available?A: Yes. Your original My Digital Studio will not be affected by MDS 2 unless you download the MDS 2 Trial, or purchase the MDS 2 upgrade. You can continue using your original software as long as you like, however you will not be able to take advantage of any new print products or design functionalities that we introduce for MDS 2

Q: How do I purchase MDS 2?A: Simply add MDS 2 (Disc 130645 or Download 130644) or MDS 2+ (Disc 130647 or Download 130646) to your next order. If you have already purchased My Digital Studio you can purchase the MDS 2 upgrade (item 130650) for the discounted price of $19.95 US/ $24.95 CA.  If you order a download version of the software, a product key will be e-mailed to you. If you order a disc version, the product key will be included in the software packaging. Once you have received your product key, enter the product key when the program prompts you to do so. If you purchase the disc version, you will need to use the installation disc in order to access the included digital content. The installation wizard will walk you through the process, including entering the product key. If you have downloaded the MDS 2 Trial, we strongly recommend purchasing MDS 2 before your trial period has expired. If you wait until after the 30 days are over, you will have to re-download and install all your digital content.

Q: What happens to my original My Digital Studio content/downloads when I install MDS 2?
A: If you are installing the MDS 2 or MDS 2+, install it over the top of your original My Digital Studio software on your computer. The setup will automatically take care of it for you, just keep on clicking “next” through the process. You’ll be replacing the software, but you’ll keep all your downloads. They will be saved in your new MDS 2 components folder. You will be able to use your old content with the new design features such as coloring stamps, cropping embellishments, recoloring Designer Series Paper, etc. Keep in mind that old stamp brush sets will not have the .svg functionality so you won’t be able to make them larger without pixalating (unlike new MDS 2 downloads).

MDS 2 Trial
Q: What is the MDS 2 Trial?A: The MDS 2 Trial is a way for users to try MDS 2 free for 30 days. With the MDS 2 Trial, you can use the full MDS 2 software plus almost $200 US (over $250 CAN) of digital downloads for 30 days.

Q: How long can we take advantage of the MDS 2 Trial?
A: This is an ongoing offer. We want all our customers to be able to try MDS 2.

Q: Can I still have a MDS 2 Trial if I used the My Digital Studio Express Trial?A: Yes. Everyone will be able to take advantage of the 30 day MDS 2 trial.

Q: What digital content comes with the MDS 2 Trial?
A: With the MDS 2 trial, you have access to almost $200 US (over $250 CAN) of digital content, including stamp brush sets, embellishments, punches, kits, designer templates and more.  Click here to see a complete list of all included content.

Q: Do I need access to the Internet to use the trial?
A: Yes. The MDS 2 Trial is only available as a download over the Internet. There is a substantial amount of digital content included with the MDS 2 Trial, so it might take some time to download.

Q: Can I get the MDS 2 Trial on a disc?
A: No. The MDS 2 Trial is only available as a download over the Internet.

Q: What are the system requirements to use MDS 2 Trial?
A: You can see the system requirements for MDS 2 and the MDS 2 Trial here.

Q: Is the trial version of the software different from the paid version of MDS 2?
A: No. When you order the MDS 2 Trial, you will receive the full version of MDS 2. The software will function exactly the same as if you had purchased the software--you can design, purchase downloads, and print. The software in the MDS 2 Trial, MDS 2, and MDS 2+ is exactly the same.

Q: Is the trial version content included different from the paid version of MDS 2?A: Yes. There is a difference in the amount of digital content included with each version of the software. The MDS 2 Trial includes almost $200 US (over $250 CAN) of digital downloads you can use during the 30-day trial period. Those downloads are not included with MDS 2, but they are included (along with many more downloads!) with MDS 2+.

Q: How do I order the MDS 2 Trial?
A: You can order MDS 2 (item 130910) through your demonstrator’s online store or stampinup.com. You can order the free trial by itself, or you can add it to an order with stamping supplies or digital downloads. If the MDS 2 Trial is the only item you order, you will not be asked for any credit card or payment information. If you are a new customer, you will need to create an account.

Q: How do I install the MDS 2 Trial software after I have ordered it?
A: You can access your MDS 2 Trial download through the Downloads section of your account. Make sure you select Mac or Windows, and the download and install wizards will walk you through the rest of the process.


Q. Do I need a product key to use the MDS 2 trial?
A. Once you launch your MDS 2 trial, the software registration screen will pop up with a reminder of the remaining days in your trial. Select the "Wait Until Later" button to continue using the MDS 2 software for free.  

Q: What happens after the 30-day trial period is over?A: When you launch the software after the 30 day trial period is over, you will be prompted to enter a product key. You will not be able to use the software again until you have entered a product key. You can get a product key by purchasing MDS 2 or MDS 2+. The product key prompt will include a link to the software page of MyDigitalStudio.net, which will tell you where to order the software. We strongly recommend purchasing MDS 2 before your 30-day trial period is over. If you wait until after the trial period has expired, you will have to re-download all you digital content.

Q: If I already have the original My Digital Studio, what happens to that program if I install the MDS 2 trial?A: When you install MDS 2, the download wizard will ask you where you want to install the program. You can install MDS 2 directly over your original My Digital Studio program. This will allow you to have access to all the downloads you have already purchased for My Digital Studio in your new MDS 2 program without having to re-download any of your digital content.  You can also choose to install MDS 2 in a different location on your computer.  If you do this, you will have to download any of your previously purchased My Digital Studio content into your new MDS 2.  If you do install MDS 2 in a different location, it will not alter your original My Digital Studio program.

Q: Will I be able to use any downloads I have purchased for My Digital Studio with the MDS 2 Trial? Will I need to download them again?A: You will be able to use any of your previously purchased digital content with MDS 2. Depending on how you have installed your MDS 2 software, you may or may not need to download your content again. If you install your MDS 2 Trial directly over your original My Digital Studio program, you will not need to re-download any of your content.  If you install MDS 2 in a different location, you will need to re-download any of your content in order to access it in MDS 2.

Q: Can I place a print order with the trial version?
A: Yes. You have full access to everything you can do in MDS 2 for a full 30 days. This includes full designing functionality, printing, and the ability to purchase downloads.

Q: Do my 30 days start as soon as I download MDS 2?
A: Your 30 day trial period starts as soon as you launch the program. It does not matter when you download the program, your 30 days will start as soon as you actually launch (open) the program.

Q: Will the trial still last 30 days even if I order it in the middle or end of the month?
A: You can order the MDS 2 Trial at any time. The trial period is not tied to the calendar. The trial period will begin as soon as you launch the program, and you will be able to use it for the next 30 days.


Q: How do I purchase MDS 2?
A: Simply add MDS 2 (Disc 130645 or Download 130644) or MDS 2+ (Disc 130647 or Download 130646) to your next order. A product key will be e-mailed to you; after you complete your purchase, just enter that product key when the program prompts you to. If you purchase the disc version of My Digital Studio, you will need to use the installation discs in order to access the included digital content. The installation wizard will walk you through the process, including entering the product key (which you’ll receive with your shipped discs). You will not lose any downloads or projects from your 30-day trial period. We strongly recommend purchasing MDS 2 before your trial period has expired. If you wait until after the 30 days are over, you will have to re-download and install all your digital content. 

Q: Can I purchase the software and enter the product key before the 30-day trial is over?
A: Yes. You can purchase MDS 2 and enter your new product key at any time.  After you have purchased your software, click the “Register” option instead of “Continue with Trial” when you open MDS 2. You can then enter your product key. We strongly recommend purchasing the software before the 30-day trial is over.  If you wait until after the trial period has expired, you will need to re-download all your digital content.

Q: What if I don’t want to purchase the software at the end of the trial period?
A: You can uninstall the software at any time.

Q:  What if I do the MDS 2 Trial, and decide I don’t want to upgrade my software?  Will my original My Digital Studio program still work?A: Yes. If you have installed your MDS 2 Trial on top of My Digital Studio, you will need to reinstall your original My Digital Studio program, and any downloads you have purchased, in order to have access to all of your artwork.  If you have installed the MDS 2 Trial in a different location, simply uninstall MDS 2, and your original My Digital Studio program should not be affected.

Q: Do I get to keep the content included in the MDS 2 Trial?
A: No. We have included a generous amount of content with the free trial so you and your customers will be able to design a broad variety of projects during the trial period. You will not have access to this digital content when the trial period ends. All the MDS 2 Trial content plus downloads worth an additional $350 US/ $450 CAN are included when you purchase MDS 2+. The MDS 2 Trial content is not included when you purchase MDS 2.

Q: What happens to downloads I purchase during the 30-day trial period?
A: You will have continued access to any downloads you purchase during the trial period. If you choose to purchase the software, you will simply need to enter a product key, and you will be able to use all your downloads like normal. If you do not purchase the software, you will still have access to your downloads through your download manager, and you will be able to load them to the digital design software of your choice.

Q: Will my saved projects be lost when the free trial ends?
A: You will not be able to edit any of your projects through MDS 2 after the trial period has ended unless you purchase the software. If you do chose to purchase the software, you will be able to access all your projects. If you don’t choose to purchase the software, we recommend you save your projects as jpg files. You will then be able to use them like you use any of your jpg (picture) files.

Q: Can I have two free MDS 2 Trials?
A: No. The MDS 2 Trial will only work once. After your 30 days are over, you need to purchase the software to continue using the program.

Q: Are there other free My Digital Studio downloads available?
A: We do occasionally offer free My Digital Studio downloads. These are generally promotions that run for a short amount of time. Download some of our free downloads for the 2010 In Color Card Stock and Designer Series Papers. You can find links to those downloads here.

My Digital Studio Content

Q: How can I see images of My Digital Studio content, downloads, and images already included in the MDS 2 and MDS 2+ software?

A: Click here to see a catalog of all My Digital Studio content and downloads.
With MDS 2, you will receive our full digital design software and some functional content. You can view a complete list of MDS 2 content here.
MDS 2+ is our MDS 2 software plus over $500 US/$650 CAN of digital content. You can view a complete list of the MDS 2+ content here.
The MDS 2 Trial includes almost $200 US (over $250 CAN) of digital downloads you can use during the 30 day trial period. Those downloads are not included with MDS 2, but they are included (along with many more downloads!) with MDS 2+. You can view a complete list of the MDS 2 Trial content here.

Q: Can I purchase downloads without purchasing MDS 2?
A: Yes. Our downloads are compatible with other software programs. You cannot, however take advantage of Stampin' Up!’s professional print services without purchasing MDS 2 or MDS 2+.

Q: Can I purchase just the content of MDS 2+ without purchasing the software?
A: The only way to get all the digital content in MDS 2+ bundled together is to purchase MDS 2+.  All the downloads included in MDS 2+ are available for sale as individual downloads.  You can buy them all individually, but they are only available as a bundle when you purchase MDS 2+.

Q: What other software programs are compatible with My Digital Studio downloads?
A: Any program that supports layers, and .jpg and .png files such as: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Jasc Paint Shop Pro (PSP), Microsoft Digital Image Pro (DIP), Ulead Photo Impact (PI), Corel Draw. My Digital Studio designer templates are exclusive to My Digital Studio and are not compatible with other programs.

Q: What are the download prices?
A: Pricing of digital downloads vary based on size and type of kit.

Q: Are there any My Digital Studio content Hostess Sets/Kits?
A: Yes; we offer hostess-only content discs in our catalogs.

My Digital Studio Print Products
Q. Do you offer any type of guarantee for your print products?
A. Yes:  Our Promise to You
My Digital Studio professional print products use only the highest quality materials including professionally finished papers and sewn-reinforced binding for our book covers. We stand behind the quality of all of our print products and guarantee your satisfaction. Keep in mind that user errors are beyond our control such as printing from an earlier version of the software, typos, design mistakes, or image resolution. Make sure to update your software and carefully preview your project and fix any mistakes before ordering.

Q: What are the prices of print products?
A: Pricing of print products will vary based on project, size, number of pages, and cover option. Pricing information can be found here.

Q: Are there minimum and maximum page limits on print products?
A: Minimum and maximum pages for each print output type are as follows:
  • Photobooks have a minimum of 22 project pages (11 book papers printed front and back), and can have up to 100 project pages. Hard cover and soft cover photo cover books have a minimum of 24 project pages.
  • Swatchbooks have 26 project pages (13 pages printed front and back).
  • Journals have 2 project pages-the front and back cover.
  • Calendars have a minimum and maximum of 26 project pages; a front cover page, two pages for each month, and an end page.
  • Greeting Cards have a minimum of one project page and a maximum of four project pages. You have the option to create the front of the card, two inside pages, and the back of the card. Printing all four pages is included in the price.
  • Postcards have a minimum of one project page, and a maximum of two project pages. Double-sided printing is included in the price.
  • Tri-fold cards have a minimum of one project page (three panels per page) and a maximum of two project pages. Double-sided printing is included in the price.
  • Tags have a minimum of one project page and a maximum of two project pages. Double-sided printing is included in the price.
  • Individual pages have a five page per project minimum. All pages in a project must be the same size. More than one project can be uploaded to the same order, but each project will be subject to the five page minimum. Pages come printed single-sided with the My Digital Studio and Stampin' Up! logo on the back of pages.
Q. Can I start placing an order, close the program, and then finish the order later?
A. If you add items to your shopping cart in the software, they will remain in your shopping cart until you click the Proceed to Checkout button. However, once you click Proceed to Checkout, your projects will be sent to the Stampin’ Up! Online Store and you’ll need to complete your order at that time for it to process; you won’t be able to log in to the store at a later time and complete your order.
 
Q: Do I have to use the professional print service or can I print at home?
A: MDS 2 has several output options including your own printer. Using Stampin' Up!’s professional print services is the best way, however, to make sure Stampin' Up!’s exclusive colors print correctly.

Q: What can I expect for shipping times for print products?
A: Professionally printed products will be printed and shipped directly from our print vendor. There will be a processing time of two to five days to have your project actually printed, and then our standard shipping times will apply. Expedited handling (the time it takes to print/process your project), is not available.

Q: Will the copyright appear on the back of my home-printed cards?
A: The Stampin’ Up!/My Digital Studio copyright will appear on the back of all greeting cards, calendars, and photobook end sheets printed through our professional print services. The Stampin’ Up!/My Digital Studio copyright will appear on the backs of cards you print from home if the artwork is visible in the software.

Q: Will my pages print back-to-back from my home printer?
A: Different printers have varying functionality. You will need to check your printer manual to determine if this functionality is available.

Q: What home printer do you recommend I buy?
A: Stampin’ Up! cannot recommend a specific printer for you, but the system requirements information—and knowing what types of projects you want to create— will help you decide which printer will work best for you.

Q: What should I do if I can't figure out how to print my project with my home printer?
A. We recommend you use our professional print services so you can get a perfect print. If you do need to use your home printer and can't figure out the settings you need, check your printer's users guide or contact the company that made the printer for help. We can't offer technical support for home printers.

Q: What margins should I use when sending my photo album to the professional print services?
A: MDS 2 has specific bleed area guides that are appropriate for the type of project you are creating. Be sure to choose the guide that is designed for your project by going to View>Bleed Area from the top menu. The guides include: photo album page (includes individual pages), photo album cover, card, tag, calendar, swatchbook, board book, or DVD-video.

Q: Will the “place text here” or “place image here” text found on My Digital Studio templates actually print on my project?A: Yes, unless you delete it or replace it with new text. MDS 2 does not distinguish between text in a premade designer template and text that you have added to your project. Therefore, you should always remove any text on a template page that you do not want to print before you actually print your project or send it to the professional printer.

Q. Can I add spine text to photobooks printed with Stampin' Up!?
A. You can add spine text to our Hard Cover Photobooks. In fact, you can design the front and back cover and spine of these photobooks all at the same time for a full wrap cover. We recommend not including spine text on Soft Cover Photobooks. Due to the small size of the spine, there is a natural variance on the location of the printed spine text.

Q: How should I plan for the printed bar code on the back cover of a photo cover, hard cover photobook?
A: The barcode area will appear as part of the photobook cover bleed area. All personalized hardcover photobooks will have a barcode printed directly on the back of the book. While the actual barcode is only 1.75" x .25", there is a 2.875" x 1.125" window where the barcode could be placed. The edge of the window is .875" from the spine and .375" from the bottom of the book. If there is a designed image/background anywhere in this area, it could be covered by a permanent barcode with a white background box that is 1.75" x .25".  The purpose of this barcode is to ensure that the content pages created for the inside of the book match up with the correct personalized cover, eliminating possibility for error. While the barcode is necessary, we are working with the vendor on other options and hope to eliminate the visual barcode in the future.

Other Information
Q: In what countries is the My Digital Studio product line available?
A:  Currently, the software (MDS 2, MDS 2+, and the MDS 2 Trial) are available in the US and Canada in English only. The MDS 2 software cannot be sold or supported in Quebec; however, there are content discs available in the Quebec catalogs. Discs are also available in Australia and New Zealand.

Q: Can I use hostess free dollars for My Digital Studio?A: Hostess dollars can be used to purchase the MDS 2 software or My Digital Studio content discs at a workshop. If you do not have enough hostess free dollars to cover the entire cost of the software/downloads, you can pay for the overage. Hostess dollars cannot be used to pay for professional print services. Your print product will be the first item in your shopping cart and will help you earn hostess dollars to be used for traditional product. You may also use Stampin’ Rewards to purchase digital downloads on a qualifying order in the online store.

Q: Can I create projects with My Digital Studio and sell completed projects?
A: The Stampin’ Up! Angel Policy includes digital products and restricts the sale of digital products for commercial use. The policy states that you can sell up to 150 completed products annually. The Angel Policy includes both demonstrators and customers. Commercial selling will require specific arrangements and permission from Stampin’ Up! The sale of digital files is strictly forbidden.

Q: What is a hybrid project?
A: Hybrid projects combine traditional Stampin' Up! products layered on top of digital creations.

Q: Will all of Stampin’ Up!’s images, embellishments, and paper be available digitally?
A: My Digital Studio includes a rich digital collection of exclusive Stampin’ Up! art, papers, colors, and accessories. While not all of Stampin’ Up!’s catalog products are included, there is artwork only available as digital downloads.

Q: Will MDS 2 work on my iPad?

A: No. We do not have a My Digital Studio app at this time.

Q: Who can I talk to if I have questions?
A: Contact your local Stampin’ Up! demonstrator if you have any questions about the MDS 2 Trial.

Q: How do I use MDS 2?
A: We have several videos and resources available for you on the training section  of MyDigitalStudio.net that will help you learn how to use the program.


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