Quick Pages vs. Layered Templates: What’s the Difference in Digital Scrapbooking?

If you’ve dipped your toe into the world of digital scrapbooking, you’ve probably run across terms like Quick Page and Layered Page Template — and maybe scratched your head wondering, “Wait, aren’t they basically the same thing?”

Nope. Not even close. But don’t worry — I’ve got your back. Let’s break it down together.

What is a Quick Page?

A Quick Page is a ready-made digital scrapbook layout — think of it as a finished page with peek-a-boo holes where your photos go. You get a flattened PNG file with transparent areas already cut out. Everything else? It’s locked in place.

No moving titles. No switching out papers. You just slide your photos in behind the design, and ta-da! — scrapbook magic. You can add a title or other elements, but they will lay on top of everything else on the page.

When Quick Pages shine:

• You want to scrap a whole vacation album in one afternoon.
• You’re brand new and don’t want to fuss with layers.
• You just want something done, like, now.

💡 Note: You can’t customize anything — if the page says “Summer Lovin’” and you want “Beach Vibes,” you’re outta luck.

What is a Layered Page Template?

A Layered Page Template is a fully editable PSD or TIFF file designed to give you a head start on your layout. At first glance, it may look like a finished page, but it’s really just a pre-arranged framework made up of rectangles, squares, circles — even flower shapes — that act as placeholders for your photos, papers, and embellishments.

And here’s something important to know:
There are actually a few different styles of layered page templates out there.

Some are very simple — just photo placeholders arranged in a pleasing layout, maybe with a spot for journaling or a title. These are perfect when you want a clean look or a basic structure you can build on. You can keep them simple, or dress them up with as many goodies from your stash as you like.

Others are a bit more detailed. They might include a few actual digital elements, like a ribbon or frame you can choose to keep — or not. But more often, you’ll see neutral-colored shapes (think grey circles or flat rectangles) that represent where you could place your own elements. For example, a grey circle might become a flair, a button, a flower, or even a journaling spot. You can also “clip” a patterned paper to any shape to give it a totally custom look.

These embellishment placeholders often come with drop shadows already applied — but everything is customizable. You can adjust shadows, move things around, delete what you don’t need, and add your favorite elements instead.

Templates may also include text blocks and photo masks, which you can keep, move, or hide depending on your layout needs. Don’t like the frame provided? Swap in one from your own collection — totally up to you.

Additionally, I have taken templates to a completely different level with my Layered Quick Pages, which are a full-on completely designed, fully editable layered templates, each of which complements one of my digital scrapbooking or art journaling collections.  You can read more about Layered Quick Pages and watch my video on how they work in this post.

In short?
Layered templates give you all the puzzle pieces, laid out and ready to go — but how you bring the picture together is completely up to your creative heart.

When Layered Templates shine:

• You want a well-designed page but still want to make it your own.
• You love digging into your digital stash to customize your look.
• You like flexibility, but still appreciate a strong design starting point.

The sets below are samples of both the simpler style of template and the more “designed” style that includes actual elements.

Side-by-Side: Quick Page vs. Layered Template

Which Should You Use?

If you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed by too many options, Quick Pages are like magical little shortcuts to a finished layout. Great for memory-keeping without overthinking.

But if you want your pages to reflect your style — while benefiting from a beautifully pre-designed layout — then Layered Templates are where the fun really starts.

One Last Tip

You don’t have to be a Photoshop wizard to use templates! Just think of them as a helpful nudge — a structure you can trust while you let your creative heart take over. Replace, recolor, rotate, shadow — make it yours.

And if you’re curious about how these look in real life, check out the examples in this post — you’ll see exactly what I mean.

You can find all of my layered page and element tempates in my shop.