How do I print my own CD/DVD Covers?

Sloganjerry · 12 May 2008 at 10:55AM

Hi

Just wondered if anyone knew a way or could recommend a reliable program, where you can design and print your own CD and DVD covers. I work for a charity and we are developing our own self help resources and wanted to produce them as cheaply as possible by doing this ourselves.

I've found some free downloadable programs on the internet but as I'm working on a company computer I'm afraid to download anything without being sure it's safe first. If someone could recommend a safe free program I can trust that would be great.

Any advice would be really appreciated:D

[Deleted User] · 12 May 2008 at 11:07AM

Right, the cheapest way to do this is going to be to install The Gimp, which is a graphics program that rivals Photoshop, but is free. You can get it from here.

You might have to measure an existing dvd case insert for the size, as they do vary slightly. IIRC, CD covers are 12x12cm in size.

Just get the dimensions then set up your own blank templates to use

Sloganjerry · 12 May 2008 at 12:11PM

Hi

Thanks so much for your advice re: The Gimp. I've downloaded it but can't make head or tail of how to use it at all

. I managed to copy and paste an image into a CD cover template (after much trial and error) but couldn't work out how to resize or reposition it?:mad: I am a bit slow though:o

Maybe I'd better leave it to the professionals after all.

Cheers though:beer: I appreciate you taking time to try to help me!

mentat72 · 12 May 2008 at 4:02PM

If you want to just print pictures for covers, you could use: UnderCoverXP

http://www.freewarefiles.com/UnderCoverXP_program_8261.html

However, you may well find that your CD/DVD writing software comes with some included, especially if you have either EasyCD or Nero installed.

FYI, if you are going to use an art program such as Gimp or Gimpshop, the size for DVD covers is 18.5cm x 27.5cm or around that area.

I'd stick with a dedicated program myself.

philnicandamy · 12 May 2008 at 4:11PM

or Cover XP free

http://www.coverxp.com/main.asp

isofa · 12 May 2008 at 4:22PM

There are various issues with using a bitmap image editor for this purpose (e.g. the GIMP, Paint.net etc): the file size will be large in full colour, and you'll lose (or not have in the first place) many editing functions working in this format. Once it's complete you won't be able to scale up without losing quality etc. So you'll have to work at the right size and resolution you wish to finally output at, all the time.

Much better to use a DTP / design piece of software (unless you are doing a full photographic print), obviously Adobe will be out of your budget, so have a look at the free Serif PagePlus SE or you they do several more advanced low cost versions: e.g. v9 to PagePlus x2

How do I print my own CD/DVD Covers?

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