How to Create Your Own CD Covers and Labels

If you have music, video, data or other valuable digitaloff centered labels or labels with bubbles or creases
file in your hard drive that you would like to share oron your CDs.
sell, one of the most practical things you can do is toAn off centered label creates an unbalanced disc
burn it on a CD or DVD and create a nice cover andwhich makes disc reading and writing slow. It could
label for it.also destroy your CD drive. Unfortunately some CD
The least costly way to do this is to design your ownlabel sticker makers use adhesives that melt on a
cover and label on a suitable graphic program such ascertain temperature that could reduce your drive into a
Photoshop or even the free GIMP software and printgooey wreck. To prevent the latter from happening
them using peel and stick CD labels.use only the brand or the media that your printer's
To create the CD cover or jewel case front titlemanufacturer recommends.
cover insert, you need to create a new project withNow don't let these things discourage you. With
the following dimensions: 1423 pixels X 1411 pixels. Forconstant practice and tinkering with your graphics
a CD disc label you need to create a new project withprogram, you'd soon be on your way to creating your
these dimensions: 1394 pixels X 1394 pixels.own art pieces on CDs using this method.
Creating a CD cover is relatively fun and easy even ifBut what if you want to create more
you have a little designing background. But creating theprofessional-looking CD products and more easily?
CD label is an entirely different matter.You can buy a printer with a CD Tray. A printer with a
First of all, you need to create a perfect circle insideCD tray often cost more than a printer without it.
the 1394 pixel X 1394 pixel canvas to put your artworkIf you really need to produce good CD products, it
on. You also need to cut out the areas outside of thisshould be worth your investment. Incidentally, a printer
circle so you do not print on the entire canvas and thusequipped with CD tray often comes with a software
save on precious printer's ink when you finally print it.that eradicates the hassle of cutting out the areas
Centering texts and images within the circle could alsooutside the disc design, and most importantly, the need
prove difficult.of using the problematic peel and stick CD label
But the greatest difficulty comes during the printing andstickers since printable CD-Rs are the printable media
labeling process using the peel and stick CD labelused with these printers.
sticker. If this is your first time to do it, expect to have