Printing on CD/DVD

[Gerlinde]

I make my own DVD label designs and print them directly on printable DVDs. I use PE to make the designs and Epson CD print to print with my R220 printer.
Depending on the design I have to go back and forth between the 2 programs to get everything to print like I want it. It would be much nicer to print right out of PE. But no matter what I try, I can't set it up right. I get always only 1 corner of my design printed onto the DVD.
I have not been able to align the print with the DVD in the print tray. Is anyone actually using PE for this type of printing or are you all using a program specifically for your printer?
There should be a way to get this accomplished. Can anyone give me some hints on how to do this?

[Chuck Engels]

Sorry Gerlinde but I use the same method you do and have for years.
Design in Photoshop Elements and use Epson CD Print to print the DVDs.
If you keep Photoshop open and make changes, save them and then delete the image in Print CD and then import it again it really doesn't take too long. I have been happy with that workflow.

[Gerlinde]

I was afraid you would say that, Chuck. But thank you anyway for your reply. I'm not saying it is a big deal to switch between the 2 programs, it just would be nice to print from PE. You have a little better control over the print settings, exempt for the print position obviously

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

For printing DVDs and case inserts I use this:-

http://www.acoustica.com/cd-label-maker/index.htm

You can (obviously) use your own designs and at US$22 it isn't expensive. Also you get a lot of control over image positioning if the standard preset is a little out of kilter with your particular model of printer.

You can download the software for a trial before buying.

[Bob]

It should be possible to print the to the dvd directly from Photoshop.

There are two different sizes of Epson DVD/CD trays. Most Epson printers in the U.S. use tray type 2. Only the Epson Photo Stylus 900 uses tray type 1.

Here's the key info. The tray is set up to print from A4 sized document. For tray type 2, the center of the DVD is located at 75 mm from the left edge and 67.5 mm from the top edge. The printable area of the DVD will generally have an outer diameter of 116 mm and and inner diameter of 43 mm. Set up your template using an A4 size document size. In Photoshop, you need to set the Photoshop print dialog to not scale or center the document and set the printer driver to print to CD/DVD using size A4. You may need to tweak the position alignment if the print is off.

[Peru]

For printing DVDs and case inserts I use this:-

http://www.acoustica.com/cd-label-maker/index.htm

I use that too.

[Gerlinde]

John and Peru, I'm not looking to buy a different software for printing. The Epson program works fine, but does not give you a lot of control over the printing process.

Bob, thank you so much for that detailed information. I suspected, it has something to do with the fact, that the Photoshop printing dialog defaults to center and scale the design. I even unchecked the Center Image box, but did not give it instructions on how to position the print. I had set the printer driver to cd/dvd.

Bob, you know always the stuff nobody else seems to know, thank you so much for sharing that information.

[Bob]

I'll make you a template. I'll probably do it this evening when I have more time.

The dimensions of the printable area differ from brand to brand but are similar. CDs and DVDs are also slightly different. I'll make it for DVDs and have a layer for standard and another for hub printables.

[Gerlinde]

That is so nice of you! I'm unfortunately away from home right now and can not try it out myself. My R1800 and the R220 came both with a little paper disc to make adjustments without having to print on an actual dvd. I never knew how to use it until now.

[Bob]

Here's a template. I sized it for Verbatim printable discs. Other brands may be a little different, but this should be close enough for many.

DVD Template.zip

[Gerlinde]

Thank you so much Bob, can't wait to try it.