how to design and print a DVD case cover?

[chooks]

I purchased some blank DVD cases, and want to design and print a cover sheet to slide into them. Is there a nice template I can use? I have both adobe photoshop cs3, and photoshop elements 6. I am not sure how to go about it, and any help in putting me in the right direction will be appreciated

[Bobby]

My experience with cases is that they are all slightly different, so you will have to cut and try until you find the right size. Once you do that, you should be able to layout a basic template in any graphics program, setting the page size to the dimensions you discover.

I spent a lot more time getting the right paper type for the insert, than the size. You will find that you need something stiff enough to stay put and rigid, but bendable enough at the center.

Bob

[Steve Grisetti]

There are at least two major sizes of DVD jackets. One is the traditional "jewel box" format, that is also used for CDs. The front of one of these cases is 4 3/4" x 4 3/4". You'll find wrap-around templates for these jackets in Photoshop Elements 6 under the Create tab, then More Options, then CD jacket.

The larger book style format for DVD jackets (approximately 5 1/4" x 7 1/2" on each side, plus a spine) are also included as templates in Photo Elements 6. Click the Create tab, then More Options, then DVD jacket.

In both cases, you can use the provided templates or just delete them and use the space as you'd prefer.

[Chuck Engels]

I use Memorex inserts and the free Memorex program for design, that is for the full size case and the jewel box types.
There are also other brands that have free design software as well, including Neato and Avery.

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Also some DVD burning software comes with label design software (e.g Nero). Canon also provide label printing software for some of there printers - maybe the printer manuafacturer of your printer does. It is worth checking their website. Also there may be shareware or similar that you might find. A commercial product is Accoustica CD Label Maker - there are probably others.

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

[Gooder]

Same as, John
http://www.acoustica.com/cd-label-maker/

I used the free trial and it had everything i wanted, so I purchased it.
You also get free Art packs http://www.acoustica.com/cd-label-maker/new-art.html

Another handy feature is if your paper type is not listed within the software, you can send the guy a sheet
or let him know what type of paper you are using, so he can update the software and get the software working for you!

Support is excellent, well worth every penny but do try the trial and see for yourself

Lee

[Ronnie]

I use PSE, I measure the size of the jacket, set my canvas to that size, mark the spine, and go from there. I print it on photo paper, so it looks really nice.

[momoffduty]

Use PS5 for the CD Jackets on card stock. When I print on one side and try to flip the paper over to print the backside, it does not quite line up. If I rotate the paper it will line up, but then the print is upside down. Any tips?

[Ronnie]

I normally don't print on the back side, but it sounds like if you would rotate your canvas 180 degrees, you could rotate and print with things being lined up and right side up.

[Barb O]

PSE 6 has something to use for making CD and DVD cases - so go have a look under the Create tab. You might have to do a More Options in order to see the choice for the DVD jackets; it is close to the choice for greeting cards.

Sorry but I don't have access to a copy of PSE 6 for awhile due to computer upgrades in progress, so I can't give you more specifics.

[jackfalbey]

I use these pre-scored A4-size inserts with SureThing label software and Canon iP4200 photo printer and they come out looking great http://www.meritline.com/merdvdcasinp.html

[VernonRobinson]

I have to second the Neato media and program. Been using them for years. No muss. No fuss. Comes prescored and matches up perfectly with software templates. They have started an online design tool, which I have not used. I tried the media from Supermedia. It was a pain. I had to create my own template and kept tweaking to get proper alignment. After that, the media was not perforated all the way. Wound up with way to many ragged edges. Neato may be a small premium, but it is well worth it in my opinion. Also, if you do not have a printer that prints directly on CD/DVD and use paper labels, I can recommend them for that also. Never had one peel off and they seem to play just fine. Some are over 10 years old. BTW, customer service, should you ever need to call, has been excellent.

http://www.neato.com/

Just a satisified customer,
-Vernon