How to Make CD Jewel Case Covers

Burning CDs for a friend or loved one is a great gift idea. To add an even more personal touch to the CD, make your own jewel case covers for the CDs. The easiest way to make a custom jewel case cover for a CD is to download a template from Microsoft Office Online into Microsoft Word 2007 (or another version of Word). Using a template provides a helpful layout for adding text and graphics to make a custom CD jewel case cover.

Things You'll Need

• Cardstock

Instructions

1. Go to Microsoft Office Online (see Resources).

2. Click on Templates at the top of the webpage.

3. Type "CD inserts" in the Search Templates box at the top. A list of several templates will come up. Most of the templates are available in Word, but there are a few Microsoft Publisher ones available if you'd like to use that program instead.

4. Click on a template when you find one that suits your purpose. Click Download in the next screen. Choose where you want to save the jewel case template. The template will automatically open up in Word.

5. Add your own message to personalize the CD. Most templates have textboxes in them, so you just have to click on the text that is already there and enter your own. To include additional textboxes, click on Text Box in the Text section in the Insert tab on the toolbar at the top of Word. Click Draw Text Box. The cursor will resemble a cross. Click and drag out to draw the textbox.

6. Format the text on the jewel case template. There are lots of tools available in the Font section of the Home tab to reformat text. You can bold, italicize, underline, re-size or change the color or font of the text.

7. Add graphics to the template. Use the tools in the Insert tab. To add a photograph, click on Picture. Locate the photo on your computer and click Insert. To add a different kind of graphic, choose Clip Art. A box will appear on the side of the screen allowing you to search for types of images. Enter in the type of image that you are looking for, and click Go. Double click on a graphic to insert it into the template.

8. Print out the jewel case covers on cardstock or other heavy, durable paper.

9. Cut out and fold the jewel case cover. Some templates have cut lines and folding directions to help you.

10. Insert the cover into the jewel case. Jewel cases usually have tabs to hold the cover in place. Be sure that the cover is inserted behind the tabs so it does not slip out.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Microsoft Office Online