How to Create a DVD Case With InDesign
Creating a DVD case with InDesign is an easy project. The flexibility of InDesign's page layout features provides the ability to set the page size to the dimensions of the DVD wrap. Using custom margins and InDesign's column function, you can easily set up where the wrap's spine will go and make sure that the artwork and type do not run off the edge of the wrap. The DVD wrap can be easily printed, complete with crop marks, from a home laser or inkjet printer, and inserted into an existing plastic DVD case.
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Instructions
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Open a new document and make the page size 10.75 inches wide and 7.25 inches high. Go to the Layout menu, select "Margins and Columns." Set all of the margins at 0.375 inches (3/8 inch).
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In the same menu, set the number of columns to 2 and make the gutter width 0.562 inches (9/16 inch). The gutter, which is the space between the two columns, is where the artwork and type for the spine of the DVD case will go. Save the file. Note that the right panel is the front of the wrap and the left panel is the back cover of the wrap. Make sure your type is within the page margins.
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Add a new layer to the InDesign file. Under the "Window" menu, select "Layers" to bring up the layers palette if it is not already on your screen. Click on the triangle at the top right of the palette and select "New Layer." Lock Layer 1 by clicking in the box next to the eyeball on the layers palette. Click on Layer 2 to begin working on that layer.
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Add artwork. Click on "File" and select "Place" to import photographs and other graphics. Scale the artwork and place it on the DVD wrapper as desired. Save the file again.
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Add another new layer and select it. Create a text box and enter your text for the spine. Select the text box, and then on the main menu choose "Object," "Transform" and "Rotate." Set the angle to minus 90 degrees (or 270 degrees). Save the file.
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Print the DVD wrap to your printer. In the print options menu, choose "Setup," and under "Page Position" select "Centered" from the pull-down menu. Under the "Marks and Bleeds" option select "Crop Marks." Print the page.
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