How to Print a Label Directly on a CD

You'll need a Lightscribe- or Labelflash-enabled DVD drive to burn labels directly to your disk.

In the early days of consumer CD and DVD burning, if you wanted to create a label for your disk you'd need specialized software, templates and paper. With the advent of direct disk labeling from Lightscribe and Labelflash, printing a label directly onto your disk will save you time and money. Lightscribe and Labelflash are not a physical drive but rather a technology incorporated into most newer CD/DVD burners that work with a wide variety of OEM and retail drives. You can also print a label directly onto a CD using a specialized printer and disks.

Instructions

Install Your Lightscribe or Labelflash Drive

1. Power down your PC and disconnect any cables that are connected to your PC. Remove the side panel of your computer's chassis by unfastening any screws holding it on. Place the panel aside.

2. Slide the CD/DVD burner into an open 5 1/4-inch bay on the front of the chassis. Slide the drive in so that the bezel of the drive is flush with the bezel of the chassis. Fasten the connector screws into the side of the drive. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws.

3. Connect the appropriate data cable from the rear of the drive to the matching port on the motherboard.

4. Connect the correct power cable (Molex or SATA) from the power supply to to the proper port on the rear of the burner.

5. Replace the side panel of the chassis and re-fasten any screws you may have remove. Reconnect the computer's cabling and power it on. Test the drive by opening and closing the disk-tray a few times.

Print The Label

1. Place a Lightscribe- or Labelflash-enabled CD or DVD in your drive.

2. Launch your disk labeling software of choice. Most Lightscribe- or Labelflash-enabled burners come with a free piece of disk authoring software. Follow the owner's guide to install the software properly.

3. Select the labeling component of your authoring software. Methods will vary from program to program, so consult your user's guide for details.

4. Select the image or text you'd like on your disk. Flip your disk with so that the label is facing the proper direction. Click the "Write" or "Burn" button within your authoring software to begin the label making process.

5. Remove the disk from the drive when the write process is complete. You may use the disk right away, as there is no ink that needs to dry.

Disk Label Printer

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB or the appropriate data connection. Plug the printer into a power source and press the "On" button.

2. Install the software that shipped with your printer. Place the installation disk in your optical drive and follow the pop-up prompts to complete the installation. Reboot your PC if prompted.

3. Place a blank DVD into the appropriate bay in your printer.

4. Launch the label design software that shipped with your printer. Use the software to design your label with text and images.

5. Click the "Print" button to begin the printing process. When the process is complete, remove the disk from your printer.

References

• Epson: Printing on CDs and DVDs
• HP: Lightscribe FAQ
• Labelflash: FAQ

Resources

• CNET: How to Install a CD or DVD Burner