How to Make a Printable CD Cover

The invention of CD burners in some ways was the modern equivalent of the cassette recorder. Like the cassette recorder before it, this handy machine allows people to record music. It also does much more. People can share artwork, Excel files or graphics easily on the CD format. The technology also encourages people to exercise their creative abilities. One of the most fun aspects of creating a homemade CD is making the front cover. This allows you to show off your graphic skills as well as your technical know-how.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing paper
• Flatbed scanner
• Photos
• Clip art
• Layout program
• Computer paper
• Scissors
• Plastic CD case

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of graphics you’d like to feature on your CD cover. This will depend on the nature of the project. A musical project might require photos of the musician, whereas an informational CD calls for pictures related to the type of information being conveyed.

2. Make notes and sketches of your ideas for the CD on a piece of paper. This step in graphic design is equivalent to the rough draft phase of writing. You’ll incorporate the theme of the piece into the graphics and text you select for this. As you’re sketching, make sure that all the visual as well as textual information winds up on these drafts. Ensure that your designs will fit onto the 4.72 x 4.72-inch size of the CD cover.

3. Set up a CD project file on your computer. All of the textual and graphic information you have related to the project will land in here.

4. Take any digital photos you’ll need for the CD project and upload them into the file folder. Follow the directions that came with the camera to do this. You may also need to scan photos with a flatbed scanner if you require older photos for this project. Use the instructions that came with the scanner.

5. Pull any additional artwork or photos you need from your clip art collection. Save these in your file as well.

6. Lay out the CD cover in your design program. You should use the design and layout program with which you have familiarity. This allows you to import photos and textual information easily since you won’t also have to instruct yourself on how to use the program. Possible graphics programs include Adobe Photoshop or InDesign, Quark, Word or Publisher. Make sure you design a front and back cover.

7. Add some paper to your printer. Print your CD cover once your layout duties are complete. To do this, go to “File” and then “Print”. A pop up menu will appear. Select your printer from the option and click “OK”.

8. Cut out the CD cover. Place it into the plastic CD case.

References

• Design Mag: 7 Photoshop Tutorials for Creating Album Covers
• YouTube: Making a CD Cover on Photoshop CS3
• Pukkalla: Drawing and Illustration Tutorials
• Idea Book: How to Choose and Use Clip Art

Resources

• The Paper Mill Store: Free CD Covers Templates
• Paper CD Case