Homemade CD Packaging

CD packaging makes a CD and its case look professional.

CD packaging, the artwork and information that adorns a CD case, is an important part of making a CD look professional. While record labels can create the packaging at large printing plants and with help of multimedia designers, anyone with a computer, printer, the template paper and some imagination can make a homemade CD look as good as the professionals.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer with manual feed
• CD labeling paper
• Blank jewel cases

Instructions

1. Purchase the CD packaging paper from any supple store. Make sure that it contains templates for CD labels (adhesives that sick onto the disc) CD slide out booklets and tray cards.

2. Search online for the computer template to print onto the packaging paper. This will likely be a word processing document that has the outlines for the templates programmed in. Look specifically under the brand name and model number of the packaging paper. Note that some companies include a disc with the packaging paper that contains the computer template or a program that automatically puts the artwork and wording in the proper place for the paper.

3. Launch the template in the word processing program or launch the included computer program.

4. Create the information for the CD tray card. This a paper that fits underneath the plastic CD holder. The text and images are viewable from the sides as well as the back of the CD. Generally, the sides will contain the artist name and album title, while the back contains a track listing.

5. Create the information for the CD pull-out booklet. The front of the booklet will be the front of the CD case, so it should have the album title and artist information, as well as attention-grabbing artwork. Inside the booklet can be any variety of things including liner notes, copyright info, more track listings or more artwork.

6. Create the information for the CD label. This is a sticker that will adhere directly to the CD and can contain basic CD informtion or more artwork.

7. Print out each one of these packaging elements on the designated paper. Load it into the manual feeder for optimal printing quality and reduced likelihood of paper jamming.

8. Cut or tear out the printed materials and attach them to the designated areas. Pop out the plastic CD tray to slide the tray card inside. Slide the booklet in the front cover, and peel off the CD label and carefully adhere it to the front (non playing side) of the CD.

References

• CD Label Templetes