How to Print CD Covers for Software
Making your own software CD covers is a good way to both be creative and make something useful. These projects don’t have to be complicated. You can use illustrations and photos taken from a clip art CD and the graphics software that you have on hand. You only need to decide what kind of graphics you want in order to convey your visual message. In about an afternoon, you can assemble these ready-made graphics into a new image that’s entirely original.
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Instructions
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Consider the software for which you’re making your CD cover. For example, if it’s graphics software, choose an illustration indicating that. For a cartooning program, you might use pictures of cartoon characters.
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Make a computer file folder for the graphics and textual information you’ll use on your CD covers.
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Look through your clip art CD for images that fit the subject of your CD. Save these images in your file folder.
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Ensure that you know what the measurements for your CD cover needs to be. The measurements will be different if you’re making a cover to slip into a plastic CD case than if you’re making a cover for a cardboard case. Measure the case to make sure you know the right dimensions for your cover.
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Open the graphics program in which you’ll create your CD covers. Many top-of-the-line design programs exist like Adobe Photoshop, Quark or Corel Draw. You do not have to use these programs, though, if you’re unfamiliar with them. For example, if you know how to use Microsoft Word or Publisher better in this capacity, use those programs. Choose the program you know best. You won’t be trying to learn the program as you’re working on your designs, so the process will run more smoothly.
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Create a file in your graphics program. Set up the page dimensions according to the measurements you took. Name the file, and save it in your file folder. Make files for both the front and back covers.
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Add your pictures and clip art to the file. Depending upon the design program you’re using, this could use the commands to “copy” and “paste”. Other programs require you to go to an “Insert” or “Place” command in the program.
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Adjust the size of your graphics if they require it.
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Type in the textual information for your software. Include the name, type of software and any other pertinent information. Save your work.
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Fill your printer with paper or card stock. Print out your CD cover. To do this, go to the “File” menu in the upper left-hand side of your program. Once the pull down menu appears, select "Print." Your printer’s menu will pop up.
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Select the printer you want to use if you have more than one, and click “OK”.
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Cut out your CD cover, and slip it into the jewel case. Tape or glue the cover together if you’re making a cover without a jewel case.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cd's image by Dianne Burridge from Fotolia.com
