Creating covers for the CDs on which you have poured your playlists or for the burned ones is a project that offers many possibilities and allows you to replace even the original covers by now damaged. You can print some images you have created on your computer or draw them yourself. You can also learn how to design the cases. Whatever ideas you have for this creation, here you can learn how to put it into practice.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Print the Cover
Step 1. Choose a suitable graphic design program
There are many software programs that are designed to create and print custom CD covers; many of these are free to download. You can edit photos, add text and crop images to fit the size of a jewel case or envelope case. Here are some software tips:
- Adobe Illustrator.
- CD Label Designer.
- CD & DVD Label Maker.
- CD Cover Creator.
- CNET.
- Print Master Gold.
Step 2. Draw a square or rectangle to delimit the cover
Many programs allow you to do this as soon as you open them, but if you are using generic software, such as Illustrator, then you will first need to define the dimensions of your graphic design. CDs can be enclosed in a 120mm square, so use the tools in the program or set the parameters according to these measurements.
- You can also change the background color and set it to dark gray or whatever you like and want for your cover. This way the changes will be more noticeable.
- If you also want to create the back cover of a jewel case, know that in this case the dimensions are 150 x 118 mm, because you have to take into account the “hinge” of the case. For the rest, you can follow the same instructions.
Step 3. Create a new “layer”, or layer, by importing an image
This tutorial assumes you're using an Illustrator-like program, but refer to the software-specific tools you have available. In general, however, you need to create a new image layer above the background and select a photograph for the cover.
- Browse your collection of images or search online. Usually, the simpler the image, the better. You can change the background color scheme to fit the photograph later if you find it necessary.
- Choose the "Import Image" function, crop it and change its size to fit the cover size, if applicable. Usually, just drag the edges of the photo to resize it.
- Alternatively, if you are trying to replace a lost original cover, you can search the internet and save the cover image to import it into the graphics program. In that case you can skip the next steps and go straight to the printing stage.
Step 4. Add some text
You need to set another layer above the photograph and drag a text box to the desired location to add words to the cover. Use complementary fonts, colors and letter sizes that fit the image you have chosen. Usually it is advisable not to enter more than the album title and the artist's name or a simple writing such as "Marco's Rock Compilation", if it is a CD that collects your favorite songs. If you love pure graphics, you can also omit the writing.
Step 5. Be very careful near the edges
Whenever you print and cut out, it can happen that the edges shift. For this reason, avoid putting the most important writings or images near the perimeter of the cover, make sure that they are at least 6 mm apart.
Step 6. Print your creation
Make sure you have set the parameters correctly so that the cover is the same size as the CD case. Select "Print Preview" to make sure you don't have to resize your document before physically printing it.
Step 7. Use strong paper specifically for CD covers
You can find it in almost any fine art store, but also in office supply stores. Usually these sheets have holes in the sides and allow you to detach the front and back covers without difficulty.
- The printer may also need to be reconfigured.
- Alternatively, use plain paper if you plan to insert the cover into a rigid jewel case. It will make a good impression!
Method 2 of 3: Making a Cover by Hand
Step 1. Prepare the case
If you want to create a new image to insert into the jewel case you already own, remove the old one and clean the case. Eliminate all stickers, fingerprints and all marks that may have remained on the plastic; use a thin cloth and a little denatured alcohol for this operation.
Alternatively, it may be easier to purchase a new hard case for your original or burned CD. There are standard size ones that contain both a front and back image and also "mini" ones that allow the insertion of only the front cover. You can find the cases in packs of 5-10 and even 20 pieces. Since jewel cases tend to break over time, it is worth buying new ones
Step 2. As a basis, use good quality cardstock
Some sturdy cards are thin enough to fit into a CD case and can be easily cut out with a cutter or scissors. Use these size guidelines:
- Front cover: 120 x 120 mm.
- Back cover: 150 x 118 mm.
Step 3. Design the drawing
The image for your cover can be simple or complex, according to your tastes. Consider the songs on the CD and the images they evoke, browse through old magazines, textbooks, snapshots and other material to make a collage. Generally, before you begin, it is recommended that you use a pencil and draw light guidelines to know where to place the various photos on the cover. This way you will have a reference model; however, nothing prevents you from creating freehand if you want to try it.
- Old textbooks can be a great source of weird photographs and diagrams that are great for your CD. Take a trip to a thrift store or library in search of texts so worn that they are destined for garbage and that you can cut out.
- Try to combine the most disparate elements together to obtain an anomalous composition. The image of a cereal box can suddenly turn out to be perfect for a punk rock CD, if you eliminate the eyes of all the portrayed characters.
- Once you have the photos, you can start gluing them with a simple glue stick. Even if it seems a bit "primitive" technique to you, know that a good school glue or a latex-based one is perfect for this type of work.
Step 4. Decide how you will add the text
You can write it by hand with a light stroke directly on the images, with the help of a pencil. Later you can go over the letters with a black marker. Alternatively, you can print single words and then glue them on the cover for a perfect decoupage job.
- You can also try using molds to create letters and words on the cover. Invest in a good set of molds (you can buy this at art stores) that you can use every time you create labels.
- Do you want a real punk alternative? Write the text with the technique of intimidating letters! Cut out individual letters from a newspaper or magazines and then compose the title of the album and the name of the musical group on the cover. You will get a crazy and really "cool" effect!
Step 5. Consider taking a scan
If you want to reproduce your custom cover in multiple copies, you can scan it into your computer and follow the instructions in the previous section of this article. It will certainly be much easier than creating them all by hand, one by one.
Similarly, if you want to design a three-dimensional image created from a collage and hand-drawn elements, then you should scan it and then print it in two dimensions to keep it in the jewel case
Method 3 of 3: Create an Envelope Case by Hand
Step 1. Use plain paper to be folded as a case
If you want to make a simple hand-drawn CD envelope, all you need is a piece of paper, some glue, and some good origami skills. It is not difficult, if you use a ruler or a CD as a guide. Here's how to proceed:
- Fold an A4 sheet horizontally leaving 2.5 cm overlapping.
- Fold both sides inwards by about 4.5 cm.
- Open the sheet again and fold the two vertical strips on the sides and then insert the CD into the pocket created on the long side, under the vertical strips.
- Fold the sheet back horizontally and close the overlapping 2.5 cm “flap” to complete the square.
- Put the "tab" in the pocket and press to flatten everything.
Step 2. Block the creases with glue or staples
Once the pocket has been created, it is worth fixing it to make sure that the CD remains inside the case and that it does not open when you lend the CD to someone. You can use glue, tape, or staples.
Step 3. Decorate the case to your taste
You can use the same methods described in the previous section, using old pictures or drawing them yourself to decorate the outside of the case. When you do this, remove the CD from the envelope to avoid damaging it with glue or ink.
Better yet, color and decorate the sheet of paper before folding it, so the images completely envelop the CD. You can make the case truly unique, as you won't know in advance where the creases will be
Step 4. Insert a plastic bag into the case to protect the CD
A trick to make your personalized case safe is to take a "page" from those CD book cases that were used in cars (before the advent of iPods), carefully cut it out and put it in the envelope. Alternatively, you can also use these pages and put the song list in them along with the CDs if you want to get a quick fix.
