Creating DVD Covers

[Erica]

I'm pretty new to creating covers for dvd's now so please bear with me....


I'm looking to get a program or something to help me create covers for my DVD cases. Now a lot of programs say CD/DVD jewelcase creators but don't a lot of people consider the square jewel cases DVD cases ALSO?

So how would I know if they mean it will create standard DVD case covers or just the regular square covers?

Another thing, I have these dvd cases that are clear & come in 2 pieces that you snap together but there is no way to put a cover on the outside of case unless you stick it there somehow & that's awful....or put it on the inside which doesn't fit so well but there are little place holders...is this only for booklets/pamphlets or something & no way to use actual covers on these cases??

Is the only way to use a DVD insert is to stick it into a pocket on the actual DVD case? and if it has none then I am outta luck?

[Tommyknocker]

Not exactly. Let's take this one step at a time:

I'm looking to get a program or something to help me create covers for my DVD cases. Now a lot of programs say CD/DVD jewelcase creators but don't a lot of people consider the square jewel cases DVD cases ALSO?

The program I use is called CD Labeler Deluxe. It not only makes the jewel case inserts, but the larger DVD case labels as well. You may want to check it out.

Next:

Another thing, I have these dvd cases that are clear & come in 2 pieces that you snap together but there is no way to put a cover on the outside of case unless you stick it there somehow & that's awful....or put it on the inside which doesn't fit so well but there are little place holders...is this only for booklets/pamphlets or something & no way to use actual covers on these cases??

There are DVD Case labels that you print out and they are applied by peeling off the backing and sticking them like large postage stamops. If that is what you meant by being awful, I cannot help you there. Or you may want to go ahead and buy the the DVD cases that have the case pocket made just for printing out the label and inserting them into the pocket. They are so cheap it is ridiculous. The clip inside the DVD case is for holding the booklet for the DVD.

Anyway, click here to look at most of the suggested labels and program I mentioned.

[ghoster]

for software get neato's media face. as for the covers go to www.cdcovers.cc

[maineiac]

I use CoverXP to create DVD Covers...You can use it for a variety of different kinds of covers. There is both a free version and a paid version. The primary advantage of the paid version is that it lets you put overlays (text or images) on top of the initial image you load into the cover field. Here is a link: www.coverxp.com

[coda304]

If you are familiar with Photoshop you can find many templates for cd covers & dvd covers by doing a search on google!

[Erica]

If you are familiar with Photoshop you can find many templates for cd covers & dvd covers by doing a search on google!

I have photoshop 7,.,.,.,.,.what would I type in to find templates for the covers I wanna make?

[Erica]

Thanx Tommy and everyone..
I will check out all those programs and links....THANK U!

[rallynavvie]

I use a combination of Photoshop and Illustrator for my DVD covers. Suggest you work in minimum of 150dpi (CMYK of course) for covers printed on inkjets, higher if you've got a good laser printer. I use DVDcoverart.com for ideas (especially when I turned my Star Wars VCD set to DVD). You can also find templates as well as typical video icons (DVD video, THX, studio logos, etc.) there.

IMO the biggest part of the cover creation is the print. Use a good laser printer if you want it to look nice. Glossy paper is bollocks; if you're inserting it inside the plastic sleeve for the cover you'll never tell it's glossy anyway. For inserts maybe use a light text gloss.

[JamesB69]

Start by making the front and back separately which should each be 1535x2175 pixels.
Then make the spine which should be 170x2175 pixels. Then put all three together for a total of 3240x2175.
Photoshop is the best. Also no less than 300dpi.

[BiggNewt]

I use CoverXP for my DVD Cases but they are alot of the times too short and uneven, does anybody know the right dimensions I should put???

[Quigonsean]

editted by tgpo

[maineiac]

I use CoverXP for my DVD Cases but they are alot of the times too short and uneven, does anybody know the right dimensions I should put???

Cover XP has many templates with the sizes automatically calculated for you. For Standard DVD Cases for example you would use the "dvdkeepcase.splitted" template. This gives you a template for a single dvd case and allows you to insert text or graphics on the spine as well. Of course when printing you need to make sure that your printer can handle the full length of the covers. In my case I simply used 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, but tell my printer that I am using 8 1/2 x 14 inch paper. And I set it for "Maximum" printing rather than standard. I get great covers that way. If your printer won't support that kind of setting then you will either need to actually use 8 1/2 x 14 inch paper or add an extension to your 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper.

[Talus]

Under NeroExpress there is a label maker. This has the appropriate template that you can use for DVD cases as well as others. I get my DVD case images from http://www.cdcovers.cc/.
Goodluck!

[gee69]

A newbie...is it safe to put a label on a DVD disc itself, just like you would a CD. won't it affect the playing in a DVD player?

[miketree]

A newbie...is it safe to put a label on a DVD disc itself, just like you would a CD. won't it affect the playing in a DVD player?

The jury is out on this one. I personally haven't had any problems with labelling dvds, but some people do.

I gave up labelling them anyway - Just couldn't be bothered!

I think it depends on:-
a) DVD player
b) Media
c) labels
d) application method
e) phase of the moon.

[ktnwin]

I created the DVD cover case myself using MS Word, PhotoEditor and an color ink jet printer.
Once I got the size right (by measuring the case itself), the rest is simply an art design work (which involves lot of creativity).
After printing on regular 8.5x11 paper, I cut the edges to get the correct size then slide that in. Easy.