Creating Image For Disc Label

[skyvoice]

I have been trying to make some professional looking DVD/CD labels using PSE 4, but it seems that I always wind up with some wanted image detail off of the edge or cut out in the middle when I transfer the image to my label programs. I am trying out the LightScribe discs using both the Nero and the Acoustica Label programs. Both programs are ok for basic labeling, but are limited for doing anything fancy with pictures.

Does anyone know of a template to use in the PSE editor so I can see where the picture lines up on the disc before saving the image and transferring it to the other programs. I have thought about just putting 2 measured circles in the image, just for reference, but not quite sure how to go about that either.
(Or just using the right tool would be nice if I knew how) :rolleyes:

Also, any tips for good effects on LightScribe would be appreciated.

Thanks, Steve

[pixlbandit]

Avery has some.
http://www.avery.com/us/Main?action=software.BlankTPLCategory&catalogcode=WEB01&node=10194406

Vicki

[Wendy]

Hi Steve ...

I experimented quite a while with this ... and eventually I had one that prints out perfectly for me. I kept a copy of it and now just drag and drop other photographs etc on top of it.

I started off with a new file then created a check pattern on it and printed it out ... measured it against a disk and marked the edges. That made it easier for me to make the lines on my template.

For that I created a new layer above the check pattern ... used the elliptical marquee to make a circle then did Edit>Stroke. It wasn't quite in the right place so I used the move tool to resize it and to move it into place.

Then I repeated the whole thing for the centre ...

It took a while to get it rght but now it takes me seconds to do. I line it up with the lines then go to the layers palette and switch the lines off ... or sometimes I use them as part of the design.

I posted a scrapbook page in my DDD Gallery which uses one of the labels I made for my stepson's wedding and that looked really good when it was printed out. Here (http://www.digitaldesignden.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1205) is how it looked.

Wendy

[cats4jan]

Wendy - Your label turned out really good. It's difficult to design a label where that dumb center circle doesn't get in the way.

I guess I need to work on a template. I love making labels for all my DVD's - in fact, I'm not going to buy any more CD's or DVD's that are not printable.

Did you know you can buy cardboard disks where you can print a trial label prior to printing on your disk? I was thinking of buying some because of the problems I've had, and because sometimes something looks good on the computer and looks lousy on the label - but I think I had to buy 1,000 and I don't think I need a lifetime supply. LOL

[Wendy]

Hi Janice ...

It took me a lot of trial and error to get it right .. but it is worth it as they look great once they are printed.

On some I have kept the picture over to the left then blended in a paper over on the right and done the text on that. Or a picture on the left, paper on the right and a ribbon down the join ... :)

Wendy

[cats4jan]

Wendy, I think using scrapbook paper as a background and putting a small - whole - photo on one side and text and embellishments on the other side is the way to go. I'm tired of seeing a large hole in the center of the photo. LOL

[gcherry]

Steve,

One of the things you can do with Lightscribe is burn the same image more than once. The first burn is usually pretty light, but if you burn it 2 or 3 times, it will increase the contrast and will probably give you a better result.

[skyvoice]

I guess the key here is still just good old trial and error. As Wendy suggested, I think I will try building a circle template on a layer that I can hide when I save the file.

As far as burning a LightScribe multiple times, I tried that after boosting the contrast and it didn't seem to make it a whole lot darker like I expected. It also didn't seem to realign on the disc as advertised, but was off just a fraction. But that gave me sort of a wierd looking "holographic" effect. Not what I was looking for, but interesting.

I have been told that different brands burn darker than others. These were HP and on the closeout shelf, and might be an early version or something. I would prefer to just use a color printer on a disc but don't want to invest in another printer (and no room for it either)