You can make a template in anything - any drawing program, word processor, etc. I use Powerpoint for some reason and have long forgotten why.

The only problem is, my printer won't print to the edge so the cover is slightly short. I could use legal paper, but... nah.

I get my cases from www.shop4tech.com. $35 for 100 shipped.

You can get one of those cheap labeling programs that will give you templates for tray and front inserts for Cd's and DVD's and you can also get nice thick stock that is perforated for those templates. I have always preferred the Sure Thing CD Labeler, I've used pretty much every one out on the market and I find this one to be the easiest and best to use.

Sure Thing CD Labeler

Cases: blankmedia.ca $36Canadian per 100 double or single cases.

I use Photoimpact for the design. Once you have one design just reuse it.
If your printer doesn't do full bleed, I use to tape 1 8.5X11 to another(so its 14in long) and tell the printer it was a 8.5X14 sheet, this worked great for me.

I too now have the Epson 900, great printer and software with it to adjust alignment and such.

Paul

I used Photoshop to determine actual sizing for the DVD cover, and I designed the actual picture in Paint (Because I'm very familar with it) and printed it at. I got my DVD cases from www.shop4tech.com

Rogue One

This site has downloadable templates for DVD cases et al.

http://www.effectuality.ca/digital_templates.shtml

I use the template in Nero and EasyCD. Not elegant, however. I'm sure some of the other suggestions above are better.

As for sources, I buy almost everything I can from www.taperesources.com. Their prices and service are simply unbelievable. Better than Amazon or B&H Photo.

I also buy lots of supplies from www.meritline.com.

One last note: Just yesterday I tried a place that I haven't tried before because I wanted to buy a relatively small quantity of dual CD jewell boxes, and also I wanted archival (Mitsui Gold) CD-R. I found a place that has great selection, high-end media, and a nice array of packaging, and they let you buy in relatively modest quantities. Whether their service is any good, I don't know yet. Here's their address:

http://www.cascademedia.net

Update

After posting this, the UPS guy arrived with the package from Cascade. Less than 48 hours from my click to place the order until delivery.

This site has downloadable templates for DVD cases et al.

http://www.effectuality.ca/digital_templates.shtml

======================

Those are "Neato" templates.

I use a product called MediaFace v4. It comes with Photoshop and many other format templates. You can make simple labels and cases within the product - like import a background image and then add some text etc. Overall the product isn't awesome, but it is worth using the templates in Photoshop.

The reason I got on to this product is by buying some Neato CD/DVD labels. An earlier version of MediaFace comes on a CD with the labeling kit.

Jason

My contribution the betterment of mankind:

I began printing inserts on Meritline glossy die-cuts, but they stuck to the clear plastic on the DVD boxes, creating annoying fingerprint marks and other blotches with normal handling. (The actual insert wasn't smearing, it just created bubbles where it was pressed against the plastic).

Switched to Neato inserts, and all is well. I don't find the inserts in any retail stores, so go to www.neato.com

G

G

If you guys do alot of DVD distribution, I suggest you check out and ask your local blockbuster for cases. I walked into mine here in MIlwaukee Wisconsin (eastside) one day and noticed they had 8 packs of them for $1.00. The cases are brand new! Every week they get the new releases and most of the time end up throwing away the cases the new DVDs come in. I picked up 135 of them for like $16.00. Hell, maybe someone will get lucky and get them for free!! Seriously check out your local blockbuster and mention that you heard of them selling them cheap.

Brian
www.influx-media.com

Arksoo,

Great tip. The steady case supply courtesy of AOHell seems to have dropped off of late....

Greg

"You can make a template in anything - any drawing program, word processor, etc. I use Powerpoint for some reason and have long forgotten why.

The only problem is, my printer won't print to the edge so the cover is slightly short. I could use legal paper, but... nah."

I've been using PowerPoint too for many moons. Works great for what I need to do.

It will not print to the edge (on any printer...by the way) - so using legal sized paper is the way around that little problem.

That is, unless your background is white (or the color of what ever paper you are using)....then PP works great.

Hope that helps.

Kam

I use A5 paper (more common in Europe than here) which is a perfect size for case inserts. It's not that hard to find (Even Epson makes them) and is always listed in the paper sizes for printing options for the various graphics and DP programs.
As far as MediaFace 4 goes, it has to be one of the buggiest illogical programs of its type.

John

Jason--
Here's my approach:
1) In Vegas, use the Screen Shot function to grab ~30 relevant shots from the DVD. Save to HDD.
2) Import each pic into PowerPoint using Insert:Picture:FromFile, or Alt-IPF.
3) Resize each pic so as to fit them all onto the slide, like a collage.
4) Save as jpg or png.
5) Open in Photoshop at 300dpi. Scale to fit it onto a 7.5"x11" canvas.
6) Apply a filter like InkOutlines or Watercolor.
7) Add titles, credits, etc. as new layers. The end result is that the filter provides some interesting treatment, while masking the horrible grain from the screenshots. Then here's the final key:
8) Take it to a decent printer and have them print the image onto 11x17 cardstock. Then trim to 7.25"x10.75" with a paper cutter or scissors. Should cost you about a dollar each. If they have a good printer, you get Hollywood quality. It's a real nice touch for little money. I've always hated inkjet printer results (and the ink fades quickly), and once you go to a commercial printer, it's hard to go back. 8.5"x11 card stock doesnt work because most printers cant go to a 10.75" wide image.
9) I'm a hack when it comes to the DVD discs. I use a Sharpie. I'd love to find out how to get a great image printed onto a disc.
I get all my cases and DVD's at Meritline. Their Ritek G03's haven't let me down once I recommend the G03's as they are less than a dollar each. Good luck.
--John

Jester,
I have a suggestion for you to print full size DVD Jacket labels.
As you said, your printer will not print all the way to the edge of the paper so your label comes up slightly too short.
When you go to print your label fool your printer by selecting
A4 210x297mm paper size. Now just tape a second piece of paper under the first paper to fool your printer into seeing a longer sheet. What happens is that the label will print right up to the very edge of your standard page! Remove tape and presto-label! Try it and let me know how this works for you.
Mark

Man, is THAT a lotta work...

Since this isn't for money anyway, I'm not that fussy. And I'd be concerned with the tape joint in my printer - the HP tight paper path can be finicky.

Sometimes I leave a white border when cutting.

Just a P.S.--If you have DVD Complete (from the former Dazzle company now gobbled up by Pinnacle), which is still sold as one of the DVD-X products, it will print out some very nicely designed DVD (as well as CD case size) templates, about 20, and then all you'll have to do is trim the paper and insert it.