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Can someone explain how to print out covers?

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Can someone explain how to print out covers?

Old 07-15-06, 07:00 PM
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Can someone explain how to print out covers?

Is there a guide on how to do this? Just curious as to what steps are used? Do you have to have a special program? Also, what type of paper is used? What about trimming them? If someone could help me. I would greatly appreciate it.
Old 07-15-06, 10:49 PM
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My SOP:

In Photoshop: Set paper size to A4 (Landscape). Set art to print flush left (0.00 L margin). This is done to fool the printer into a longer printing area.

Attach an inch-thick extension of regular printer paper (with regular clear tape) to the back of the higher quality (8.5"x11") paper the cover will be printed on (usually some kind of photo glossy) so the printer has something to grab onto as it prints the last part of the cover.

Print. Highest quality settings.

Once printed, let ink dry for a few minutes, then X-acto knife and metal straight-edge to all 4 sides of the cover.

Annnnnnnnnnnd.........scene.

Last edited by canaryfarmer; 07-15-06 at 10:52 PM.
Old 07-16-06, 04:52 AM
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tacos, let me know your email address and I'll send you the complete step-by-step tutorial.
Old 07-16-06, 01:52 PM
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Sounds good joliom. Thanks

[email protected]

Last edited by tacos; 07-16-06 at 09:45 PM.
Old 07-17-06, 12:33 AM
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I just use Cover XP to print out covers. Drag the cover into the window, select "dvd.keepcase.single.file" for a regular case cover, print, trim about 1 or 2 mm off each side, and I'm done.
Old 07-18-06, 02:48 AM
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CoverXP doesn't have the versatility of Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro. It's like the difference between a typewriter and a computer. If you want to do more than just scanning and converting retail art - if you want to do some serious design - then you really need to get into one of those two programs.
Old 08-30-06, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by joliom
tacos, let me know your email address and I'll send you the complete step-by-step tutorial.

Do you think I could get that as well, my email address is [email protected]

Also, what is the best paper and printer to use? I mean do you recommend glossy photo paper(or something else) and say an HP photo printer(found them to be the best in my opinion, but maybe not)?
Old 08-30-06, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by DVDsAreMyLIFE
Also, what is the best paper and printer to use? I mean do you recommend glossy photo paper(or something else) and say an HP photo printer(found them to be the best in my opinion, but maybe not)?
I've had very good luck with the Epson Stylus Photo R220 and printing on Kodak Semi-Gloss photo paper. The R220 allows for full bleed on photo paper (eliminating the need to tape a piece of paper onto your cover stock), as well as having a tray to print labels onto printable discs.

The semi-gloss paper I mostly bought cause it was on clearance at Wal-Mart ($7 for 100 sheets), but it's worked very well for me.
Old 08-30-06, 11:12 AM
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Awesome, thanks for the prompt response. Yea right now I am printing them off on normal paper, cause I don't have a photo printer yet. It works for now, but I would like to step it up for custom covers and such. About how much did your printer cost?
Old 09-01-06, 08:42 PM
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DVDsAreMyLIFE, I'll send you the tutorial when I get home in a few hours (I'm at work right now). On the subject of printers, it kind of depends. Epson makes the best photo printers in terms of the quality and detail of the prints, but they tend to break down more frequently than HP's and are ink guzzlers. If you do a great deal of day-to-day (non-photo) printing, and really need it to be a tank, you may want to go with the HP just to save on ink and insure a greater life-cycle for your product. But Epsons rock for photo printing. You can't beat their vivid colors and sharp detail. If you do decide to go that route I recommend the "R" series (R200, R300, R800). They do direct-CD printing also which is very handy. As for paper, you'll get the best results from premium glossy photo paper. Not all papers are 100% compatible with all printers, so a good rule of thumb is to stick with the same brand as your printer. I've had great results using the Kirkland glossy photo paper from Costco with my Epson R800, however, so if you're willing to blow some money experimenting, you might find a more economical, but equally good, substitute.

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