best size and resolution to design album cover?

[sampsoniter]

now, from what I understand, the dimensions of a cd album cover are 800 by 800 pixels.........but would it not be a better idea to design it with bigger dimensions and high resolution then scale down to proper size when done?

what dimensions and resolution would you recommend designing for best results?

[RenéG-5ha3S1]

800 by 800 is too low and too small for that.

Have a look at this tutorial: http://www.shutterstock.com/newsletter/155/How_to_Design_a_CD_Cover_Using_Photoshop-2.html

Mainly the following:

CD booklets and covers tend to be around 4.75 inches by 4.75 inches. As such, you will want to create a new document in Photoshop with those dimensions... For print, you would obviously want to use a high resolution (300dpi)

[p_d_f]

You should get a template from whoever is printing the CD artwork that will give you specifics about their requirements. You also want to inquire if any other formats are needed, like 12 inch vinyl, posters or publicity and design for those uses as well. In addition, you should really consider doing your overall designs in InDesign and not Photoshop. Your small type will thank you.

[RenéG-5ha3S1]

...or in Illustrator.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

You also want to inquire if any other formats are needed, like 12 inch vinyl, posters or publicity and design for those uses as well.

Sound advice.

And it might pay to work under the assumption that just because people might say that, no, no other formats will ever be produced, this need not necessarily mean that no other formats will ever be produced …

So while working at a higher resolution and using full res-Smart Objects of montage-elements where possible would increase the file’s size and saving times there is a (slim) chance it might pay off later on.