I need to learn how to make and print on CD's in Photoshop

[Ken Nielsen]

I have only found confusion by searching YouTube and wonder why this is not covered somewhere better. I'll leave it to my knowledgeable friends on these forums to come up with the right answer. Since I've only worked with paper sizes through the years of printing... making a CD is a bit mysterious to me... what is the size of the sheet, or does the Epson XP-830 which can print CD's and has a tray for them know how to limit where it 'sprays ink?'

I guess I need to have the basics of 1.) Where I can get a good template that I can use in photoshop and to print from Photoshop, and, 2.) an explanation briefly of how this process works in printing and do I need to worry about 'sheet size?' or is the fact that it is a CD communicate well enough with the printer?

TIA, for help with this,

Ken

[mglush · Accepted solution]

Hi Ken!

First, are you planning on using the Epson XP-830 that you mentioned above? If so, then I would suggest that the first place to start is the documentation for that printer. Check their online support for a template that you can use for a CD. Their documentation should give you all the answers you're looking for. Also, check the Epson website for any tutorials on using that printer to print on a disc.

Michelle

[Ken Nielsen]

mglush  wrote

"...I would suggest that the first place to start is the documentation for that printer."

Going right there and thank you Michelle...

[mglush]

Let us know how it goes!

Michelle

[Ken Nielsen]

mglush  wrote

Let us know how it goes!

Michelle

It's a mess, I've downloaded and app from Epson called 'print CD' which is about as far away from being able to design content in Photoshop as I could ask for. Funny, in print settings in Photoshop there is media of CD/DVD but it is grayed out... Hmm... If I can come up with the artwork in Photoshop and print from there all the better... I'll do some more research, the Epson app is junk as you could imagine... Photoshop and Adobe have us spoiled I'm afraid... I'll keep researching. and thanks for the input as, I hope not, but maybe, the printer app is all that is going to work. Let's  hope not...

[mglush]

I am wondering why the option is grayed out. Is the Epson printer connected to the computer? Does the info you downloaded from Epson give you a CD media dimension? If not, I pulled out a blank CD I have and measured it. If you create a file with the outer ring edge at 4 and 9/16 and the inner ring at 1 and 3/4 you will keep your art within a printable area.

Are you familiar with layer masks? You can build a file with a layer mask to create the visible area for your image. Let me know if you're mot familia with layer masks and I can walk you through it.

M

[Ken Nielsen]

mglush  wrote

I am wondering why the option is grayed out. Is the Epson printer connected to the computer? Does the info you downloaded from Epson give you a CD media dimension? If not, I pulled out a blank CD I have and measured it. If you create a file with the outer ring edge at 4 and 9/16 and the inner ring at 1 and 3/4 you will keep your art within a printable area.

Are you familiar with layer masks? You can build a file with a layer mask to create the visible area for your image. Let me know if you're mot familia with layer masks and I can walk you through it.

M

I will keep an eye on the choice from within the print dialog that says CD/DVD and yet is grayed out... That gives me hope that this can be done from within 'any' app, including Photoshop. Meanwhile, I'll do the label in Photoshop and then 'place' it into the Epson CD Print app just to get my first trial runs into production. Thank You for the measurement details for active print area  and also using a layer mask to position artwork into the 'safe' live printer area. Thanks for all of your help and the insight into getting started by going to the printer manufacturer, Epson, first mglush. Much appreciation! - I will report back if I find more information that will help this subject.

[Peru Bob]

I have used this for direct printing onto DVDs:

CD Label Maker - Create CD/DVD Labels & Covers with Easy Labeling Software

[Test Screen Name]

The Epson Print CD software is for printing to this printer, I recommend you use it. I don't understand your comment that it isn't a competitor for Photoshop; it isn't supposed to be. But surely you can use it to place graphics and print. So, you just make your content in the best app you have (Photoshop wouldn't be my choice, probably Illustrator), and print. Take care to read the manual carefully. I used to have a CD printer, and there are lot of gotchas about the kind of CD you can use, and the sort of inks that work, safe margins to leave, and so on.

[Nancy OShea]

Epson ships with label making software on the installation disk.  That software has a wizard to step you through the entire process.  I don't use Photoshop for printing CDs/DVDs.   It's not necessary.

[Ken Nielsen]

Thanks to everyone who posted on this subject. I'm using the Epson Print CD app now and since my work involves mostly photos, Photoshop is the best place for me to be with this. It's working and now I'm producing using the Print CD capability of the Epson printer.  I Truly Appreciate the help in getting started with this.