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Printing Star Wars DVD covers

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hello. i'm wanting to print off copies of the OT trilogy dvd case covers but i'm wondering what the best way to do this is. i'm guessing some of you who have dvd copies have made covers for them and so i have some questions for youse. will it use up all of my ink to print 4 covers; is there some way to get them made for a cheap price? and what about the paper that's used, is it possible to have them done on the type of paper that's normally found on dvd casings? any other info you can give on this subject would be helpful, thanks.
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Hi there,
I print my covers all the time with my HP 880c printer and I think they come out awesome!

I've hope this helps ya out.

First -
Be sure that what ever cover your trying to print is the right size first, the correct size is 3240 x 2188 pixels and 10.793" x 7.293 at 300 DPI - you can resize what ever cover you may have to this size but IF the cover was sized correctly it should not alter the images appearance.

Second -
You need the right paper. To print the cover you need to use LEGAL Size paper that's the 8.5 x 14 size stuff REGULAR paper works just fine for DVD covers (with brightness of 92+) and don't be fooled into buying pre-made covers since you get 500 sheets in a package VS. 10 or 20 covers in a kit!

Third -
The best software for printing covers is Adobe Photoshop CS it's pricey but it's worth it you can also use IrfanView, DVD Cover Print or Paint Shop Pro.

Fourth -
Setttings for the final print

In your programs print settings (I use Photoshop so these are the settings for Photoshop)

Select Print with Preview from the file button

Select Page Set Up

Paper = LEGAL
Source = Automatically set
Orientation= Landscape

Click OK

THEN click Show more options

Under this new field make sure the pulldown reads OUTPUT

then click on both Corner Crop Marks and Center Crop Marks
(this will create little printed marks so you can cut the cover PERFECT)

Click OK

Then when the XP's Print pop-up appears

Select Properties

under the Paper/Quality tab

Paper Source: Automatically select
Media: Plain Paper

Quality Settings: NORMAL - Sure you can select Best but you could print 2 covers in the same time and with the same ink used!
Color: Color

Now select the Layout tab

Orientation: Landscape

Click OK

Then Click OK again and your cover will print just fine

Fifth -
To cut your cover NEVER use scissors! - Get yourself a nice smooth cutting surface that can take a beating from a razor blade

I use a piece of faux marble counter topping - I had the guys a LOWES cut me a 18x23 inch piece
I also use a metal ruler and standard one sided razor blades (the kind that comes scrappers)

Your done at this point so stuff it in your keepcase

OR you can head over to KINKOS at 3am and try to talk them into printing them on the Fiery Laser Printer!
I managed to do this twice now - at the time they charged $3 a print - I dumped $30

I've included templete sizes for DVD covers below OR if anybody needs the perfect PSD template click there -> My Template - this template even has all the markers built in!

I hope this helps!

Rikter




All keepcases use the same size cover for the front and back (1535 x 2188 pixels), the only thing that changes is the spine width.

single: 3240 x 2188 pixels (spine: 170 pixels)
:: Download Single Template

double: 3305 x 2188 pixels (spine: 235 pixels)
:: Download Double Template

triple (slim): 3384 x 2188 pixels (spine 314 pixels)
:: Download Triple Template

4/5 disc: 3508 x 2188 pixels (spine: 438 pixels)
:: Download 4/5 Disc Template

6/7 disc: 3661 x 2188 pixels (spine: 591 pixels)
:: Download 6/7 Disc Template

ThinPak single: 3150 x 2188 pixels (spine: 80 pixels)
:: Download ThinPak Single Template

ThinPak double: 3172 x 2188 pixels (spine: 122 pixels)
:: Download ThinPak Double Template

Cover/Back center marks -

full size = 1535 x 2188 pixels

Vertical quarter mark = 547 pixels
Vertical center mark = 767.5 pixels
Vertical 3 quarter mark = 1641 pixels
Horizontal center mark = 1094 pixels









“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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thanks for the wealth of information Rik, this'll really come in handy!
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Any tips for printing DVD sticker labels? I have the worst time trying to print those stickers. What's a good brand of label to use and what's best for setup?
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
-------------------------
Kevin A
Webmaster/Primary Cynic
kapgar.typepad.com
kapgar.com
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Once again, cheers Rikter.

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Hi there guys!

The question about the CD lables is a GREAT one!

There has been much debate about this on the internet - do a google search and you'll find a buch of it.

I do not use labels on my DVDr's as I have had a few fail in the past - BUT when I do label them I use FELLOWES CD labels from Wal-Mart you get 100 matte labels for $14.

I have tried some cheaper labels and found that most just suck cheap glues and the peel off.

I would suggest using the MediaFACE II software that they suggest in the Fellowes package and it's free from their site - don't use cheap lables as the GLUE bites!

ALSO NEVER put a labeled CD or DVD in a AUTOMOTIVE CD/MP3 or DVD player - the heat inside the player will melt ANY glue!

I've lost a Sony CD X-MP80 cd MP3 Player due to labels

I hope this also helps!
RiK

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Cheers for the info - tho what is an Automotive DVD player? How can I tell if I had one or not?

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Is it in your car's dashboard?

If- If not your safe

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Quote

Originally posted by: Rikter
Is it in your car's dashboard?

If- If not your safe





... must think about things more before asking questions ...

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Quote

Originally posted by: Rikter
ALSO NEVER put a labeled CD or DVD in a AUTOMOTIVE CD/MP3 or DVD player - the heat inside the player will melt ANY glue!


This happened to me, it almost ruined the CD player, I was able to get the CD out in time, it was peeling off.

And automotive DVD player, now THAT'S something guaranteed to kill any absent minded driver.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
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That's why they usually only come with monitors installed in the backseats.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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However, they do make monitors that can be installed in steering wheels in place of airbags. Don't let the cops catch you with it, though.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
-------------------------
Kevin A
Webmaster/Primary Cynic
kapgar.typepad.com
kapgar.com
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Watching DVDs while driving is a neat way to cheat death. One moment you're watching The Lion King special DVD set, one second later, you're decapitaded, with most of your skin and organs laying on the road.

And you can still watch it if the screen is located at the back seat. You just put your car on cruise speed (you know, that automatic speed thing), and go to the back, if there's the need to break or to turn, you can either jump really fast to the front seat, or jump out of the car, or fasten your seatbelts and hope that you won't die.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
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Driving through Saskatchewan.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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Quote

Originally posted by: ricarleite

And you can still watch it if the screen is located at the back seat. You just put your car on cruise speed (you know, that automatic speed thing), and go to the back, if there's the need to break or to turn, you can either jump really fast to the front seat, or jump out of the car, or fasten your seatbelts and hope that you won't die.


I SHOULD TRY THAT SOME TIME
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When i printed off my covers for my DVD's i didnt want to waste the ink in my printer and wanted a truely pristine cover....

so i just took a disc to a printing house... measured up a dvd cover and told them to print it in those dimensions...

no word of a lie... it looks exactly like a regular dvd cover would... semi glossy and all... thats what i suggest anyway... its about $1 a copy and you really get your money's worth...
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
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Nice. What copy centre did you go to?

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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Quote

Originally posted by: Luke Skywalker
When i printed off my covers for my DVD's i didnt want to waste the ink in my printer and wanted a truely pristine cover....

so i just took a disc to a printing house... measured up a dvd cover and told them to print it in those dimensions...

no word of a lie... it looks exactly like a regular dvd cover would... semi glossy and all... thats what i suggest anyway... its about $1 a copy and you really get your money's worth...


That's SO AWESOME!

What covers did you end up printing?

A LASERJET printer is BEST and I do also suggest getting it done at a shop if possible - IF you can find a printer that will print covers for bootleg movies.


RiK

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Just last night my girlfriend and I were following a guy with a TV in the backseat of his car and he was watching Porn on it. No joke. It was hanging out for the whole world to see. I'm still laughing my ass off. We must have followed that car for like 20 minutes.

“You know, when you think about it, the Ewoks probably just crap over the sides of their tree-huts.”

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Originally posted by: Mackey256
he was watching Porn on it. No joke. It was hanging out for the whole world to see. I'm still laughing my ass off. We must have followed that car for like 20 minutes.


20 minutes huh?

Pervs

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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hehe thats great...

i actually went to the Staples copy center because a friend of mine works there... so i got them all done for free...

the covers i printed were the old school style ones...
similar to the first box set of vhs tapes... ie. painted artwork... i prefer that look best..
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
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You know I just have a cheap old Lexmark printer that I got for 50 bux from Best Buy and I just got the highest quality Photo Paper I could from Office Max and they turned out awesome. I used the art from the TR47 set. Changed that a bit in photo shop and then cranked up the resolution settings on my printer. They took some time to do but they look great. A lot of the blacks on that art work weren't rich enough for my liking so I changed that and chanced the color of the Logo to a more golden color. They look awsome.

“You know, when you think about it, the Ewoks probably just crap over the sides of their tree-huts.”

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Hmmn... must find local print shop with sympathetic staff... (or buy a new colour cartridge)....

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Time
Don't know if this would work, but you could tell the print shop that it's for school. I took a multimedia course in college, and we printed out stuff like that all the time.
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WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TELL THEM AND AND HOW DOES THE ART COME OUT THE RIGHT SIZE AT THE PRINT SHOP? JUST TAKE A DISC WITH THE JPG. OR BITMAP IMAGE WITH YOU?

MIKE