How to Print a CD Cover

This guide walks you through printing a CD cover that fits your jewel case perfectly, whether you’re making a custom mix, a demo disc, or a gift. You’ll learn how to measure, design, print, and cut a cover that looks professional, including tips for getting the size right and avoiding common paper jams.

What You’ll Need

• A computer with any word processor or image editor (Word, Google Docs, Photoshop, or even Paint)
• Printer (inkjet or laser) with ink or toner
• Paper: glossy photo paper or heavy matte paper (at least 120 gsm / 32 lb) works best
• Scissors or a paper trimmer
• A standard CD jewel case (the plastic case) to test fit
• Ruler (optional, for checking measurements)
• CD label template (free online or built into your software)

Step-by-Step

1. Measure your jewel case. Standard CD jewel cases have a front cover that is 12 cm × 12 cm (4.724 inches × 4.724 inches). The back cover (the tray card) is 15 cm × 11.8 cm (5.905 × 4.646 inches). The spine is 0.4 cm (0.157 inches) wide. If you have a different case (like a slim case), measure it first.
2. Create or download a template. Search for “CD cover template” in your software’s template gallery or online. Many free templates are available as PDF or image files. If you’re using Word or Google Docs, you can also create a table with the exact dimensions.
3. Set up your document. In your image editor, create a new document with the exact front cover dimensions (12 × 12 cm). If you’re making a full insert (front, spine, back), create a document that is 15 cm wide × 11.8 cm tall for the back, and a separate 12 × 12 cm document for the front. For a single-sided cover, just do the front.
4. Design your cover. Add your text, images, and background. Keep important text (like the album title) at least 5 mm (0.2 inches) from the edges to avoid it being cut off. If your printer doesn’t print edge-to-edge, leave a white border or print on paper that is slightly larger and trim.
5. Print a test on plain paper. Always do a test print on regular paper first. This saves expensive photo paper. Print the front cover at 100% scale (not “fit to page”).
6. Check the size. Place the printed test into the jewel case. The cover should fit snugly without bending or leaving gaps. If it’s too big, trim it down. If it’s too small, adjust your document size and print again.
7. Print on your good paper. Once the test fits, load your photo paper into the printer. In the print dialog, select the correct paper type (e.g., “Photo Paper Glossy”) and the highest quality setting. Print at 100% scale again.
8. Cut the cover. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut along the edges. If you have a full insert, cut the spine lines carefully. For the back cover, you’ll need to fold along the spine and then cut the two side flaps (if your template includes them) to fit the tray.
9. Insert into the case. Open the jewel case. For the front, slide the cover under the clear plastic tabs. For the back, insert the tray card (the printed back) into the back of the case, then snap the tray in place.

Common Mistakes

• Printing at “fit to page” – This scales your design down to fit the paper, making it too small. Always select “Actual size” or “100%” in the print dialog.
• Not accounting for the spine – If you’re printing a full insert, the spine width is tiny (0.4 cm). If you ignore it, the back and front won’t align properly.
• Using regular paper – Standard copy paper is too flimsy and will bend or look washed out. Use at least 120 gsm paper.
• Trimming too aggressively – Cutting too close to the edge can remove part of your design. Leave a 2-3 mm margin.
• Printing on the wrong side – Photo paper has a shiny side and a dull side. Print on the shiny side.

Tips

• Use a template from a reliable source (like the CD manufacturer’s site) to avoid margin errors.
• If your printer doesn’t support borderless printing, print on A4 or Letter paper and trim to size. This is more reliable than trying to print edge-to-edge.
• For a professional look, use a paper trimmer with a guillotine blade for straight cuts.
• To prevent smudging, let the ink dry for a few minutes before handling.
• If you’re making multiple copies, print one and test it in the case before printing the rest.

Troubleshooting

The cover is too big or too small. Check your printer settings – make sure you’re not scaling. Measure the printed cover with a ruler. If it’s off by more than 1 mm, adjust your document size accordingly. For example, if your 12 cm cover prints as 11.8 cm, increase the document size to 12.2 cm.

The cover doesn’t fit under the tabs. The tabs are tight. Gently bend the cover slightly when inserting, but if it’s too thick, try thinner paper. Also, ensure you’ve cut exactly at the corners – any small nub will catch.

The back cover is too long. The back cover (tray card) is 15 cm wide, but the actual visible area is less because of the tray. If your back cover is too long, trim the left and right edges. The standard is 15 cm wide, but some cases are slightly narrower – measure your case.

Ink smudges. This usually happens with glossy paper if you touch it too soon. Use a paper setting that matches your paper type, and let it dry. If it persists, try a different paper brand.

Paper jams. If the paper jams, it’s likely too thick or curled. Fan the paper before loading, and don’t overfill the tray. Use the manual feed slot if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact size of a CD cover?

The front cover is 12 cm × 12 cm (4.724 × 4.724 inches). The back tray card is 15 cm × 11.8 cm (5.905 × 4.646 inches). The spine is 0.4 cm (0.157 inches) wide.

Can I print on a regular printer?

Yes, any inkjet or laser printer works. Just make sure you select the correct paper size and scale (100%).

What paper should I use?

Use glossy photo paper or heavy matte paper (at least 120 gsm / 32 lb). Regular copy paper is too thin and will look unprofessional.

Do I need special software?

No, you can use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any free image editor like Paint or GIMP. You just need to set the page size to 12×12 cm.

How do I print a full insert (front, spine, back)?

Create a document that is 15 cm wide × 11.8 cm tall. Place the front cover on the left, the spine in the middle (0.4 cm), and the back cover on the right. Print at 100%, then fold along the spine and cut the side flaps.

Why does my print look blurry?

Blurriness is usually due to low-resolution images. Use images that are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). Also, check your printer’s quality settings – set it to “Best” or “High”.

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