CD Printing

[MK1.0!]

I need to print onto CD's, but have no clue where to start.

I'm thinking of buying something like an Epson R220. The main issue I have is that I don't know how I will be able to take an image make it into a CD shape and print it.

I'm open to all ideas. The ins and outs are basicly that I need to print CD's each with individual images on them cut to shape. I want to keep costs low and have an effective method

Thanks :D

[tpoynton]

if you are OK with sticking labels on CD's, I recall using 'CD Stomper' - and I think it came with some free software

There is also lightscribe, which allows you to print without sticking, but I have no experience with it!

[entrecon]

I use CD stomper, but have had some trouble getting it to line up with some images, but that could be my printer. Black and white seemed to be okay, but color shifted a little. The software comes with the initial stomper kit. I use the standard lables and the image quality isn't the greatest and gives you a paper look instead of a smooth/photo quality. If you use CDs that have writting on them already, that text/logo may show through.

On his Mac, my father has a CD drive that prints right onto the CD. I saw a couple that he printed and they didn't look bad. The drive was obviously more expensive and you have to buy special CDs.

[rsilva708]

I have used a fewCD stomper type products and they seem to work well. The software that comes with them works ok, and basicly just design the lable on screen, print the label, and use the alignment tool to get the label on the CD. If your looking for a more profesional look, you can by printable CDs, and a printer that will print directly to the CD, they usally come with software to design the look of the CD. The printable CDs will cost a bit more than regular ones, but when you factor in the cost of CD labels it may be about the same. Then you have the option of Lightscribe. if you don't have a lightscribe CD burner, your going to have to replace your CD burner on your computer. Lightscribe disks can be a bit expensive, but they do have a nice look to them. Lightscribe drives should also come with software to burn the image to the disk.

I have used all 3 of the above mentioned ways, but most often use the CD stomper ways of putting labels on disks.

[omatic]

if you don't have a lightscribe CD burner, your going to have to replace your CD burner on your computer.Luckily the drives can be had for as little as $30 nowadays for an OEM drive. Heck, the premium for lightscribe discs will outstrip the cash outlay for the drive, after only a few hundred discs! But I agree, lightscribe can be worth it, and the look is pretty darned nice.

[YvetteKuhns]

I don't recommend sticking labels on CDs. They are known to damage CDs or disk drives. There are businesses to mass duplicate CDs, but you may be only making a few CDs or custom CDs. Simply using Sharpie markers doesn't look professional when labeling CDs. Look for thermal disc printers such as the Casio CW-100.

[BerksWebGuy]

I bought an Epson R260. Its a regular inkjet, put with a little tray that you put the CD/DVD on for printing. It comes with software that you can either add a background and text, or make your own image and set it as the background (what I always do). I make the images in photoshop, then the software will automatically cut the corners and center off (it helps if you make a template so you know how big to make the image). It looks good on white and silver printable CD/DVDs. Its the only thing I use for my clients.

[Doc C]

I just use Sharpie markers 'cause I don't have any clients nor anyone to impress with my CDs. My brother once looked at one that I'd written "Stuff" on. He asked me what was on it. "Stuff". :D

[YvetteKuhns]

Inkjet is cheaper than thermal but it often looks smudgy. I admit that I normally use Sharpie markers for my own cds. For clients who need fancy cds, they usually need a large enough quantity where they use a duplication service. I almost bought a thermal printer, but other things were higher on my list of priorities.

[MK1.0!]

Thanks for all your advice and feedback. I think I'm going to go with the Inkjet method as that was my original idea I was just unsure if it came with any software to help print onto the cd and what that software consisted of.

These Cd's will not be used for data they are part of a different project where they will be used as decorative pieces.

Once again thanks for all your help I think I'll he off now to buy an epson and some printable cd's :D