Disc covers

[codswallop]

When using Nero Express and having the list of tracks and artists prior to burning to cd is there a prog. whereby you can transfer this info for printing out on disc covers and cd envelopes? Thanks!

[ZXR]

I don't know which version of express you are running but some versions come bundled with Nero Cover Designer.
This will enable you to make CD and DVD covers from either built in templates or diy from scratch. With my version of express the cover designer appers at the bottom right under more. If you are using already ripped tracks the names will load automatically.

[codswallop]

Hi there ZXR thanks for your replyI have my list of tracks on the screen in front of me also the Express cover designs but I can see no way of putting the list onto the cover,I've tried all that I know (which isn't much) to transfer the list.Hope you understand and can help. Thanks again!!!.

[ZXR]

OK this is what I do with mp3s on the pc.

Open Nero and choose make audio cd
Next click on add track and add the tracks you want on the cd
Next goto Cover designer and choose a template eg disco.nct
If you now select the rear view (tabs on the bottom of the design page) your track list is there with numbers and titles.
To change the background to one of your own right click on the image and background properties then file and this takes you to my docs. Navigate to the pic you want as a background and choose open then ok
To change the style of the text right click the text this brings up a new box with tabs pen , brush , text, font and field.
Choose the ones you like then ok
To change the information displayed choose data. This opens a new window with a tree like directory with disc at the top then track audio data. You can click oneach track and see the data within so Title Artist Play time and extended data if you want to add notes. Each of these parameters can be edited or created from new by selecting add track.
You can add extra fields as you require on the cover and add data (text you want ) by right clicking on each parameter.
The hardest part is setting up your first one. Once you have a layout you are happy with you can save it as a template and use it each time but with different data.
I found the help pages not very good so I used a template and modified it myself and chose save as template. The track data is lost but when you load a new project choose blank then open on the next box choose file type as filename.nct.
When it asks if you want to edit the template choose no then it will open the template you created with new document data.
Took me a weekend to figure this out but now I know it's easy.

[codswallop]

Terrific ZXR I've done the transfer of tracks but I'll leave the variations till later. Thanks for persevering with me!!!!!

[codswallop]

PS this is the daftest question yet,now that i know how to get a titled "cover" what is the best way to utilise it Printing on ordinary paper and putting it in a plastic case is one thing but what about the disc and an envelope??? Hohummm !!!!!

[ZXR]

OK
Once you are in Nero Cover Designer top right hand corner is a drop down box. This normally defaults to ordinary paper but if you click the blue down arrow you will see a whole list of different paper stocks and sticky labels that the program recognises. So choosing for example CD Stomper for the disk label will print accuratley on that stock.

Each tab for front / back inlay and cd can be on a different type of paper or stock if you wanted (but not recommeded).
Choose a paper/ label stock you can easily get hold of to begin with and experiment a bit. As for the envelopes I'd print on address label stock and stick that on rather than risk a paper jam trying to put an envelope through the printer.

I've not bothered with printing CD labels much I just use a pen but I have seen what can be produced using photo printers and lightscribes (These type of printers come up under the cd label options) and they look very professional indeed.

[codswallop]

Thanks ZXR there's a lot of useful info I can use.I'm doing this basically as an old codger's toy.It keeps me off the streets!!! I've tried varying the fonts but of my three requirements ......number of track ......tilte of track and length of track I can vary style size etc but only on the number not the other two elements.

[ZXR]

Ok this is what you do.

In your project once you have the inlay card (or rear booklet) with your track list on it right click and choos properties. It should open a window with the Tracks tab open.

As you say changing the font currently only changes the track number but if you click on one of the elements in the little window under fields which has track number, title, playtime and choose a different font or colour then click ok you should see the changes you've made.

If you check the small box bottom left which says show sample window you can make the changes and it will show up in the sample window before committing it to the main document.

Again this is not well documented in the help files, I figured this out by playing around with the software and discovering for myself.

I've found sometimes certain fonts and colours look good on a plain background but disappear when a picture background is used. If using a picture with text over the top, a simpler monochromatic image is best. Some of those blurry samples provided can be very effective backgrounds. Keep the bolder more colourful images with just a single line of bold text.
Look at the Now series of pop CDs as an example of very bold and busy front cover with just the Now that's what I call logo on. The back cover with the track list is usually a more muted colour either dark background and white text or lighter background with black text.

[codswallop]

Thanks ZXR you're a diamond,as you say the HELP isn't much help.Am I right in that you can only alter one element at a time ie change colour of track and then reset and change the colour of the title etc? Thanks again!!

[ZXR]

No, you can change as many elements as you like all at the same time. The changes only take efffect when you press ok.

So you can change track number font and colour, Artist font and colour , title font and colour and run time font and colour then OK and you will see the changes you've made.

[codswallop]

I've tried to do as you said but no joy,but I can as I said before by doing one element at a time and that has to be in sequence as you see it in the window.I am just happy to be able to do it at all. If I'd known that I was going to take up so much of your time I'd have offered you the spare room (only joking) Thanks for everything!!!!