Sometimes, the one-sheet poster of a given movie looks much better than the subsequent DVD cover, and they all look better than an empty DVD case. High-definition poster scans, rendered in a computerized format such as jpeg or TIFF, can be used to create an effective DVD label. This comes in handy with used DVDs whose original covers have been lost or just as a fun project on your computer. It rarely takes long and the various steps in the process are quite simple.
Instructions
1. Measure the size of the blank DVD cover where you intend to keep your movie. It will define the size of your DVD label. The average DVD cover measures 7.5 inches tall by 11 inches wide (5.25 inches for the front, 5.25 inches for the back and 0.5 inches for the center spine). The one you use may vary, however, so get an accurate measurement.
2. Open a new file in a graphic design program such as Adobe Photoshop or InDesign. The file should be the exact same dimensions as your DVD cover.
3. Draw vertical measuring guides on the file to mark the location of the spine. In Photoshop, you can do this simply by clicking on the ruler to the side of the picture and dragging the line to the precise location. For standard size DVDs, the lines should be 5.25 inches from the left and 5.75 inches from the left.
4. Import the poster scan you intend to use and place it on the far right-hand side of the file. It should fill up the entire space between the edges of the file and the rightmost measuring guide (7.5 inches tall by 5.25 inches wide for standard DVD covers). You may need to crop the poster scan a bit to get it to fit these dimensions. This forms the front cover of your DVD.
5. Use the sampler tool to select the background color of the poster (something near the edge with a uniform tone). Apply that color to the remainder of the file: every piece of space not filled up by the poster itself.
6. Use the type tool to type the name of the movie in letters which contrast the color you selected in Step 5. Use light-colored letters for a dark background and dark-colored letters for a light background. If possible, use a font style which matches the poster itself, or at least comes close. Then rotate the name 90 degrees clockwise and place it in the center of the file. Size the letters so that they fit between the two measuring guides you have drawn (you want them show up on the spine clearly when you close the DVD cover).
7. Decorate the space to the left of the left-handed measuring guide any way you wish. This will form the back of the DVD cover. You can place another copy of the poster there, put down publicity photos from the movie, or use the type tool to write a short description of the movie. The only stipulation is that it all needs to fit between the edges of the file and the left-handed measuring guide.
8. Double-check each aspect of the file to make sure there are no mistakes, then save it to your computer.
9. Print out a copy of the file using a home printer, then cut away the excess paper to size it. Slide the new DVD label into the empty DVD cover and place it with the rest of your DVD collection.
