CDs & DVDs
Preparing DVD Artwork | DVD Covers
When producing DVDs or Blu-ray discs, there are generally up to three different physical components that make up the final unit: the disc (including printed face), the case (including printed cover art), and an optional insert. This means that for normal jobs you will need to supply artwork for the face, cover, and insert (if any). Below are guidelines and templates for these three components.
Disc Faces
Our prices includes up to five color offset printing to reproduce full-color images on the disc face. Five colors are used: the normal four press colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black), plus a white base coat to ensure proper color reproduction. Colors may vary slightly due to the nature of the inks used. You may request Pantone spot colors instead of CMYK if desired.
Please note that a fairly coarse silkscreen is often used to print DVD faces - this example illustrates the difference between offset and silkscreen printing. Very fine detail, especially photographic images, may not reproduce well using silk screening, which is why we standardize on offset printing, without charging you a premium.
The printable image size of the disc is 115 mm diameter. The width of the printable "donut" is 22 mm. If desired, we can print almost all the way up the hole of the DVD (see illustration to the right for an example of this).
Trapping of at least .5 point is necessary anywhere two or more colors touch on the artwork. Screen tints should be a tone within a range of 20-80% for best results. Very light tones may not reproduce properly (they tend to disappear below 20% density). Dark tones above 80% tend to become solid due to dot gain.
Lines used in logos, borders, or anywhere on the printed surface should not be less than .5 point.
Text: Type should not be smaller than 6 points. Type dropped out of a 4-color process image should be no smaller than 8 points. Type created by stacking several layers of colors should be no smaller than 10 points. Avoid using Trademark and Registration symbols smaller than 6 points in height, as they may not print properly. For the clearest text, we recommend using pure black or white.
Separations: Artwork must be separated to CMYK. For best results on the printed DVD face, use pure (simple) black: K=100% C=0% M=0% Y=0%.
File Formats: The artwork must be submitted as a CMYK TIF or JPEG (100% quality recommended), at least 300dpi or Adobe Illustrator file with all fonts converted to outlines. Using Illustrator with vector fonts provides the sharpest text handling, and is best for DVD faces with small text.
DVD & Blu-ray Covers ("wraps or entrapments")
DVD & Blu ray covers are printed pieces of paper which are inserted into the outside of the "Amaray-Style" DVD cases. Covers are printed with a traditional offset press for volumes of 500 or more. All covers are "full-bleed", meaning the artwork can go all the way to the edges and there is no border showing once the final cut down has been applied.
The size of the final covers is 10 3/4" wide by 7 1/4" tall. To support full-bleed, the artwork should have an additional 1/8" on all sides (which will be trimmed off), making the final artwork 11" x 7.5". The spine width is 9/16". The face and back are 5 3/32" wide. The edges of our covers are square, not rounded.
Do not compose critical data less than .1/8" from any edge. Trimming will "float" slightly upon cutting, so data closer than 1/8" from the edge may be cut off.
Make sure all images are scanned from original at the size they are being used in the final layout at no less than 300 DPI (400 - 600 DPI is recommended). If you are using digital artwork make sure that the DPI is not compromised by overly enlarging it in the layout if it is less than 300 DPI at the final size it may become noticeably pixilated.
Separations: The final files must be separated into CMYK. For best results on offset-printed covers, we suggest you make solid black area "rich black" (K=100% C=65% M=40% Y=20% for a total of 225% coverage).
While we make no guarantees that it will meet your specific needs/tastes, we've seen good results from clients who have used the Photoshop 7 default settings for U.S. Sheet fed Coated v2. (Ink Color = SWOP coated, Dot Gain 20%, GCR, Black Generation = medium, Black Ink Limit = 100%, Total Ink Limit = 300%, UCA Amount = 0).
File Format: The artwork must be submitted as a CMYK TIF or JPEG (100% quality recommended), at least 3300 x 2250 resolution (300dpi) up to 9900 x 6750 (900dpi).
Inserts
Inserts are pieces of paper stock placed inside the case, and are optional. (Our normal pricing does not include inserts). The inserts are printed with traditional offset press for volumes of 1000 or more. Our inserts are normally full color on both sides - call for more options. The same separation details outlined above for covers apply to inserts.
Inserts commonly have 2 or 4 faces, but can be multi-paged booklets - call us to discuss any special needs your project might have. Two-faced inserts are an unfolded piece of paper 4 15/16" wide by 7 5/16" tall. To support full bleed, the final size of the artwork should be 5 3/16" wide by 7 9/16" tall. Use the DVDInsert(2Face)Template for a 2 faced insert.
Inserts may also have 4 faces (front, inside left, inside right, back). This is a folded piece of paper that is 9 7/8" wide by 7 5/16" tall. The fold is at 4 15/16". To support full-bleed, the final size should be 10 1/8" wide by 7 9/16" tall (1/8" around each side will be removed.) Use both the DVD Insert(4Face/Inside)Template and the DVD Insert(4 Face/Frnt-Bck)Template templates if you are making a 4 faced DVD insert.
Templates
| Face, Cover & Insert Templates |
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EPS
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PSD
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| DVD Face Template |
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| Blu-ray Face Template |
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| DVD Cover Template |
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| Blu-ray Case Template |
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| DVD Insert (2 Face) |
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| DVD Insert (4 Face/Inside) |
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| DVD Insert (4 Face/Outside) |
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For a complete list of DVD & Blu-ray Replication Templates, click here
Sending Us DVD Artwork Files
Please send your artwork files to us on CD-ROM along with your masters. Please label this CD very clearly. In addition, please include printouts of the cover and face graphics (and inserts, if any) for proofing purposes - this step will help ensure good color accuracy and avoid any surprises when your discs are delivered.