Good software program for typing inserts for CD-Rs?

I am making a lot of CD-Rs these days, and I don't want to handwrite information on front and back inserts. Can anyone recommend a good software program for typing up inserts? I don't care about flashy graphics, as I feel they look cheesy. I just want to simply enter text.

The only program I have tried thus far is Memorex LabelMaker PRO, and in my opinion, it sucks. Now, I will say that the box says the program is only compatible with Windows 95, 98, and NT, and I am running Windows ME. Perhaps that would explain why the program is a bit sluggish and is a general pain to use. However, I am skeptical about that. It's just not a user-friendly program.

I figured that if I had PowerPoint on my computer, I could probably use it to set up the text based on the positioning of the Memorex inserts on each sheet. Unfortunately, I don't have PowerPoint at home. Anyway, are there any good programs out there? I like the layout of front and back inserts on the pages from Memorex, but I hate the software. I imagine that if I get a new program, I will have to get new inserts. Is this true? Thanks in advance.

 

I've been putting mine together strictly in Photoshop. Just feels natural to use something I'm already familiar with. (It also saves me importing very large photos--I have done some very nice LP reproductions.) I have also used older versions of MS Publisher. I believe there are also templates at some of the websites for word processors.

Some of the CD burning packages (buy a drive, get a few software titles bundled in) have a CD labeler. I think both Nero and Easy CD Creator both have labelers...I don't keep track because I don't use them.

 

CD Box Labeler Pro. Great little program!

 

Rudy,

Thanks. I have a basic version of Roxio Easy CD Creator, so I don't have the labeling feature. If I click on the labeling icon when the program launches, I am taken to a window that advertises the "Platinum" version for $100. I'm not spending $100 just to label jewel cases. That's money that could go towards music!


KBanya,

Could you please tell me more about CD Box Labeler Pro? Is it sold through most stores, such as Comp USA, Best Buy, or Circuit City? Do you have a web link? Also, do they sell inserts to go with the program (i.e., back inserts with spines and front inserts)? Some of the programs I have seen have inserts sheets that are actually adhesive labels. In other words, you would stick a label on the spine of a jewel case. That's not what I am looking for. I want to be able to type actual inserts.

 

KBanya, I did a search on Yahoo! for "CD Box Labeler Pro" and found a link that looks good. Here it is:

http://www.sonicspot.com/cdboxlabelerpro/cdboxlabelerpro.html

Unfortunately, this site says the program is only compatible with Windows 95, 98, and NT, not ME. Hmmm. There is a demo version that I can download. Anyway, is this the program you are using?

 

I just use Neato / MediaFace:

http://www.neato.com/

You can make CD-R labels, tray inserts and booklets.

 

ascot, thanks. I'll check it out.

 

I use MediafaceII. It works for all my needs.

I had a look at the new version Mediaface4 and it resembles the Memorex software. Anything to make it easier for the novice...

 

www.surething.com

Try the demo. Love it, or just dump it. I use it constantly. Very robust, but easy too.

 

Keith,

I too run Windows ME (I was starting to think I'm the only one in America ) and I use the Memorex LabelMaker Pro. Once I got the hang of it, I can do it OK. I find the inserts that you get to be pretty good. Let us know what you decide on, as I'm out of blanks and nows a time to try something new.

 

cdrlabel is the best I've found.

At www.cdrlabel.com

 

Anyone have any luck with Paint Shop Pro? I usually use MS Publisher, but I would like to make artwork that if I were to trade with someone, I could email it over etc. MS Publisher isn't capable of converting to a jpg etc.

 

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I will print this thread to have your recommendations for future reference. Comp USA will only take the Memorex program back for a direct exchange (i.e., for a new copy of the same program). I'm not really surprised. Well, I didn't want to buy another program, and before doing any free downloads, I decided to play with Microsoft Publisher last night. I like the Memorex inserts, and by measuring their position on a page, I was able to make a template on Publisher. It works great!

If anyone has Publisher and would like to try my template with Memorex inserts, let me know. I'd be glad to e-mail the template to you.