Nero CoverDesigner 2 User Manual
Nero CoverDesigner Manual
Nero AG
Copyright and Trademark Information
The Nero CoverDesigner manual and all its contents are protected by copyright and are the
property of Nero AG. All rights are reserved. This manual contains materials which are protected by internationally recognized copyright laws. This manual may not - in whole or in part
- be copied, transmitted, or otherwise reproduced without the express written permission of
Nero AG.
All trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Nero rejects any claims that transcend the clauses of the guarantee rights. Nero AG does
not undertake any liability for the correctness of the content of the Nero CoverDesigner
manual. The contents of the software supplied, as well as of the Nero CoverDesigner manual, may be changed without prior warning.
The trademarks mentioned here are listed only for information purposes.
© 2007 Nero
REV 1.0, SW: 2.5.100.0
Contents
Contents
1 General information 6
1.1 About the manual 6
1.2 About Nero CoverDesigner 6
1.3 Versions of Nero CoverDesigner 6
2 System requirements 7
3 Supported formats 8
4 Launching the program 9
4.1 Starting Nero CoverDesigner via Nero StartSmart 9
4.2 Starting Nero CoverDesigner directly 9
5 Main screen 10
5.1 Menu bar 10
5.2 Toolbars 11
5.3 Drawing area 13
5.4 Objects 14
5.4.1 Dynamic objects 14
6 Basic steps 15
7 New Document window 16
7.1 Document type 17
7.1.1 LightScribe document type 17
7.1.2 LabelFlash document type 18
7.1.3 Standard document type 18
7.1.4 DVD case document type 19
7.1.5 Multi box document type 19
7.1.6 Maxi document type 20
7.1.7 Slim pack document type 20
7.1.8 Mini CD document type 20
7.1.9 Biz card document type 20
7.1.10 Rectangular biz card document type 21
7.1.11 Biz card envelope document type 21
8 Creating a new document 22
8.1 Creating a new document or image document 22
8.2 Creating a Nero Digital™ document 23
Page 3
Contents
9 Editing documents 24
9.1 Adding a cover element 24
9.2 Modifying a template 24
9.3 Assigning a paper stock 25
10 Saving documents 26
11 Document data window 27
11.1 Document 28
11.2 Disk 28
11.3 Data type 29
11.3.1 Audio/chapter data 29
11.3.2 File system 29
11.3.3 Video/picture data 29
11.4 Data entry 30
11.4.1 Track/Chapter 30
11.4.2 File Information 30
11.4.3 Image 30
12 Properties and Background Properties window 31
12.1 Pen tab 32
12.2 Brush tab 33
12.3 Text tab 34
12.4 Text Box tab 35
12.5 Bend tab 35
12.6 Image tab 35
12.6.1 Image effects 36
12.7 Import Picture tab 38
12.8 Tracks and Folder tabs 38
12.9 Field tab 40
13 Geometry window 41
13.1 Geometry window for bent objects 42
14 Align Elements window 43
15 Inserting and editing objects 44
15.1 Inserting object 44
15.2 Modifying size, shape, and position 46
15.3 Converting artistic text 47
15.4 Applying image effects 48
15.5 Specifying default settings for objects 49
Page 4
Contents
16 Inserting and editing backgrounds 50
17 Design tools 51
17.1 Grid 51
17.2 Guidelines 51
18 Creating and modifying templates 52
18.1 Creating a template 52
18.2 Modifying a template 53
19 Saving covers in Nero Digital™ files 54
20 Printing LightScribe® labels 55
20.1 LightScribe Print Properties window 56
21 Printing Labelflash™ labels 57
21.1 LabelFlash™ Print Properties window 58
22 Print window 60
22.1 Properties tab 60
22.2 Elements tab 61
22.3 Printing documents 62
23 Print settings and paper stocks 63
23.1 Page Setup window 63
23.2 Printer calibration 64
23.3 Paper Stocks window 64
23.4 Creating paper stock profiles 66
23.5 Default paper stock settings 67
24 Program settings 68
24.1 Application Preferences window 68
25 List of figures 69
26 Index 70
27 Contact 74
Page 5
General information
1 General information
1.1 About the manual
This manual is intended for all users who want to find out how to use Nero CoverDesigner. It
is therefore structured according to operations and provides step-by-step instructions for
what you want to do.
In order to make best use of this manual, please note the following conventions:
Symbol Meaning
Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be
1. Start …
Æ
Î
OK
Chapter
[…] Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.
followed strictly.
Indicates additional information or advice.
A number at the beginning of a line indicates a request for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified.
Indicates an intermediate result.
Indicates a result.
Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program
interface. They are shown in bold print.
Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as
links and are shown in red and underlined.
1.2 About Nero CoverDesigner
Nero CoverDesigner is a powerful application for creating custom cover elements such as
booklets, inlays, and labels. Nero CoverDesigner supports cover elements for a wide range
of disc types, such as CD jewel cases, DVD cases, multi-boxes, maxi CDs, slim packs, business cards, and more.
Nero CoverDesigner supports LightScribe
to print labels directly on compatible media.
1.3 Versions of Nero CoverDesigner
Nero CoverDesigner is available in two versions:
Nero CoverDesigner Retail and Nero CoverDesigner Essentials.
Both versions offer the full range of functions.
®
and LabelFlash™ recorders, which you can use
Page 6
System requirements
2 System requirements
Nero CoverDesigner is installed together with Nero Suite and its system requirements are
the same. You can find more detailed information on the system requirements in the Nero
QuickStart Guide. The following additional requirements also apply:
Additional: Printer
Optional: LightScribe
Using LightScribe
Your computer requires the latest LightScribe
drive which supports LightScribe
Please install the LightScribe
version of Nero 7 from the Nero website. You can find the latest version under
www.nero.com/link.php?topic_id=93.
®
Direct Disc Labeling
®
System Software separately if you have installed a newer
LabelFlash™ recorder and disc
Scanner
®
recorder and LightScribe® disc
®
®
.
System Software if you are using a CD/DVD
Installation of the latest WHQL certified device drivers is recommended. WHQL stands for
Windows
is compatible with Microsoft
®
Hardware Quality Labs and means that the device driver certified by Microsoft®
®
Windows® and the respective hardware.
Page 7
Supported formats
3 Supported formats
Nero CoverDesigner supports the following formats:
Image formats Other formats
BMP
DIB
Nero Digital™ (MP4)
CDC
GIF
JPEG
PBM
PCX
PNG
PPM
TGA
TIFF
WMA/WMF
WPG
Nero Digital™ is an MPEG-4 standard storage format for audio and video files that was
developed by Nero AG. Nero Digital™ files can store additional information such as album
covers. With Nero CoverDesigner, it is possible to store a created album cover in a Nero
Digital™ file and read a stored album cover from a Nero Digital™ file as well.
Page 8
Launching the program
4 Launching the program
4.1 Starting Nero CoverDesigner via Nero StartSmart
To start Nero CoverDesigner via Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:
1. Click on the Nero StartSmart icon.
Æ The Nero StartSmart window is opened.
2. Click the arrow button in the left margin of the window.
Æ The extended dialog box is opened.
3. Select the Nero CoverDesigner entry from the Applications selection list.
Æ Nero CoverDesigner is opened with the New Document window.
Î You have started Nero CoverDesigner via Nero StartSmart.
4.2 Starting Nero CoverDesigner directly
To start Nero CoverDesigner directly, proceed as follows:
1. If you are using the Windows
(Premium) > Labels > Nero CoverDesigner. If you are using the classic Start menu, click
Start > Programs > Nero 7 (Premium) > Label > Nero CoverDesigner.
Æ Nero CoverDesigner is opened with the New Document window.
Î You have started Nero CoverDesigner.
®
XP Start menu, click Start > All Programs > Nero 7
Fig. 1: Nero StartSmart
Page 9
Main screen
5 Main screen
The main screen of Nero CoverDesigner is the starting point for all of the actions that you
can perform with Nero CoverDesigner. The screen consists of a menu bar, several toolbars,
and the drawing area.
5.1 Menu bar
The menu bar includes the following menus:
File
Edit
View
Object
Data
Fig. 2: Main screen of Nero CoverDesigner
Opens the File menu, which provides file-related functions such as
open, save, and close. In addition, you can save files as templates,
configure your printer and paper stock, make program-specific settings, as well as import and export information from and to Nero Digital™ files.
Opens the Edit menu, which provides editing functions such as cut,
paste, duplicate, and delete. In addition, you can copy properties,
change the applied template, change the backgrounds of the cover
elements as well as add or delete cover elements as desired.
Opens the View menu, which allows you to hide and display screen
and cover elements. In addition, you can display and use grid and
guide lines as well as display objects in the editable area only.
Opens the Object menu, which you can use for editing the individual
objects of your drawing: You can insert objects, change their shape
and position, group objects, as well as open the Properties window
where you can edit the properties of objects. In addition, you can insert
a background and set default settings for objects.
Opens the Data menu with the Document Data entry, which allows
you to enter document-specific data such as the disc name or track
entries (see
Document data window).
Page 10
Main screen
Window
TWAIN
Help
5.2 Toolbars
The following toolbars are available in Nero CoverDesigner:
Standard
View
Text
Modify Ob-
jects
Tools
Opens the Window menu, which allows you to change the position
and arrangement of multiple open documents on the main screen
(drawing area). You can also close all open documents as well.
Opens the TWAIN menu, which allows you to scan images if a scanner is attached.
Opens the Help menu, which displays the online help for specific
tasks.
Provides standard functions for the document and objects.
Allows you to zoom in or out of the drawing area. In addition, you can
select a paper stock for the current do cument.
Allows you to format text. In addition, you can choose the font and size
of the text.
Provides functions for modifying and editing objects.
Provides various tools which you can use for inserting or selecting ob-
jects in the drawing area.
The following icons are available in the toolbars:
Standard toolbar
Opens the New Document window where you can select the document type
and template for a new document.
Opens an existing Nero CoverDesigner document or Nero CoverDesigner
template.
Saves the current Nero CoverDesigner document.
Prints the current Nero CoverDesigner document.
Opens the LightScribe Print Properties window, where you can configure
the printing options for LightScribe
This icon is only available if a LightScribe
Cuts a selected object out and stores it in the clipboard.
Copies a selected object to the clipboard.
Pastes an object from the clipboard.
Deletes a selected object.
Applies the properties of one object to another.
®
and print a LightScribe® label.
®
recorder is attached.
Undoes the last editing step.
Restores an edit that has been undone.
Opens the About Nero CoverDesigner window, where you can view the version number, for example.
Page 11
Main screen
Opens the integrated online help.
Opens the Document Data window, where you can enter data such as the
disc title and tracks for the document (see
Opens the LabelFlash Print Properties window, where you can configure the
printing options for LabelFlash™ and print a LabelFlash™ label.
This icon is only available if a LabelFlash™ recorder is attached.
View toolbar
Magnifies the current view of the drawing area.
Reduces the current view of the drawing area.
Restores the standard view of the drawing area.
Magnifies a selected area of the drawing area.
Text toolbar
Document data window).
Changes the selected text to bold.
Changes the selected text to italics.
Underlines the selected text.
Modify Objects toolbar
Opens the Properties window for a selected object (see
ground Properties window).
Applies a margin color to the selected object.
Applies a fill color to the selected object.
Positions the selected object in front of all the others.
Moves the selected object behind all the others.
Moves the selected object one position towards the top.
Moves the selected object one position towards the back.
Groups multiple selected objects.
Ungroups objects.
Tools toolbar
Properties and Back-
Activates the selection tool, which you can use to select objects.
Activates the line tool, which you can use to insert a line.
Activates the rectangle tool, which you can use to insert a rectangle.
Activates the ellipse tool, which you can use to insert an ellipse.
Activates the text tool, which you can use to insert an artistic test.
Page 12
Main screen
Activates the text box tool, which you can use to insert a text box.
Activates the track list tool, which you can use to insert a track list. A track list
is a list of audio files (tracks).
Activates the folder tool, which you can use to insert a folder. The folder refers
to data files.
Activates the image tool, which you can use to insert an image.
Activates the field tool, which you can use to insert different fields.
Track lists, folders, and fields are dynamic objects. The contents that are entered in the
document data are entered here. You can modify this data as well. Dynamic objects are
particularly useful for creating templates.
When you select a dynamic object and leave the cursor over the object, a floating toolbar
appears after a brief interval. The following icons are available:
Opens the Properties window (see
window
).
Properties and Background Properties
5.3 Drawing area
You lay out the cover elements in the drawing area. The drawing area consists of tabs for
the different cover elements that belong to the selected document type or that you have
added to a user-defined type, as well as the rulers at the top and on the left.
You can use the tabs in the drawing area to switch between the individual cover elements. If
you want to view multiple cover elements at the same time, you can select the cover elements that should be visible from the View menu: The drawing area will then be divided into
subwindows.
On the tabs you will find
an editable, non-crosshatched area the size and shape of the selected cover element
where the cover element is laid out, and
a crosshatched, non-editable area.
The gray line in the editable area is the edge of the cover element. The white outer margin
represents the bleed area which you can configure in the Printing tab of the Application
Preferences window (see
Bleeding means that your design is printed beyond the margin of the cover element so that
it overlaps with it. Bleeding is useful to avoid "blank streaks" that can appear when the
printout has shifted or the cover element is not trimmed precisely.
You should not place any text or important information in the bleed areas, of course. The
design, however, should be expanded to fill the bleed area in order to ensure that the design is printed completely and no blank spots appear.
Opens the Document Data window (see
Application Preferences window).
Document data window).
Page 13
Main screen
5.4 Objects
An object in Nero CoverDesigner is a design element that can be placed in the drawing
area. Objects can be inserted, duplicated, moved, their size, shape, and appearance modified, and edited. The following objects are available in Nero CoverDesigner:
Geometric objects: line, rectangle, ellipse
Artistic text
Text box
Image
Dynamic objects: track list, folder, and fields
5.4.1 Dynamic objects
The track list, folder, and fields are dynamic objects.
These objects take the majority of their contents from the document data. Therefore, you
cannot enter text in the objects; you must enter the contents in the document data instead
Document data window).
(see
The track list takes its contents from the document data that contains the audio/chapter
data for the tracks/chapters of an audio CD. Sample contents might be an automatically
assigned sequential track number or information about the artist and/or title.
The folder takes its contents from the document data about the files from the file system
of a data CD. Sample contents might be an automatically assigned sequential number,
the path and/or file name.
Fields take their contents primarily from the document data, for example, information
about the title, artist, disc title, and/or release data. In addition, information about the save
or print date and a user-defined text entry can be displayed as well.
Page 14
Basic steps
6 Basic steps
In order to create a cover with Nero CoverDesigner, you have to create a new document first
Creating a new document). If the document contains or should contain a track list,
(see
folder and/or fields, enter the document data (see
You can now lay out the document as desired. You can:
add cover elements if desired (see Adding a cover element),
assign another template (see Modifying a template),
insert and edit objects such as text and images on the tabs (see Inserting and editing ob-
jects), and
lay out the background (see Inserting and editing backgrounds).
Before the document is printed, you can set the print options (see
With a LightScribe
LightScribe
With a LabelFlash™ recorder and Nero CoverDesigner, you can print labels directly on LabelFlash™ discs (see
®
discs (see Printing LightScribe® labels).
Document data window).
Print window).
®
recorder and Nero CoverDesigner, you can print labels directly on
Printing Labelflash™ labels).
Page 15
New Document window
7 New Document window
When you start Nero CoverDesigner, the New Document window is automatically opened
along with the main screen. This window is your starting point for creating a new document.
You can also open the window with the
The New Document window consists of two selection lists, a preview windo w, and setting
options.
icon on the toolbar in the main screen.
Fig. 3: New Document window
The document types are displayed in the left selection list (see Document type).
Templates for the selected document type are displayed in the right selection list, and there
are four tabs available:
Audio for audio CD discs
Data for data discs
Audio+Data for audio and data discs
Video for video discs
The tabs contain templates for each disc type. The template can contain relevant fields like
the playing time, or a track list for audio CDs. The disc type is automatically correctly set in
the document data of a template.
The cover elements can be displayed with the template design in the preview window.
The following setting options are available in the New Document window:
Setting option Meaning
Discs
Create new
template
Sets the number of the Disk cover element in the document. Up to
four discs can be added to the document.
Creates a template, i.e., the document is saved in the *.nct format
and listed in the templates list.
Page 16
New Document window
OK
Cancel
7.1 Document type
With Nero CoverDesigner, you can select different document types. Each document type
contains predefined cover elements that you can lay out. These are:
Cover Element Meaning
Booklet
Inlay
Disk Label in the form of a disc.
Mini-Disc/ (Rec-
tangular) Biz
Card
Biz Card Envelope
When you select a document type, predefined cover elements that you can lay out are
automatically added to the document.
If you would like to choose the cover elements yourself, select the Custom document type.
Here you can insert any cover element you wish into the current document with the Edit >
Insert New Page menu item.
Creates a new document and closes the window.
Cancels the process and closes the window.
Insert in the interior of the CD or DVD case as a booklet or individual sheet. Visible from the front in CD cases made from clear
plastic. Normally it contains additional information about the disc,
such as the track titles for audio CDs.
Insert in the back of the CD case. For DVD cases, a continuous
sheet that is inserted into the outer case of the DVD. The inlay is
visible from the outside.
Label in Mini-Disc/business card/rectangular business card form.
Envelope for business card.
The Full Template document type makes all the cover elements available.
Up to four discs can be added as cover elements to the Standard, DVD Case, Multi Box,
Maxi, Slim Pack and Custom document types by adding an additional disc to the document data (see
Document data window).
7.1.1 LightScribe document type
If you have a LightScribe® recorder, you can print the label side of a LightScribe® CD/DVD
with Nero CoverDesigner. The label side of the disc has a special color or thermal layer that
is heated by the laser in the recorder so that images and text are printed.
This function is only available in recorders that support LightScribe
The following element can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Disk
®
technology.
Page 17
New Document window
7.1.2 LabelFlash document type
If you have a LabelFlash™ recorder, you can print the label and/or data side of a LabelFlash™ DVD with Nero CoverDesigner. A LabelFlash™ DVD has a special layer between
the top and bottom layers; this layer can be heated by the laser in the recorder so that images and text can be printed on the DVD.
This function is only available with a LabelFlash™ recorder.
The following element can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Disk
7.1.3 Standard document type
The Standard document type corresponds to the customary jewel case for CDs. Jewel case
packaging is usually made from clear plastic. The front and the back are joined by a hinge.
There is space for the booklet behind the front piece. The tray holds the CD inside. The tray
can be removed. There is room for the inlay under the tray.
The following elements can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Fig. 4: Jewel case
Symbol Cover Element
Booklet (Front)
Booklet (Rear)
Inlay
Disk
Page 18
New Document window
7.1.4 DVD case document type
A DVD case is type of packaging for DVDs. The packaging is larger than a normal CD case
and has a fold in the middle. The booklet is placed inside. The inlay is inserted betwee n the
plastic film and the exterior.
Fig. 5: DVD case
The following elements can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
DVD Booklet for Interior
Inlay/DVD Supplement for Case
Disk
7.1.5 Multi box document type
A multi box is a type of packaging for multiple CDs and can usually be opened on two sides.
The following elements can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Booklet (Front)
Booklet (Rear)
Inlay (Front)
Inlay (Rear)
Disk 1
Disk 2
Page 19
New Document window
7.1.6 Maxi document type
The maxi format was developed for single CDs, i.e., CDs that contain one track instead of an
entire album. A maxi case is thinner than a CD jewel case. Instead of a booklet it includes a
sheet that has been folded twice on the right side so that it has a legible spine. The tray that
contains the CD is integrated in the case and cannot be removed.
The following elements can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Maxi Inlay
Disk
7.1.7 Slim pack document type
A slim pack is thinner than a maxi CD. It is designed for single CDs and data discs created at
home. Instead of a booklet it includes a single sheet that is not folded.
The following elements can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Booklet (Front)
Booklet (Rear)
Disk
7.1.8 Mini CD document type
A mini CD is a CD with a diameter of 8 cm. Most drives have a recessed portion in the tray
for mini CDs.
The following elements can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Mini Inlay (Front)
Mini Inlay (Rear)
Mini-Disc
7.1.9 Biz card document type
The oval biz card is also known as a business card CD and is often used for advertising purposes.
The following element can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Biz Card
Page 20
New Document window
7.1.10 Rectangular biz card document type
The rectangular biz card has the same format as a standard bu siness card.
The following element can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Rectangular Biz Card
7.1.11 Biz card envelope document type
The biz card envelope is a cover for oval or rectangular biz ca rds.
The following element can be designed with Nero CoverDesigner:
Symbol Cover Element
Biz Card Envelope
Page 21
Creating a new document
8 Creating a new document
There are three types of documents in Nero CoverDesigner. The distinguishing feature is
how the background of the cover elements is created:
Standard Document: The background is created by the user or taken from the template
as desired
Image Document: A selected image is used for all backgrounds
Nero Digital™ Document: Cover art stored in the Nero Digital™ file is used for all back-
grounds
8.1 Creating a new document or image document
To create new document or image document, proceed as follows:
1. To create a new document, click the
icon in the toolbar.
Æ The New Document window is opened.
2. To create a new image document:
1. Select File > New Cover from Picture from the menu.
Æ The Open window appears.
2. Select the desired image file and then click on the Open button.
Æ The New Document window is opened.
3. Select a document type from the left selection list (see Document type).
Æ The right selection list displays the templates for the selected document type; the Audio
tab is selected by default.
4. Click on one of the tabs in the right selection list to select a disc type.
Æ The selection list displays the templates for the selected document and disc type.
5. Select an already designed template or the Empty Document template from the selection
list on the right.
Æ The selected template is displayed in the preview area.
6. If applicable, enter the number of discs that the document should contain.
You can increase the number of discs in the document afterwards as well by adding a disc
to the document data.
7. Click on the OK button.
Æ The New Document window is closed. If you selected a template that contains dynamic
objects, the Document Data window is displayed.
8. If the Document Data was displayed, enter the document data (see Document data win-
dow), and then click OK.
Æ The document data is applied and the Document Data window is closed.
In the drawing area, the cover elements of the selected document type are displayed on
tabs. If you have created an image document, the selected image is inserted as the
background image of all the cover elements.
Page 22
Creating a new document
Î You have created a new document and can now finish the design (see, e.g., Inserting
and editing objects
and Inserting and editing backgrounds).
8.2 Creating a Nero Digital™ document
With Nero CoverDesigner, an album cover that has been stored in a Nero Digital™ file can
be extracted and then used as a basis for a Nero CoverDesigner document.
Nero Digital™ is an MPEG-4 storage format for audio and video files that was developed
by Nero AG. Nero Digital™ files can store additional information such as album covers as
well.
To create a Nero Digital™ document, proceed as follows:
1. Select File > New Cover from Nero Digital from the menu.
Æ The Open window appears.
2. Select a Nero Digital™ file that contains a cover and then click the Open button.
Æ The New Document window is opened; the Custom document type is selected.
3. To design a cover for Nero Digital™ audio, click on the Audio tab.
To design a cover for Nero Digital™ video, click on the Video tab.
4. Select the Nero Digital Cover template.
5. Click on the OK button.
Æ The New Document window is closed. In the drawing area, the cover elements that
were stored in the Nero Digital™ file are displayed. The cover is used as the background
image.
Î You have created a new Nero Digital™docum ent and can now finish the design (see,
Inserting and editing objects and Inserting and editing backgrounds).
e.g.,
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