How do you design your own CD cover?

Musicians can design their own CD covers using an online design tool, like Canva. Use the tool to upload artwork or choose from predesigned templates to modify and save.

Use these steps to design a personal CD cover.

1. Open a new canvas

Go to the Canva website and log in with a pre-existing Facebook or Google account. Click on "Create a Design" and select the "Custom Dimensions" link. Enter in the standard 4.97 inches by 4.97 inches for a CD cover plus bleed dimensions.

2. Design the cover

Select a layout, create text and add a background using the menu on the left hand side of the screen. If this is a first CD or there is not a lot of artwork available, feel free to make a more minimalist cover. Simple designs in bold text have been known to make a big statement.

3. Upload an image

To upload an original image, just click on the "Uploads" icon on the left hand side of the screen. Then, click on the green "Upload your own images" button. After uploading the image, it can be dragged around on the CD cover and resized as desired.

4. Download the image

Click on the "Download" button in the upper right corner of the page. Choose the appropriate file type from JPG to PDF.