Import a template (see resources) into Photoshop. Click on "File" to display the drop-down menu and then select "Open." Find the location of the template file on the system and click the "Open" button.
Templates come in many file types, such as PDF. Click on the file type for the template and the "Import" dialog box will appear. The dialog box displays multiple thumbnail pages and setting options. Choose the page thumbnail to use in the program from the options displayed and click the "OK" button.
Name and lock the template layer to prevent any changes from being made. Click on "Window" and select "Layers" to view the layers palette. One item should be displayed called "Layer 1." Right-click on this to display the context menu. Select "Layer Properties" and enter a name for the layer. Click "OK" and then select the padlock image above to prevent the layer from moving.
Create another new layer that will go above the previously locked layer. Click the "Create New Layer" button and then double-click the option for "Layer 1." The layer needs to be renamed because this is where the graphics and images will go for the label. Move the layer so that it is below the previously locked layer in the layer palette.
Select "Type Tool" from the tools palette to type text to include on the label. Click on the label and move the mouse to create a text box. Type in a name, such as title or artist, in the text box. When the text is entered a new layer called a type layer is created for the template. Repeat this step to create another text box for additional information such as tracks or the contents of the disc.
Save the template design so it can be used to create any type of CD/DVD label.
Add artwork or images to the layer that was created in step 4 to include on the CD/DVD label. Artwork or images can be placed anywhere on the label for a custom design.