Choose the image, band photo, logo, or artwork for the album cover. If the image is not on your computer, transfer or scan it.
Open the image file you plan to use in an image editing program such as Photoshop or Gimp.
Create a new blank image file by selecting "New" from the "File" menu. A new window should appear, specify the size you want the new blank canvas to be. Often the dimensions of a CD cover is an option found on a drop down list of presets. If the image editing program you are using does not have preset sizes, then the size you want for a CD cover is 4.75" square. Now there should be 2 image files open in the program: the artwork file and the blank new image file.
Return to the image file that contains the artwork. Select the image from the "Edit" menu, click "Copy." The image is now copied to your clipboard.
Switch to the blank image file and from the "Edit" menu select "Paste." Your image should appear on the blank image file.
Re-size your image to fit the new image file. Use the "Scale" tool to either expand or shrink the image to fit. You may have to use the "Free Transform" option to allow you to position each size individually rather than proportionately.
Alter the image. Once the image is the right size, you can then make any alterations to the image. Depending on the options available in your image editing program, you can add color and filters to create the style you want. This is also the time to add any text you want on your album cover with the "Text" tool.
Save your album cover as a jpeg to your hard drive. Close the image editing program.
Add the album cover artwork to your song's files. Most media players have an option to add the album art to the music file. This same option is often offered on any music websites or social networks that allow songs to be uploaded. Congratulations! You have created your own band's album cover for fans to enjoy!