Select your design software according to the type of art you wish to feature. Use a program that manipulates bitmap images if you plan to work with a photo. If you intend to create your own graphics, try vector-based software. You can find hybrid software that works with both bitmaps and vectors. A fully featured word processing program can often do both.
Set up your template. Some programs come with CD templates already installed. If not, create a 4.75-by-4.75-inch box of for the front of the CD. The back panel card will span 5.4 by 4.625 by .25 inches.
Insert your source material into the box for the front cover of the CD. This may include a photograph, a drawing or even a just colored background. The artwork on your album should convey the aesthetic of the music on your album. Ask friends and fans what they feel when they view the art. If using graphics or photos that you have not created yourself, have the artist state in writing that you have permission to use her work for your album cover.
Overlay your artist's logo and the title of your CD onto the artwork. Print a draft copy of your artwork to see whether or not the logo appears "stretched out" and that you can easily read the text.
Create your back panel card using the above dimensions. The back of the CD can include track listings, performer credits, copyright information and further contact details. The spine text usually consists of the name of the record label, album title, the name of the artist and the catalog number for the CD.
Print a high-resolution version of the album art. Depending on how many CDs you intend to print and the size of your budget, you can use either a home printer or a professional printing service. If you plan to use a home printer, you can find already-formatted and -perforated labels that fit into jewel cases. If you hire a professional printing service, follow the instructions carefully and supply print-ready artwork.