Check to see that you have a CD burner. To create a personalized music CD, your computer must be able to burn CD's from blank disks. Many computers have a CD-RW drive, but if you aren't sure whether your computer has one, review your owner's manual or search online for information about the make and model of your computer.
If you don't have a CD burner, consider purchasing an external CD-RW drive such as the Targus Slimline USB External CD-RW/DVD Optical Drive by Targus, which connects to your computer through a USB port.
Install CD creation software or use a media player with CD creation capabilities. Windows Media Player, iTunes, and other similar media players allow you to customize audio tracks and create music CDs.
Compile a list of songs you wish to place on the CD. After you have decided which songs will be placed on the CD, determine the order of songs. Group similar-sounding songs together so that listeners aren't jolted by a sudden change in song tempo or style; a CD should seamlessly flow from one song to another.
Create the CD by finalizing song placement, placing the CD in your CD-RW drive, and selecting the CD creation button within your media player. The time it takes to create a CD varies according to the speed of your optical drive and how many songs you're putting on the CD.
Design a label for your CD by utilizing the features within CD label design software, such as Disketch Disc Label Software by NCH Software or Acoustica CD-DVD Label Maker by Acoustica (see Resources).
Print your label design on CD-label printing paper, available at any office supply store. CD-label printing paper comes with a peel-off back so you can easily stick the label directly onto the CD. After you have placed the label on the CD, you will have a truly personalized music CD.