Problems & Solutions - Printing Custom Cover Art Inserts for your Video Game Cases | Game Room Ideas
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มี.ค. 2020
- Printing a replacement cover for a video game cases seems easy on its surface, but there are a lot of unexpected challenges. Let me guide you past the most common pitfalls so your prints end in success instead of frustration.
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Printing video game case covers seems like a pretty self-evident project. But I've had so many issues over the years, that I just want to help you avoid them and do it right. Special thanks to thecoverproject.net, and vgboxart.com. There are many smaller communities of artists, sharing mostly custom case art, out there. Search around to see what you can find.
In an effort to get to the better solutions more quickly, there are other possible 'compromised' solutions for printing on letter paper that I didn't mention. Instead of using the 'shrink to fit' functions of your printer or software, you might shrink it in the editor, but only the length. This will keep your spine logos aligned. The cover will be complete, but just a bit shorter. Taking that one step further, you could separate the cover into parts and only shorten the back cover by just enough to have it print completely. Then, instead of an oddly unprinted edge, the front cover and spine will be perfect, and the back cover will be completed but slightly squished. You could use the test print resources of my website to determine the exact amount your printer can print, top to bottom.
As always, there are a number of paths to a conclusion.
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Amazon links:
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www.amazon.com/shop/topspot123
Amazon links to A4 paper:
Be sure to check for inkjet vs laser to suit your print needs.
A4 Size 20 sheets weight 180gsm Photo Glossy White Paper
(What I bought)
amzn.to/2J9xxF1
Glossy White Paper A4 100 Sheets 8.3x11.7’’ 135 gr weight
amzn.to/33G7oac
A4 Glossy Photo Paper 135gsm
amzn.to/2Jcb626
A4 glossy photo paper 230gsm
amzn.to/3bf38B4
Photography Glossy White Paper 8.3"x11.7" A4 Size 20 sheets weight 230gsm.
amzn.to/2vFTecy
Search Amazon for A4.
amzn.to/38QPOkG
Use caution. In the US Amazon store, a lot of listings for letter-sized paper come up even when you search for A4. Again, look specifically for inkjet or laser paper, depending on your needs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Just want to say thank you,
Game boy games in cassette cases 1 of 10.
You are awesome, and im still looking at your videos for SNES, N64 and PS3 cover cases.
THANK YOU!
for anyone viewing this in 2023, I used a GSM calculator to determine that my USA DS covers are roughly 155 gsm so finding a photo paper around that would work great I'd think. Haven't had a chance to test this though
I do a ton of cover pieces for handheld games using DS cases so I was very curious to watch this and get some further information. I'm glad you touched on the issue of trying to print the proper sizes for DVD cases--that's both driven me mad at times but also, like you, I've often taken what I could get and tried not to fret too much as they're either custom art pieces anyway, or just placeholders in hopes for the real deal covers.
Excellent call on the test prints--soooo much ink and headaches saved!
Thank you for watching and your feedback.
I had a hard time writing this video because even though my tips and tools are sound, my personal hands-on experience is limited. I needed it be authentic and not claim that I have more expertise than is truthful.
Since you've had more experience, was there any tips for DS covers that should get mentioned?
@@TopSpot123 My main tip for the DS covers is that if you're going to use DS cases, have a plan for case modification. I really do enjoy how good the handhelds look in these on the shelves--BUT, modifying the cases can be a beast of a task. I use a corded dremel tool (I killed a battery powered one from constant use). I usually try to batch modify some now, mostly GameBoy and Game Gear, but it's an act of patience.
With modifying, we're also not picky with if the cart is in there upside down--we usually pick a way to modify so the game is as snug as possible with as little modifying is possible.
BUUT--these really aren't printing tips. For that, my own personal preference has just been using matte paper because my printer, when using glossy paper, the image tends to fade and discolor after not much time, but for me, matte has held up better.
I really liked your tip of making it obvious it's not a REAL cover--thank you. I despise the idea of misleading someone down the road. I often put in some sort of custom Easter Egg on mine to show they're not legit (more for disc based games, obviously, than the handhelds).
Very in depth video. I’ve used cover project to create some Gameboy Advance, GB Colour etc cassette art work. They look fantastic and really pop on the shelves. Great video.
Thank you. I use them for reference images too. In the video I tried to balance useful information with acknowledging that I'm obviously not an expert. I hope that comes across.
Awesome video, all the info was very helpful for me. Greetings from Mexico!!!
Muchas gracias!
@@TopSpot123 when I get myself a Copy Of Sonic Rivals the Black label version This time the case artwork box the Instruction manual and the game disc in Magnificent Shape 100%
This video is so informative and helpful.
A ds version of this video would be nice.
I have a game that doesn't have a case and i found the art online but it's split into multiple pieces! Ugh.
Fantastic! I've always gone to a shop to print my covers. I keep having to find new ones as they each eventually end up stopping me due to copyright. I'm using a place with self-serve printers now, but the paper quality is pretty low. I've always printed on legal size for the reasons you mentioned, but maybe it's time to try A4. Thanks for the tip!
And thank you for checking it out, I hope it helps. Out of curiosity, what kinds of covers have you been printing?
@@TopSpot123 UGC covers for my NES, SNES, and N64 cartridges. NDS case covers for my Gameboy games.
What is the ratio or size, for n64 box, that fits around the cartridge and then to fit in the n64 transparent snug sleeves? I tried it and it was too bit so I ended up cutting away a lot of the paper. From a distance you cant notice, but from near by it looks ugly.
There is one thing I mentioned in other videos but neglected in this one. You can use your own paper at the self-service kiosks. You might ask for help from the staff so you orient it in the feed tray properly, but I've brought my own paper to print on in the past. If I strongly preferred laser prints, I could bring my own laser A4 paper.
How would you do a cover that has art of the outside and inside? More modern games now have see through cases so they add art to the inside also. Would you just print two sheets or can you actually print them on both sides of a sheet? Thanks!
Thank you so much
wow thanx for the video :D
i used ever mesement you said in the video so i could print it from local staples cause i dont have a printer
for a 360 game ^^
i want to also print a ps4 cover do you know what size for ps4 ??
should i choose letter paper 8.5 x 11
or a 11 x 17 Ledger paper
for a ps4 game ???
thoes are the option i have for staple
I wish I could buy them pr made but living in the uk it’s so expensive
Is there a way to figure out the dimensions as I cannot do photo editing...
they won't have the original cover of Tokyo mirage sessions Fe encore I need it. Thanks a lot
Love the video. I've been undertaking the task of making Xbox One style cover arts for all compatible original Xbox and Xbox 360 games, so that people who only own and game on their Xbox One or Series X can have a single, uniform looking library. It's a big hill to climb and I'm only about 12 covers in, but it's fun to knock out a cover or two in my spare time :)
That's a cool idea. Are they for Xbox One/Series style cases then? Where do you get those cases? I made a solution for the problem of identifying what games are compatible, but it doesn't go as far as you're going! th-cam.com/video/erQqoN7iyjE/w-d-xo.html
@@TopSpot123 they are indeed! And I've found that green Blu-ray cases are identical in size and similar enough in color to Xbox One/Series cases to match well enough for most, my buddy has been using them with my covers and loving it so far, I've actually seen your video! It was also part of my inspiration :)
Which printer do you use? That's the hardest choice for me.
anyone have any advice for NTSC ps1 games? I have a few games with damaged/missing spines
What kinda paper do you recommend
What is the best quality paper for making the most authentic 3DS case artwork possible?
So wait, when using the self serve printing at Staples do you buy the paper you want to use and put it in the machine or what?
You can if you don't want to use the standard paper that the machine is loaded with. For instance, if you want to use glossy paper instead. At least at my store you can.
Are DS cases supposed to print properly on A4 paper? I printed Pokémon Diamond's case from The Cover project, and it was a bit too oversize and did not fit the page. I printed it on Microsoft picture manager, and unchecked the box that said "fit picture to frame", and I also said full page photo. Can you please help?
I don't think Picture Manager is reliable enough. All the help I have is in the video and the project page linked in the description. Good luck!
@@TopSpot123 Thanks so much appreciate the tutorial and you just earned a sub.
What printer do you use
Thanks I thought this would be to niche to find information on
Glad it was helpful!
Hey! I have NSMB On the ds with it's original cover. i took it out and now i can't properly line it up. It's always slightly tilted. Any help?
That's so odd? I think I've had that problem before but I guess I just lined the paper up with the straight edge of the plastic as best as I could.
What do you call the mat with the lines on it on your desk/table?
It's called a cutting mat. You can search for it or find it in craft and sewing stores.
With the print cutting off, you could flip it in software then feed the paper the other way and print just the cut off part. Could work.
You could get lucky if it lined up perfectly.
I’ve followed all the steps. Even bought the same A4 paper you used and it still comes up short. Width and height. I’m not sure what to do. I’m using a Espon Et 2800. Please help 🙏🙏
Whats The Name of the software??
Can you please do custom PS1 case covers just how to go about on that form factor
They used to be more common, but you could buy printable CD case inserts. It's cardstock to print on that can be punched out on the perforated lines, like printable business cards. I think I have a few pages left, honestly.
There are a few reasons that it's tricky for PS1. The insert under the CD tray is usually printed double sided. The front cover is also the front cover of the instruction manual. That's a lot of assets to print and they aren't all available for every game. But the Cover Project has some CD covers. Check the forums there to see how they are done.
Great video
Thanks!
Where can I found a editor
can you please send me the ps2 internet cover art disc
How do I do it save it on a jump drive and take it to staples? To print?
Pretty much
i want to print a xbox360 cover in G2 (xbox one) size? What I have to do?
Those labels are different sizes, so you'd have to squish down or totally redesign the Xbox 360 cover to fit properly.
How did you get Netflix on DVD? xD
But a4 paper is available locally in my country, so what the point of giving us a link to the a4 paper at Amazon
For people who don’t have it available locally lol
I see a lot of people selling cover art reprints. Is that legal?
Technically, it's a violation of copyright and/or trademark infringement, so no. Not legal. Practically, the game content is more fiercely protected than simply the packaging. So no publisher or platform holder is spending any time or money trying to stop the selling of cover art reprints.
Aight then.
The hardest thing is to match the colors of your self printed covers with real ones so that these don't look different in the shelf (eg the blue color on the spine of PS4 games) do you have any hints how to match them precisely? Great vid man! I'm working on my custom slipcase tutorial atm :)
I don't really have any tips for color. I'm sure it would depend on the color profile of the created image, and the quality of the printer used. Some printer brands, like Canon's Pixma, have a reputation of better color reproduction, but I can't verify that myself.
I'm glad that you are working on that tutorial! If you need any help or advice, you can DM me on Twitter, or email me: contact@topspot123.com.
Brochure paper is great
Anyone have the official original AEW fight forever cover that originally was going to have CM Punk on the cover as that the one I wanted.
Man windows always ruins the prints when k download them from the cover project
What about the booklets?
Reprinting booklets is a very time consuming and tricky job. It's pretty difficult to get right. It's probably better to try to find books on eBay or reprints from people who reproduce them for sale like on Esty.
Hey I work at Staples.
When I'm in the self service area, so do I!
I have MS Paint. Should I just quit?
I just grab a cover for like PlayStation 2 games and edit them then put them in jewel cases.
Like CD jewel cases? They'll surely take up less room that way! Oddly enough, some people take PS1 games and print DVD case covers for them! www.thecoverproject.net/view.php?cover_id=9424
Why don't you just get A4 paper, problem solved, don't forget to change printer paper size in settings.