Printing CDs

[enjay]

We have a Canon Pixma IP4600 which can print onto CDs - this has proven really useful, and has recently seen an increase in use, as more and more teachers realise it is possible. The problem is that the freebie Canon software to do this requires users to be local admins in order to run, which obviously I'm not willing to grant. So, what other titles are out there for designing and printing to CDs?

[AngryITGuy]

I use DesignPro Limited Edition from Avery think the current version is 5.4, you can download it here

 

Find it very useful as it has all the Avery Templates installed and gives you the ability to create you own templates too.

 

Have just tested it on a machine without local admin privileges and it seems to work fine.

Edited June 11, 2009 by AngryITGuy

[enjay]

Unless I'm mistaken, that is a label printer - I'm looking for something to print directly onto the CDs themselves...

[graywoodford]

I Use this software at home, very good and easy to use. It does have a large directory of printers installed already so you just choose your printer and no need to mess with settings to print on cd, choose or create your image and print.

 

I use it loads at home and very good, downside is it is not free!! but try the trial software first, you can get about 2 months for free to test it.

 

You can use epson print cd but that is a bit older software now and maybe harder to get old of.

 

Hope this helps

[enjay]

@graywoodford - you use which software, sorry?

 

The Epson stuff is only licensed for use with an Epson printer, I believe.

[enjay]

Answering my own question here (shame I can't thank myself!), I found this on Epson's web site: Direct CD/DVD Printing - Print Labels Directly on Blank Discs with Epson Printers - Epson America, Inc.

[graywoodford]

Sorry forgot to put the link in

Acoustica | CD/DVD Label Maker - Easily create great looking CD/DVD covers/labels, CD jewel case inserts, and LightScribe labels!

I found this from the epson site, same as the link you put on here, tried it and very impressed with it, much better than the epson software and you are right the software would be for epdon printers only with their print cd.

 

I found out aswell last night that this software

Ashampoo® Burning Studio 9

ashampoo burning studio now incorporates disc printing software in the new version of their burning studio, have not tried it yet but does seem pretty good except i havnt had time to see if you can change the template for full faced printable cds as default is not full faced.

 

Hope this helps

[enjay]

Thanks. I liked the look of Acoustica too, and noted that it prints LightScribe too which could be helpful. We use Ashampoo for CD/DVD burning, so I may look at that too for consistency.

[graywoodford]

Yeah i use to use ashampoo version 6 as it was free but the later version does seem to be much improved.

[enjay]

Acoustica rocks! I've just been playing with it some more, and it is brilliant.

 

At £35 a licence, Ashampoo is a bit pricey for all the burners we have here, but I can definitely justify $21 for a single copy of Acoustica to go with our Canon printer.

[graywoodford]

I know what you mean, i love the acoustica software, easiest software for cd printing i have found.