Harder to Make the Label Than the CD

We discovered the benefits of CD label makers after hand-writing a title on a prize collection of songs to sing while driving and scratching right through to the data side of the disc.

The gospel stars of Take 6 acquired a stutter, and we got a migraine.

The headaches were only slightly less severe after trying CD Stomper Pro, though the disc looks much cooler than when it said “Office Depot.”

Although the kit we had seemed slightly out of date, anyone with older software installed can download a beta test of the company’s newer system, Click ‘N Design 3D. Kits include the software, label “stomper,” 50 CD labels and 10 jewel case inserts for about $30.

In a perfect world, the label kit should operate with the ease of Print Shop and other greeting card and stationery software. Clearly, this isn’t a perfect world.

The earlier software had templates allowing users to quickly personalize standard forms by inserting their choice of backgrounds and text into prefabricated designs and formats. The methods and directions for adding art were clumsy.

The beta-test version, with much better and easier functions, didn’t seem to have the same layout options or pre-made designs. That’s something to check for in the final product. It also didn’t have the volume of choices, either online or on disc, that most stationery kits offer.

All of that means spending a lot of time to create a single label and jewel box set. In its favor, the stomper produces a very professional look.

Until the software catches up with other, easier products, we can’t imagine too many professionals having the time or energy needed to achieve that look.