First objective, establishing a list of all the separate areas required in the final design.
We have covered most of this previously in Part 1 : The Beginning, where we identified the items contained within a small selection of existing DVD inlays. So we shall immediately summarise these findings.
Front Cover :
- Main Background Graphic.
- Title.
- Subtitle/Author ( If applicable ).
- Media Type.
- Key Awards.
- Publisher's Logo.
- Advisory Rating.
- Special Requirements ( If applicable ).
- QR Code Link
Spine :
- Title.
- Subtitle/Author ( If applicable ).
- Media Type.
- Publisher's Logo.
- Background Gradient.
Rear Cover :
- Background Graphic.
- Attention Grabbing Subtitle.
- Special Precautions/Advisory Ratings.
- Legal Notice.
- Barcode.
- System Requirements.
- Brands Acknowledgments.
- Website
- Screenshots ( Multiple ).
- Key Features ( Multiple ).
Next objective, creating the placeholders in PhotoShop™.
The first step is to open up the previously created template, and immediately save as a new file. This will ensure we keep the original template intact, should we ever need to refer back to it at any point.
Now that we have the fresh file ready to edit, we can start creating placeholders using PhotoShop™'s vector tools.
The first tool we will use is the rectangle tool, with no outline, or stroke as it is named within PhotoShop™. For the fill we can select any colour, since placeholder's will not be visible in any way on the final product. However there is merit in using lighter colours for area that will feature text, since text may be added before replacing the placeholder. Thus, in contrast we will use slightly darker colours for graphical placeholders. Final mention on colours, is to keep them all different, unless they represent the same type of item, for clear visibility.
In order to create the vector graphics we will start from the lower layers, and work up. So we should start by creating rectangles for each of the backgrounds of the 3 faces. This should go right to the outer edge of the bleed area, to be sure the final printed product contains no disappointing borders once it has been cropped.
In contrast, the other areas should terminate inside the safety areas defined by the guides in the template. This will avoid accidental loss of information during the printing process.
This process can be repeated for all the sections required as listed above. Only notable differences will be the shapes, some will use the rounded rectangle tool.
At some point we will need to align items, such as centering the title vertically on the spine, this is also true of their placeholder versions. This is achieved by selecting the layer linked to the area, then using the marquee tool to select the greater area in which you wish to align it, PhotoShop™ will automatically snap to guides, making selecting the greater area very simple. Once you have said selections, the layer, and thus the contained area, can be aligned from the "Layer" title-menu, then "Align Layer to Selection" and then select the appropriate alignment, in the case of the spine title, "Vertical Centers".
Also, it can sometimes it may be required to combine multiple basic shapes. For instance, the media type covering both the top of the spine area and the top-left of the front cover can be covered by a single placeholder, however it needs a combination of multiple basic shapes to achieve the required one. To do so, we create a couple of rectangles, and a rounded rectangle. Once done it is a simple case of selecting all 3 layers, right-clicking and selecting "Merge Shapes".
It is also possible to insert preset custom shapes using the custom shape tool, this technique will be used for screenshot placeholders, in order to give them a slightly fancier shape than the standard rectangular one.
For the barcode area we will use standard UPC sizing of 25.9mm x 27.55mm. The simplest way to specify a specific size, is to single click with the rectangle tool selected, it will prompt you for such. After creating the area, it is a simple case of then moving it into position, bearing in mind it will snap-to the guides. The astute amongst you will no doubt point out, through a quick image search, or simply personal observance, that virtually no products ever follow standard barcode sizing, so why should we? Well in general it's always good practice to follow any standards that exist, this ensure the product's compatibility and ease of use. Many manufacturer's use custom sized and shaped barcodes, to save of space, or integrate it into the design. However in this design the standard sizing fits adequately besides the legal notices and brand acknowledgements, thus there is no reason not to follow the standard.
The content ratings should follow recommended guidelines, which state the the front cover should include the age restriction, in the bottom left, sized 17.5mm x 21.5mm. On the rear the age rating label should measure 11.5mm x 14.1mm and each content descriptor on the back of the box should measure 11.5mm x 11.5mm and the icons should be spaced 1mm apart. There are no specific guidelines to location on the rear, only that they must be side by side and actually feature.
reference
Once this has been done for each required element we will obtain something similar to the following :
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| Template with Placeholders |