Help Contents

EPSON Print CD Help

<EPSON Print CD Screen>

About the Layout Window

<Toolbar Descriptions>

Main Toolbar

Supplementary Toolbar

Edit Toolbar

<Basic Operations>

Procedure for Creating a Label

Opening a File

Printing a Label

Checking the Print Density and Position

Saving a Label

<Editing Operations>

Selecting and Releasing Blocks

Block Operations

Entering Text

Text Settings

Drawing Graphical Elements

Graphics Settings

Adding Pictures

Image (Picture) Settings

Adding a Background

Background Settings

<Other Operations>

Color Palette Settings

Grid/Guide Bar Settings

Keyboard Shortcuts

<Menu Descriptions>

File Menu

Edit Menu

Insert Menu

Graphics Menu

Layout Menu

View Menu

Help Menu

<Troubleshooting>

Troubleshooting


About the Label Layout Window
About the Layout Window

The layout window used by EPSON Print CD to edit the layout of labels, consists of a main tool bar, supplementary toolbars, and an editing toolbar. In this window you can enter text, draw graphic elements, and add pictures to the layout etc.

The area displayed in gray is called the work area. You can place blocks here temporarily, but this area is not included in the printed label.


Standard Toolbar
Main Toolbar

This is the toolbar displaying large buttons below the menus. You can use these to load, save, print, and perform other basic tasks on labels.

This creates a new label.

This opens an existing label file.

This is used to save a file.

This is used to print a label.

This is used to undo the last operation.

This is used to redo the last operation.

This deletes the selected block.

This adjusts the size of the image so that the whole image fits on the screen

This enlarges the display, from the middle of the label.

This reduces the display, from the middle of the label.

This toggles the display of the layout grid on and off.


Text Toolbar
Supplementary Toolbar

The supplementary toolbar consists of the smaller buttons in the main toolbar. These are used to set the font, size, and style of text, specify the color of graphical elements, arrange the order of blocks, etc.

This is used to specify the font setting for text.

This is used to specify the size of text.

This used to specify the color of text.

This is used to specify the line color for graphical elements.

This is used to specify the surface color for graphical elements.

This is used to apply bold style to text.

This is used to apply italic style to text.

This is used to apply underline style to text.

This is used to add shadows to text.

This is used to align text with the left edge of the text block.

This is used to center text in the text block.

This is used to align text with the right edge of the text block.

This is used to justify text in the text block, so that all lines are the same length.

This brings the selected block to the front of the layout.

This brings the selected block forward one level.

This sends the selected block back one level.

This sends the selected block to the back of the layout.

This aligns blocks along the horizontal center axis.

This aligns blocks along the vertical center axis.

This displays information about this version of the software.


Edit Toolbar

This is the toolbar containing buttons along the left edge of the screen. These are used to insert blocks, and adjust the inner and outer diameter of labels.

This is used to switch to block editing mode.

This is used to switch to text editing mode.

This is used to paste pictures in the layout.

This is used to specify a background.

This is used to draw lines.

This is used to draw rectangles and rounded rectangles.

This is used to draw circles.

This is used to specify the inner and outer diameter of a CD.


Creating a Label

• Basics of Creating a Label

STEP 1. Create a New Label ( [image] )

When you launch EPSON Print CD, the window for creating a new label appears. To create a new label, while editing the current label, click on the Create New button. You can also select Create New from the File menu.

A new label layout appears and you can start to design the layout.

STEP 2. Print the Label ( [image] )

When you have finished designing the layout of a label, Print the label. Check the settings in Printer Settings from the File menu, and then print the file. You will print directly onto a CD-R disc, so click on the Properties button in the Printer Settings dialog and check that CD-R Label is selected as the Paper Type in the Basic Settings tab. If the print position is slightly out of alignment, select Adjust Print Position from the File menu and adjust the print start position.

STEP 3. Save the Label ( [image] )

Save the label layout.

The label is saved in EPSON Print CD format (*.EC1).

Caution! You can open label layouts saved in EPSON Print CD Format (*.EC1) by selecting Open from the File menu.


Opening a File

EPSON Print CD allows you to check the layout of saved label designs when selecting a file to open.

Open File

Select Open from the File menu, or click on [image] in the Main Toolbar. The Open dialog appears. On the left of the Open dialog is a list of files saved in EPSON Print CD Format (*.EC1). If you click on the file name, a preview of the layout is displayed. Select the file you want to open and click OK.

Folder

This displays the path to the currently selected folder.

Select the folder containing the file you want to open. If you want to select a file in a different folder, click the Browse button and change the folder location in the folder selection dialog.

If you click on [image], you can see a history of recently opened folders, and select a folder from the list of displayed folders.


Printing a Label

Getting Ready to Print a Label

Select Printer Settings from the File menu and check the printer name, paper size, and other settings. Also, you will print directly onto a CD-R disc, so click on the Properties button in the Printer Settings dialog and make sure that CD-R Label is selected as the Paper Type in the Basic Settings tab. The printer uses a tray when printing on a CD-R disc. Refer to the manual for details on how to place the CD-R in the tray and set the tray in the printer.

How To Print a Label

Once you have checked the settings in Printer Settings are OK, you can print the label. Before printing on the CD-R itself, we suggest that you print the Density Test Pattern or the Print Position Check Pattern. (See Checking the Print Density and Position.)

Select Print from the File menu (or click [image]), the Print dialog appears.

You are now ready to load the CD-R in the tray and feed it into the printer. Click OK to print the label.

The Print Dialog

Color Correction

This adjusts the print density used for printing the label. Slide the slider to the left or right to adjust the print density to one of seven levels.

Print the Density Test Pattern to check if you need to adjust the print density.

Test Print Pattern

This prints a test pattern that can be used to check the print density and print position.

Density Test Pattern prints the density pattern (gradation pattern) at the density set by the Color Correction slider. Print Position Check Pattern prints a pattern that can be used to check that the label will be printed in the correct position on the CD-R disc. (See Checking the Print Density and Position.)

Density Check Pattern Position/Print Position Check Color

You can use Print Density Check Pattern or Print Position Check Pattern to print a test pattern.

Caution! If you have reduced a large image file so that it fits onto a label, you may not be able to print due to the size of the file. (You may not be able to print if the size of the file exceeds 20 MB.)


Checking the Print Density and Position

EPSON Print CD includes useful functions that allow you to easily check the print density and print position before printing on a CD-R disc.

Checking the Print Density

Since some CD-R discs can cause printing to blur, we suggest that you use these functions before printing a label.

Select the checkbox for Print Density Check Pattern from the options for Test Print Pattern in the Print dialog and print out the test pattern. The density check pattern (7-color gradation pattern) is printed.

If the print out is dark (or faint), adjust the Color Correction.

You can print the test pattern on the same CD up to three times. If necessary, adjust the setting to Inner, Second Time, or Third Time.

When you select the Print Density Check Pattern checkbox and start printing, the density check pattern is printed, not the current layout. To print the current layout, make sure that the Print Density Check Pattern settings is not selected.

Checking the Print Position

Select the checkbox for Print Print Position Check Pattern from the options for Test Print Pattern in the Print dialog and print out the test pattern. The dotted line, print position check pattern is printed.

You can use Print Position Check Color to adjust the color used to print the dotted line on the Print Position Check Pattern, so you can print the pattern on the same CD several time. Click [image] for Print Position Check Color to select a color from the color palette.

If the positioning of the dotted line in the print position check pattern is out of alignment, select Adjust Print Position from the File menu to adjust the print position.

When you select the Print Print Position Check Pattern checkbox and start printing, the position check pattern is printed, not the current layout. To print the current layout, make sure that the Print Print Position Check Pattern setting is not selected.


Saving a Label

Files created with EPSON Print CD are saved as EPSON Print CD format (*.EC1) files.

If files have been saved in this format, you can open them with EPSON Print CD and edit them again.

Saving a New File

Saves a file with the name you specify.

Select Save As from the File menu. The Save As dialog appears. Specify the folder where you want to store the file, and the name for the file, then click the Save button to save the file.

Saving a Previously Saved File ( [image])

Select Save from the File menu. The file is saved with the same name, overwriting the existing file. (When you use Save, the earlier version of the file that had been saved is replaced by the new version.)

No confirmation message is displayed when you use the Save command, so be sure you want to overwrite the earlier saved version before using this command.

To Edit a Saved File

Select Open from the File menu (or click [image]), and select the file you want to edit. See Opening a File.


Selecting and Releasing Blocks

What is a Block?

Text and graphics you have added to a layout are referred to as blocks. Each block is independent and the blocks are arranged in layers in the order they were added to the layout. EPSON Print CD allows you to modify and edit each block separately.

Selecting a Block

<Example for Selecting a Text Block>

If you click on [image], the mouse pointer changes to [image] and you can click on the block you want to edit. When you click on a block, it is selected ( · handles appear around the edge of the block). To select several blocks, click on the blocks while pressing the Shift key. Or you can drag the [image] to create a selection area containing the blocks you want to select.

Releasing a Selected Block

To cancel the selection of a block, click on an area outside the block.

If you have selected several blocks, and only want to release one of the selected blocks, click on the block you want to release while pressing the Shift key.

For information on moving or resizing blocks, see Block Operations.


Block Operations

EPSON Print CD allows you to perform the following tasks on each block.

Move Blocks

Drag a selected block to move it.

Delete Blocks

Press the Delete key to delete a selected block. You can also select Delete ( [image]) from the Edit menu to delete a block.

Copy and Paste Blocks (Using the Mouse)

If you press the Ctrl key while dragging a block you want to copy, the mouse point changes to [image], and the block is copied to the locations where you release the mouse point.

Copy and Paste Blocks (Using the Menus)

If you select Paste from the Edit menu, after selecting Copy from the Edit menu while a block is selected, the original block is copied to the top right of the layout.

Change the Size of a Block

If you drag the handles around the edge of a selected block, you can adjust the size of the block.

Changing the Size of Each Type of Block

Text Blocks

If you drag the handles of a text block, the size of the block containing the text changes. If there is text that is hidden, drag the handles to increase the size of the block. If you want to change the size of the text in the block, click on [image] in the text palette to change the text size.

Graphic Blocks

If you drag the handles of a graphic block, the size of the graphic changes.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the handle of a graphic block, the size of the graphic changes while maintaining its aspect ratio.

Image Blocks

If you drag the handles of an image block, it changes size freely to match the proportions of the new block size. If you change the size to a free size, the picture or photo will be distorted. If you press the Shift key while dragging the handle of the block, the size changes while maintaining the same aspect ratio.

Block Properties

If you double-click on a block, its properties are displayed. The Properties dialog displays the settings for each type of block.


Entering Text

Methods for Entering Text

1) Click on [image] in the edit toolbar. The Text Settings dialog appears.

2) Enter the text at the location of the blinking cursor in the Text tab. To enter a carriage return (start a new line), press the Enter key.

3) When you have finished entering the text, press OK. The text is displayed centered in the middle of the CD.

Caution! If you enter a long string of text, the Auto Size settings in the Text Settings tab will automatically be set to OFF. You can set Auto Size to ON again, after entering the text, in the Properties dialog, by double-clicking the text.

Editing Text

If you double-click the text, the Text Settings dialog appears again and you can edit the text.

In addition to editing the text, you can also change the text style.

Click on OK to see the changes reflected in the layout.

Arched Text

After entering the text, you can change it to Arched Text.

1) Click on the text to display the handles around the text block.

2) A red handle · appears in the center of the text block. Drag this handle up or down. The distorted text is shown in dotted lines, release the mouse button when the text is in the shape you desire.

3) The text will be modified so it is in an arch or arc.

4) If the text is leaning to the left, click on [image] in the text toolbar to space it equally.

When a text block containing arched text is selected, the black handles · appear at either side, and the red handle · appears in the center.

If you drag the black handles, on either side of the block, you can adjust the size and shape of the text block.

If part of the text is hidden when you adjust the text block, extend the handles to the side, or reduce the size of the text.

To adjust the Text Settings switch between to the tabs to make the settings.

Caution! You cannot use the arched text function on more than one line of text, or on distorted text.


Text Settings

These are used to modify text blocks.

Switch between the various tabs to adjust the settings.

You can also adjust the font and size from the text toolbar.

 Text Settings tab

 Text Color tab

 Shadow tab

 Distort tab

For other settings, the Position tab is displayed.

Changing the Font

Select the text block (black handles · are displayed), and select the font from [image]. (The fonts you can use will depend on the fonts installed on your system)

Changing the Size

While a text block is selected, select the text size from [image].

If part of the text is hidden after you have changed the size, drag the handles to increase the size of the text block.


Text Settings Tab

This specifies the text font, layout, character spacing, line spacing and other text settings.

Font Name

Click [image] to specify the font to use for the text.

Caution! The list of fonts displayed depends on the fonts installed on your system.

Font Size

Click [image] to select the font size for the text.

Style

You can select Bold · Italic, or Underline style.

Caution! You cannot select Underline style for arched text.

Text Orientation

This sets the orientation, horizontal or vertical, for the text entered in the text block.

Layout

This sets the text alignment to left aligned, centered, right aligned, or justified.

Auto Size

This automatically adjusts the size of the text so that it fits within the display area.

Character Spacing/Line Spacing

This sets the spacing between characters and between lines of text. Drag the slide bar for each setting to specify the spacing, or you can enter the values directly.

A preview of the result of the settings is shown in the right side of the dialog.

You can switch between tabs to adjust other settings.

 Text Color tab

 Shadow tab

 Distort tab


Text Color Tab

This sets the color settings for the text.

Text Color

Select the color for text using Color Settings or Gradation.

Specify the color settings using the color palette. If you click on [image] the color palette appears.

If you set a gradation pattern, specify the settings for Start Color, End Color, and Pattern.

A preview is shown on the right side of the dialog.

Switch between the tabs to set other settings.

 Text Settings tab

 Shadow tab

 Distort tab


Shadow Tab

This adds shadow to text and specifies the shadow color and position. To add shadow to text, select the Add Shadow checkbox.

Shadow Position button

Click this button to change the position of the shadow. The Shadow Position dialog appears, select the position for the shadow.

Shadow Color

You can specify the color settings for the shadow.

Select from Color Settings or Gradation.

If you want to remove the shadow effect from text, click No Shadow. Also, if you select the pattern in the center of the Shadow Position dialog, the shadow is removed.

A preview is shown on the right side of the dialog.

Switch between the tabs to set other settings.

 Text Settings tab

 Text Color tab

 Distort tab


Distort Tab

You can distort text to match a selected pattern.

To distort the text, select Distort.

A preview is shown on the right side of the dialog.

Switch between the tabs to set other settings.

 Text Settings tab

 Text Color tab

 Shadow tab


Drawing Graphical Elements

Basics of Drawing Graphical Elements

To draw graphical elements, use the buttons in the edit toolbar on the left of the screen.

After you have clicked on a button for drawing graphical elements, the mouse pointer changes to [image] when you move the pointer over the label. Drag the mouse point to draw the graphical element.

Information on Drawing Graphical Elements

For details on drawing graphical elements, click on the names in the illustration below.

Lines

Rectangles

Circles

You can add color to graphical elements, change the line thickness, etc. If you double-click on the graphic, its properties are displayed, where you can change the settings. For more information, see Graphics Settings.


Graphics Settings

To specify the color or line thickness etc., for graphical elements you have drawn, double-click on the graphic to display its properties, where you can change the settings.

Depending on the type of graphic selected, the properties will vary.

 Line Tab

 Fill Color Tab


Line Tab

This appears in the Properties of all graphical elements.

This specifies the line type, color, and line thickness.

Line Type

To select the line type, click [image] and select a line type from the list.

Color

Click [image] to display the color palette and select a color.

Thickness

This sets the line thickness. Drag the slide bar to set the line thickness, or enter numbers directly from the keyboard.You can set a line thickness between 0.0 mm and 20.0 mm in 0.1 mm increments.

A setting of 0.0 mm sets a very fine thickness.

Other settings are displayed in the Position tab of the Properties dialog.


Fill Color Tab

This is displayed in the properties for Rectangles and Circles only.

This sets the surface color for the graphical element. The type of fill (Transparent/Color Settings/Gradation) is set in Color Settings.

A preview is displayed in the bottom right of the dialog so you can check the settings.

Other settings are displayed in the Position tab of the Properties dialog.


Adding Pictures

Click [image].

The Select Picture dialog appears. Select the picture (illustration) you want to paste in the layout.

Caution! If you have performed a minimum installation, insert the CD-ROM before proceeding.

Using the <Clip Art>

Select a picture from the clip art included on the EPSON Print CD disc.

If you select Type, thumbnail images of the pictures are displayed, and you can select the picture you want to use. If you click OK, the selected picture is added to the layout. You can select 2x1, 3x2, or 4x3 as the size for the thumbnail display.

Using the <File Tab>

In addition to the clip art supplied with the application, you can also specify other pictures for a layout.

To do this, use the Browse button to specify the folder containing the file you want to add. Thumbnail images are shown for files that can be read by EPSON Print CD. Click on the image you want to add, and then click OK. You can select 2x1, 3x2, or 4x3 as the size for the thumbnail display.

Caution! It may take a few moments for the thumbnail images to be displayed.

Paste Data form Clipboard

Click the Clipboard button. The image stored in the clipboard is pasted into the label.

You can also use the Clipboard button to paste a picture, stored in the Clipboard, into the layout.

You can only paste data from the Clipboard that is supported by the application. You cannot paste data that is in a format not supported.

Importing from TWAIN Devices

To import an image from a TWAIN compliant device, click TWAIN. This will launch the TWAIN driver, for importing the image. If the TWAIN driver does not launch, select TWAIN Settings from the File menu and select the TWAIN device (source), then try again.

Image Settings

If you click Adjust Image in the Select Image dialog, the Adjust Image dialog appears where you can specify the settings for the displayed image. (To adjust the settings for an image that has already been added to a layout, double-click the image block to display the Image dialog.)

You can adjust settings to make the image a template, adjust the brightness etc. See Image (Picture) Settings.

Image File Formats Supported

You can import images in the following file formats into EPSON Print CD: Bitmap files(*.BMP), JPEG files (*.JPG), PhotoCD files(*.PCD), TIFF files(*.TIF), Windows Metafiles(*.wmf .emf), and PNG files(.PNG).

Caution! For TIFF files, only files saved without LZW compression are supported.


Pictures/Selecting a Background Image

You can use any of the following methods to add a picture to a layout (select a background).

Using the Clip Art (Background) Tab

This selects images from the Background image collection of the Clip Art supplied with the application.

Select the image you want to use from the thumbnail images displayed, then click OK. You can select 2x1, 3x2, or 4x3 as the size for the thumbnail display.

Using the File Tab

You can add an image that is saved in an image format supported by EPSON Print CD.

Click the Browse button to specify the folder containing the file you want to add. If you click [image], a list of previously selected folders is displayed. You can also select a folder from this list.

After you select a folder, thumbnail images are shown for files in the folder that are saved in a supported format. Click on the image you want to add, and then click OK.

Caution! It may take a few moments for the thumbnail images to be displayed.

 TWAIN button

This displays a screen for importing images from a TWAIN device. If the screen does not appear, select TWAIN Settings from the File menu and select the TWAIN device, then try again.

 Image Adjustment/Background Options button

This allows you to select detailed options for the selected picture or background.

 Image Settings

 Background Options Settings


Image (Picture) Settings

These allow you to specify the following image (picture) settings. You can click the Image Adjustment button in the Select Image dialog, or double-click an existing image block to select these settings.

 Template Tab

 Transparency Tab

 Brightness Tab

Switch between the various tabs to adjust the settings.


Adding a Background

To specify a background for a label, click [image] to display the Select Background dialog, where you can specify the background.

If a background has already been set, click [image] to display the Background Options dialog, where you can specify the background options.

Caution! If you have performed a minimum installation, insert the CD-ROM before proceeding. You cannot add more then two images for the background.

Using the Background <Clip Art Tab>

This selects images from the Background image collection of the Clip Art supplied with EPSON Print CD.

Click on the image you want to use from the thumbnail images displayed. Click OK to set the image as the background image.

Using the <File Tab>

You can add an image as the background that is not included on the clip art supplied with the application.

Click the Browse button to specify the folder containing the file you want to add. Thumbnail images are shown for files in the folder that are saved in a format supported by EPSON Print CD. Click on the image you want to add, and then click OK to set it as the background image.

Caution! It may take a few moments for the thumbnail images to be displayed.

Paste Data form Clipboard

Click the Clipboard button. The image stored in the clipboard is pasted into the label.

You can also use the Clipboard button to paste a picture, stored in the Clipboard, into the layout.

You can only paste data from the Clipboard that is supported by the application. You cannot paste data that is in a format not supported.

Importing from TWAIN Devices

To import an image from a TWAIN compliant device, click TWAIN. This will launch the TWAIN driver, for importing the image. If the TWAIN driver does not launch, select TWAIN Settings from the File menu and select the TWAIN device (source), then try again.

Specifying a Color for the Background

To specify a color for the background, click the Background Options button.

The Background Options dialog is displayed. Use the Fill Color tab to select a color from the color palette.

Deleting a Background

Click [image] to display the Select Background dialog again. To delete the background, click the No Background button.

Background Options

To set background options, click the Background Options button. If you have already set the options, click [image] again to adjust the settings. The Background Options dialog is displayed, where you can switch between the various tabs to specify the settings.

Supported image File Formats

You can import images in the following file formats into EPSON Print CD: Bitmap files(*.BMP), JPEG files(*.JPG), PhotoCD files(*.PCD), TIFF files(*.TIF), Windows Metafiles (*.wmf .emf), and PNG files(.PNG).

Caution! For TIFF files, only files saved without LZW compression are supported.


Background Settings

These allow you to specify options for the background.

Click the Background Options button in the Select Background dialog.

If you have already set a background, click [image] again. The Background Options dialog is displayed, where you can switch between the tabs to specify the settings.

 Fill Color Tab

Deleting a Background

If you click the No Background button in the Background Options dialog, you can remove the background.


Fill Color Tab

Select the type of background from among Color, Gradation, or Image.

Color

This fills the background of a label with a single color. Click [image] and select a color from the color palette.

Gradation

This sets a gradation pattern for the background.

Image

This uses an image as the background for a label. Click the Select Image button to display the Select Image dialog,  where you can select the image to use.

If you click the Image Adjustment button, the Image Adjustment dialog is displayed.

The Image Adjustment dialog contains the following settings:

 Transparency

 Make Template

 Brightness

Switch between the tabs to specify the settings.

Caution! When using Image Adjustment, if you use the Make Template tab on a rotated image, or the Brightness tab on an image that has had the blur effect applied to it, the display and printing of the image will become slower.

Display Options

If you have selected Gradation or Image for the background type, you can select the display options.

• Tile

Arranges the background like tiles. You can select from Standard, Small, or Smaller.

• Arrange Alternately

Arranges the background alternately.

Caution! If the background has been tiled, the display of the image will be slower.

Caution! If the background has been arranged alternately, and Small or Smaller have been selected, it may not be possible to view a preview, but the image will appear on the label.


Transparency Tab

You can specify up to four colors in an image (picture) that can be transparent.

Setting the Transparency Colors

Select the Make Color Transparent checkbox.

You can specify up to four colors that can be made transparent.

If you move the mouse pointer over the sample of the image on the right of the dialog, the pointer will change to [image], where you can click on the color you want to make transparent.

If you want to make more than one color transparent, click the [image] to set the next color.

If you click on Cancel Color Settings, you can release the selected colors.

Whitening a Color

If you select the Whiten checkbox, the whole image will be made paler.

Canceling Color Settings

Click the Cancel Color Settings button.

Canceling the Transparency Setting

Deselect the Make Color Transparent checkbox.


Template Tab

You can make a pasted image (picture) a template outline.

To make an image a template, select the Make Template checkbox, and specify the outline settings.

Template Adjustment

When you specify the outline settings for a template, a frame indicating the size and position of the template outline is displayed in the sample to the right of the dialog.

Drag this frame to adjust the position and size of the template.

If you click the Reset button, the size and position revert to their default settings.

Canceling the Template Setting

Deselect the Make Template checkbox to cancel the template setting.


Brightness Tab

You can adjust the brightness and other characteristics of an image.

In addition to the brightness, you can modify mosaic and blur settings.

Contrast

You can drag the slide bars to adjust the contrast.

You can also enter the contrast value directly from the keyboard. Enter a setting within the range of 100 to –100.

Brightness

You can drag the slide bars to adjust the brightness.

You can also enter the contrast value directly from the keyboard. Enter a setting within the range of 100 to –100.

Blur

You can apply a blur effect to the whole image. Select Weak, Medium, or Strong.

To remove the blur effect, select None.

Caution! If you apply a blur effect, screen display and printing will take longer. Also, you can only apply the blur effect to images with 256 colors or more.

Monotone Effect

This changes the color tones to a single color. Select Sepia, B&W, or Color. If you select Color, you can select the color to use from the color palette. Click [image] to select the color.

To remove the monotone effect, select None.

Mosaic

This adds a mosaic effect to the image. Click [image] and select the percentage for the mosaic effect. The larger the setting, the larger the size of the block in the mosaic effect will be.

To remove the mosaic effect, click [image] again and select Do Not Convert.

Caution! You can only apply the mosaic effect to images with 256 colors or more.

Gamma Correction

This performs gamma correction for the image. Enter a value with the spin button, or enter a value directly from the keyboard. Enter a setting within the range of 0.01 to 5.00.

Reset button

The settings revert to their default settings.


Template Tab

You can convert part of an image (picture), that has been specified as a background, into a label template, and set it as the background.

Setting the Position and Size

A preview of the specified image is displayed. In the center of the preview is a frame for setting the part of the image to be cut out, drag this frame to specify the size and position of the part to be used as the background.

Rotate

This sets the angle for the cutout. Drag the slide bar to specify the angle, or enter the value directly from the keyboard.

If you click the Reset button, the setting for the position and size revert to the center.

Caution! If you rotate a template block, screen display and printing will take longer.


Color Settings

You can specify colors for text and graphical elements.

To specify the color settings, double-click a block and specify the color in the Properties dialog that appears.

You can select Color Setting, or Gradation. (You can also specify Transparency settings for graphical elements.)

<Color Setting>

The object is filled with a solid color.

Click [image] and select a fill color.

<Gradation>

Specify the start color and end color for the gradation.


File Menu

Create New

Creates a new label.

A label is displayed, where you can design a new layout.

Open

This opens files saved in EPSON Print CD format (EC1 format). Select the file you want to open in the Open dialog, then click OK.

See Opening Files.

Save

Saves the current label layout with the same name, overwriting the previously saved version of the file. This replaces the previously saved version of the file with the new contents. No confirmation is displayed when you select this command.

If you are saving a new file that has not been saved before, Save As is used.

Save As

This adds a name to the current label and saves it as a new file.

The Save As dialog appears. Select the location where you want to save the file, enter a name for the file and save it.

TWAIN Settings

This sets the TWAIN driver settings for when you import an image into EPSON Print CD from a TWAIN device. Once you have specified the settings you do not need to set them again.

Caution! If the TWAIN driver has not been installed correctly, you may not be able set the settings. For details on how to install the TWAIN driver, refer to the manual supplied with the device.

Inner/Outer Diameter

This opens the Inner/Outer Diameter dialog. Depending on the manufacturer, the inner and outer of CD-R discs can vary. You can specify a size that matches the CD-R disc you are using.

You can also switch to 8 cm CDs.

[Adjust Print Position]

This opens the Adjust Print Position dialog.

You can adjust the print start position.

Print

Prints the current label.

Before printing the label, select Printer Settings and check the paper size. See Print Label.

Printer Settings

This is used to check or change the printer settings for the selected printer. Choose a paper size and orientation suitable for the label.

Recent Files

Displays a list of files recently used by EPSON Print CD.

Click on a file to open it.

Quit

Quits EPSON Print CD.

If the current label has not been saved, a message asking if you want to save the file appears.


Edit Menu

Undo

This cancels the previous operation and restores the original.

Redo

This redoes an operation that has been undone.

Cut

This removes the selected block. The selected block disappears from the layout. You can paste the removed block into a layout by selecting Paste from the Edit menu.

Copy

This copies the selected block.

You can paste the copied block into a layout by selecting Paste from the Edit menu.

Paste

This pastes block that have been cut or copied.

If the block has been copied, the block is pasted to the upper right of the original block. If you click in the location where you want to paste the block, it is pasted at the location you clicked.

Delete

This deletes the selected block.

Select All

This selects all the blocks displayed in the current label.


Insert Menu

Text

This is used to enter text.

The Text Settings dialog is displayed, where you can enter text.

To enter several lines of text, press the Enter key start a new line. Use the tabs in the dialog to specify the color and font for the text, the press the OK key to display the text in the center of the label.

Picture

This is used to paste pictures into a label.

The Select Picture dialog is displayed, where you can select the image you want to insert into the label.

If you click the OK button, the image is inserted into the center of the label layout.

If you select a large image, it is automatically reduced to a CD size.

Caution! You can only specify files that are in the following file formats: BMP files, JPEG files, TIFF files, WMF files, EMF files, PNG files, and PCD files.

Select Background

This selects the background for a label.

The Select Background dialog is displayed, where you can specify the settings you want to use for the background. If you click OK, the background is displayed in the label.

If a background has already been set for the label, the Background Options dialog is displayed, where you can specify options for the background

Caution! To cancel a background, select Insert, Select Background again, and click the No Background button in the Background Options dialog. You cannot paste two or more backgrounds in a layout.

Vertical Text

This sets the text in a text block to vertical orientation. If you set this option before entering text, any text you add will be in entered in vertical orientation.

Horizontal Text

This sets the text in a text block to horizontal orientation. If you set this option before entering text, any text you add will be in entered in horizontal orientation.


Graphics Menu

Lines

This draws straight lines.

Drag the mouse from the start point to the end point of the line. When you release the mouse button, the line is drawn on the screen.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the mouse, the lines are restricted to horizontal or vertical lines.

You can change the color and thickness of the line by double-clicking the line and changing its settings in the Properties dialog that appears.

Circles

This draws circles.

Drag the mouse in a diagonal direction. When you release the mouse, the circle is drawn on the screen.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the mouse, you can draw a perfectly round circle.

You can change the color and thickness of the line by double-clicking the circle and changing its settings in the Properties dialog that appears.

Rectangles

This draws rectangles.

Drag the mouse in a diagonal direction. When you release the mouse, the rectangle is drawn on the screen.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the mouse, you can draw a perfect square.

If you drag the top right handle, you can adjust the angle of the corner to create rounded rectangles. Double-click on an object to change the line thickness or color in the Properties dialog.


Layout Menu

Bring to Front

Brings a block to the front of the work area.

The selected block is moved to the very front of the blocks in the layout.

Bring Forward

The selected layer is moved forward one layer.

Send Backward

The selected block is moved backward one layer.

Send to Back

The selected block is moved to the very back of the blocks in the layout.

Caution! You can only use Bring to Front, Bring Forward, Send Backward, and Send to Back when one block alone is selected.

Layout

Horizontal Align Center	The selected block is placed in the center of the page, equidistant from the left and right edges.
Vertical Align Center	The selected block is placed in the center of the page, equidistant from the top and bottom.
Horizontal Distribute Center	Distributes the selected blocks evenly across the horizontal plane.
Vertical Distribute Center	Distributes the selected blocks evenly across the vertical plane.
Rotate/Flip

Right 90 Degrees	Rotates the selected block 90 degrees to the right. The block is rotated on its center point.
Left 90 Degrees	Rotates the selected block 90 degrees to the left. The block is rotated on its center point.
Free Rotate	Allows you to use the mouse to rotate the selected block to any angle After you select this commend, the mouse pointer changes to [image], drag a handle to rotate the block in the direction you drag the mouse. The block is rotated when you release the mouse button.
Undo Rotation	Undoes any rotation of the selected block.
Flip Horizontal	Flips the selected block on the horizontal axis, top and bottom.
Flip Vertical	Flips the selected block on the horizontal axis, left and right.


View Menu

Zoom

This specifies the zoom ratio for the screen. You can select from eight ratios 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 300%, or 400%. If you click on [image] or [image] in the toolbar, the zoom ratio for label is changed one level each time you click.

Fit in Window

Adjust the size of the view so that the whole label fits on the screen.

Grid Settings

This allows you to change the spacing and pattern for the grid.

For more details, see Grid Settings dialog.

Snap to Grid

This snaps blocks you create or move to the grid.

This function is enabled or disabled each time you select it. A check mark is displayed next to this command, when it is active.

Caution! This function is not active unless the grid [image] is visible

Clear Guide Bars

This removes any guide bars that are on the screen.

If you only want to remove one guide bar, drag the guide bar out of the layout window.

Snap to Guide Bars

This snaps blocks you create or move to the guide bars.

This function is enabled or disabled each time you select it. A check mark is displayed next to this command, when it is active.


Help Menu

Help Topics

This displays the EPSON Print CD online help.

About...

This displays information about this version of EPSON Print CD.


Print Options
Adjust Print Position

This adjusts the print start position when the label is printed.

For instructions on how to print a label, see Print Label.

The printout may be slight of alignment depending on the paper source, the paper thickness and other factors. If this happens, you can use Adjust Print Position to change the print position on the paper.

You can print the Print Position Check Pattern to adjust the position or adjust the print position directly.

Adjusting the Print Position Using the Print Position Check Pattern

Press Reset in the Adjust Print Position dialog, and set the position correction to 0.0 mm.

Press the OK button to close the Adjust Print Position dialog once.

If the Print Label dialog does not appear, press [image] in the toolbar to open it.

Specify the settings for printer and tray etc., and select the check mark for Print Print Position Check Pattern. Make sure that there are no settings for Adjust Print Position at this point.

Insert a printer tray containing the Print Position Check Sheet in the printer.

Press the OK button, and print the Print Position Check Pattern.

Prepare a ruler, and use it to align the scales on the check pattern.

If the ruler does not pass through the center of the CD when you align it with the check pattern, move it so that does pass through the center of the CD.

Measure the vertical and horizontal distances moved.

Open the Adjust Print Position dialog again.

If the Enter Values checkbox is not selected, select it.

Enter the measurements obtained above, in for Top Space and Right Space. The preview on the left of the dialog is automatically updated.

Press OK, to print the Print Position Check Pattern again and check that the misalignment has been corrected. If you change the Print Position Check Color, you can print the pattern on the same sheet of paper several times.

If the print position is still out of alignment, remember to reset the position correction to 0.0 mm before printing the Print Position Check Pattern again. Or, you can try adjusting the print position directly.

Adjusting the Print Position Directly

If the checkbox for Enter Values is selected, deselect it.

Slide the scroll bar to adjust the position.

• Slide the scroll bar up
The print start position is moved upward.

• Slide the scroll bar to the left
The print start position is moved to the left.

Press OK.

If you click the Reset button, the position is returned to its default position.

You cannot use the scroll bars if the checkbox for Enter Values is selected. Conversely, you cannot enter the values for Top Space or Right Space unless the checkbox is selected.


Color Palette Settings

You can create and add new colors to the color palette for EPSON Print CD.

If you click on the Edit Palette button [image] at the bottom left of the palette, the Edit Palette dialog appears.

Select the position where you want to add the color and click Change. In the Color dialog, you can create a new color to add to the palette.

Caution! If you click Revert to Standard, the settings for the palette will be restored to their default settings.


Position Tab

When you double-click on a block to view its properties, in addition to the other settings tabs, there is the Position tab.

The Position tab indicates the block’s position, size, and angle of rotation.

Position

This displays the position and size of the block.

Top/Left

This indicates the block’s position.

Height/Width

This indicates the block’s size.

Rotation

If the block can be rotated, this indicates the angle of rotation. You can enter the angle directly, or drag the slide bar to set the angle.

Caution! Depending on the type of block, only the Position tab may be displayed.


Gradation Settings

To Add Gradation to Text or Graphics

In the text block Properties dialog, select the Gradation settings in the Text Color tab. In the graphics block Properties dialog, select the Gradation as the Type in the Fill Color tab.

Specify the Start Color and End Color from the color palette. Then select a gradation pattern from the list. A preview of the gradation is displayed in the right of the dialog.


Inner/Outer Diameter Dialog
Inner/Outer Diameter

This switches between 12 cm diameter and 8 cm diameter CDs. Select either 8cmCD-R or 12cmCD-R.

Also, the inner diameter and outer diameter for printable area on a CD-R varies depending on the manufacturer. If the surface area of your CD is different to that of the standard layout , you can specify the inner and outer diameter for the CD.

When you select 8cmCD-R or 12cmCD-R, the values for the inner and outer diameter are automatically adjusted.

You can specify the values for the inner and outer diameter of the CD. When you do so, a check mark automatically appears next to Free. To revert to the standard sizes, select 8cmCD-R or 12cmCD-R.

The values you specify here remain in effect until you change them again. They are not cleared even if you quit and re-launch the software. However, if the settings are stored in an EPSON Print CD (*.EC1) file, the settings in the file are used.

*You can set the inner diameter down to 15 mm, however, some CD-ROM drives press on the printed surface of the CD. We therefore recommend that you print with the inner diameter set to 24 mm or more.


Using the Grid/Guide Bars

By using the grid/guide bar function, you can easily arrange the blocks in you layout and ensure they are neatly aligned.

The grid, or guide bars, is not just a visual guide for placing objects in your layout. If you use the Snap function, block you create or move are snapped to lines of the grid, or guide bars.

Using the Grid

 in the toolbar toggles the display of the grid ON and OFF.

Selecting Grid Settings from the View menu, opens the Grid Settings dialog. Here you can specify the spacing for the grid, and whether the grid pattern should be lines or points.

Each time you select Snap to Grid from the View menu, enables/disables the snap to grid function.

Using the Guide Bars

Align the cursor with the ruler along the top edge or left edge of the layout window, and drag the mouse while pressing the left mouse button. A guide bar will appear at the location where you release the mouse button.

You can move a guide bar by left clicking on the guide bar and dragging it to a new position. You can remove guide bars by dragging them off the layout window and then releasing the mouse button.

By selecting Clear Guide Bars from the View menu, you can remove all the guide bars from the screen.

Each time you select Snap to Guide Bars from the View menu, enables/disables the snap to guide bar function.


Grid Settings
Grid Settings Dialog

These are used to change the grid spacing and pattern, hide or show the grid, and to enable or disable the snap to grid function.

When you change, Grid Pattern, Grid Spacing, Snap Moved Frames to Grid, check that the check mark for Show Grid is selected.

You can change the setting for Show Grid with [image] in the toolbar, and for Snap Moved Frames to Grid from the [View] menu.

Caution! You can set the grid spacing to between 1 mm and 100 mm. However, if you set very tight spacing for the grid, it can become difficult to work in the layout window, and the snap to grid function can make it hard to edit layouts efficiently.


Shortcut Keys
Keyboard Shortcuts

Menu Shortcuts

File Menu

Create New	CTRL+N

Open	CTRL+O

Save	CTRL+S

Print	CTRL+P

Edit Menu

Undo	CTRL+Z

Redo	CTRL+Y

Cut	CTRL+X

Copy	CTRL+C

Paste	CTRL+V

Delete	Delete

Select All	CTRL+A


Troubleshooting

• I Want to use my own file as a background or as the picture?

You can use Bitmap files(*.BMP), JPEG files(*.JPG), PhotoCD files(*.PCD), TIFF files(*.TIF), Windows Metafiles (*.wmf .emf), and PNG files(.PNG) as pictures or background images. EPSON Print CD also supports TWAIN32 drivers, so you can import images directly from digital cameras or scanners that support TWAIN32.

Caution! Only TIFF files saved without LZW compression are supported.

 Adding Images (Pictures)

 Adding a Background

• I want to change the position of the background?

When you add an image to the background, its size and position are automatically adjusted so that it fits in the center of the label.

To adjust the images size or position so that it does not cover the hole in the center of the CD, you can use the Background Options. Click the Image Adjustment button in Background Options, and then use the Make Template tab to make the adjustments.

 Make Template tab

• I want to remove the white border around the image in the background?

When you add a picture to the background, a white border can appear around the image when you import the image from a file or TWAIN device. If this happens, double-click on the image to display its properties, and use the Transparency Color setting in the Transparency tab.

 Transparency tab

• The background display is slow?

If you rotate an image you have added to the background, or apply the blur effect to the image, it may take the software longer to process the data required to display and print the image. It can also take longer to display the image, if you tile the image so it is repeated several times.

This is affected by your computing environment, such as CPU speed and the amount of memory installed. Depending on the type of video card installed on your computer, this problem may be solved by installing the most recent software driver.

• I cannot apply the blur or mosaic effect to an image?

You cannot apply the blur or mosaic effect to images that have less then 256 colors. Use image-processing software to check the number of colors in the image. Please note that the Bitmap (BMP) images in the clip art are 256-color images.

• The file I saved is larger than expected?

If you add an image to the layout or as the background, that image size is also saved with the file. Since JPG files are saved at their uncompressed size, data that was 10s of KB in size, may become several MB.

When using high-resolution images from a digital camera, these can be several MB or tens of MB in size. Please ensure there is plenty of free space on the disc where you save the files.

• The Open dialog is blank and no file names or labels appear?

If a folder that does not contain any EPSON Print CD files is specified in the Open dialog, the dialog will appear blank since there are no files or labels to display. Click the Browse button and select a folder containing EPSON Print CD files.

• Problems Using TWAIN Devices

If you are using a SCSI connected device, make sure that TWAIN device’s power is switched on when you startup your computer. Also, select TWAIN Settings from the File menu, and check that a 32-bur driver is specified.

• No preview is shown when Tile is selected for the background?

If you select Small or Smaller in Tile options of the Background Options dialog, a preview may not be displayed.

Due to a limitation in Windows, you cannot display previews of some image files that have been scaled down to small images, depending on the file size. However, the image should appear correctly on the label.

Please note that if you use a large image file and reduce it to fir the label, regardless of whether it is the background or not, it may not be possible to print the label due to large size of the file. (You may not be able to print if the size of the file exceeds 20 MB)


Show Ruler

Rulers appear along the left and top edges of the screen.

Fine lines indicate the current position of the mouse pointer.


Status Bar

This displays the current coordinates of the mouse pointer, the zoom ratio for the screen, descriptions of commands, and other information.


Title Bar

In addition to the name of the application “EPSON Print CD”, this displays the name of the current file.

If the title bar is untitled, it means the file has not been saved.


Scroll Bars

These appear along the right and bottom edges of the screen.

The scroll boxes in the middle of the scroll bars indicate position in the current layout.

You can move the screen by dragging the scroll box, or clicking on the scroll arrows.


Label Layout Window
Layout Window

This is used to enter text, add pictures, and perform other layout tasks.

The purple area is referred to as the work area and is not included in the print area.


Menu
EPSON Print CD Menu

Click these with the mouse to run the commands.


Toolbars

The toolbars include commands that are frequently used by EPSON Print CD.

There are three toolbars, Main Toolbar, Supplementary Toolbar, and Edit Toolbar.


Arched Text

Aligns text along the curve of an arc.


Drawing Lines
 Lines

Drag the mouse from the starting point to the end point. A line is drawn when you release the mouse button.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the mouse, the lines are restricted to horizontal or vertical lines.

You can change the color and thickness of the line by double-clicking the line and changing its settings in the Properties  dialog that appears.


Drawing Rectangles
 Rectangles

Drag the mouse in a diagonal direction. A rectangle is drawn when you release the mouse button.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the mouse, you can draw a perfect square.

If you drag the handles at top right, you can adjust the angle of corners to create rounded rectangles.

You can change the color and thickness of the lines by double-clicking the rectangle and changing its settings in the Properties dialog that appears.


Drawing Circles
 Circles

Drag the mouse in a diagonal direction. A circle is drawn when you release the mouse button.

If you press the Shift key while dragging the mouse, you can draw a perfectly round circle.

You can change the color and thickness of the lines by double-clicking the circle and changing its settings in the Properties dialog that appears.