Printing Guide
Everything you need to know to print professional-quality labels and sleeves at home.
The Basics
This site creates two types of designs: labels (stickers that go on tapes and discs) and covers (sleeves, J-cards, and inserts that get folded). Since label paper typically comes with multiple labels per sheet, I recommend the "copy and paste" method — it lets you arrange multiple labels on one page before printing. Covers are single full-page prints, so a simple PDF download works best.
Labels
VHS face/spine labels, cassette labels, CD disc labels
- Click Copy to copy the label to your clipboard
- Click Paste & Print to open a print-ready page
- Press Ctrl/Cmd + V to paste into the Photopea template
- Move your label to the guides
- When you're ready to print, Hide any guide layers then print at 100% scale
Covers
Sleeves, J-cards, CD inserts, etc.
- Click Download, select your paper size, and choose PDF
- Print at 100% scale (actual size) — do not "fit to page"
- Cut along the edges, fold along the guides
Paper Selection
Choosing the right paper is crucial for professional-looking results. Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter) — higher numbers mean thicker, sturdier paper. For labels, use sticker paper. For sleeves and covers that need to be folded, aim for 200-250 GSM cardstock. Lighter paper (160 GSM) folds more easily but feels flimsier, while heavier paper (250+ GSM) is more durable but can crack when folded.
Print Dimensions
All exports are rendered at 600 DPI for high-quality printing.
| Design | Pixels | Inches | Millimeters | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VHS Face Label | 1840 × 1110 | 3.07" × 1.85" | 78 × 47 mm | — |
| VHS Face Label (with bleed) | 1960 × 1230 | 3.27" × 2.05" | 83 × 52 mm | +60px bleed |
| VHS Spine Label | 3480 × 400 | 5.80" × 0.67" | 147 × 17 mm | — |
| VHS Spine Label (with bleed) | 3600 × 520 | 6.00" × 0.87" | 152 × 22 mm | +60px bleed |
| VHS Slipcover | 6440 × 5560 | 10.73" × 9.27" | 273 × 235 mm | — |
| VHS Polycase | 6153 × 4650 | 10.26" × 7.75" | 260 × 197 mm | — |
| VHS Clamshell | 6969 × 5025 | 11.62" × 8.38" | 295 × 213 mm | — |
| Double VHS | 7724 × 6191 | 12.87" × 10.32" | 327 × 262 mm | — |
| Betamax Sleeve | 6016 × 4573 | 10.03" × 7.62" | 255 × 194 mm | — |
| Blockbuster VHS | 6153 × 4649 | 10.26" × 7.75" | 260 × 197 mm | — |
| Blockbuster DVD | 6449 × 4347 | 10.75" × 7.25" | 273 × 184 mm | — |
| Blockbuster BitBox (N64/SNES) | 7332 × 4360 | 12.22" × 7.27" | 310 × 185 mm | — |
| UHD Blu-ray Sleeve | 6340 × 3512 | 10.57" × 5.85" | 268 × 149 mm | — |
| UHD Blu-ray Slipcover | 7512 × 4016 | 12.52" × 6.69" | 318 × 170 mm | — |
| Cassette Label (per side) | 2160 × 1080 | 3.60" × 1.80" | 91 × 46 mm | — |
| J-Card (standard) | 4766 × 2400 | 7.94" × 4.00" | 202 × 102 mm | — |
| CD Label (disc) | 2837 × 2837 | 4.73" × 4.73" | 120 × 120 mm | — |
| CD Tray Liner | 3564 × 2787 | 5.94" × 4.65" | 151 × 118 mm | — |
| CD Insert/Booklet | 5700 × 2850 | 9.50" × 4.75" | 241 × 121 mm | — |
Paper Recommendations
VHS Labels (Face & Spine)
- • Sticker paper (matte or glossy)
- • Full-sheet label paper works great
- • Avery 8165 or similar
Sleeves & Covers
- • Cardstock (matte or satin finish)
- • Matte cardstock for authentic vintage look
- • Heavier paper holds up better to folding
CD Labels
- • [CD label sticker sheets](https://www.onlinelabels.com/products/ol1200)
- • Use a CD label applicator for best results
- • Inkjet-printable CDs also work
J-Cards & Inserts
- • Matte cardstock works best for folding
- • Lighter paper (160 gsm) for easier folds
- • Satin finish for a polished look
Video Guides
Printing VHS Labels
Print and apply VHS face and spine labels with bleed for edge-to-edge color.
Making VHS Slipcovers
A deep dive into paper types, weights, and finishes for different projects.
Printing & Cutting Slipcovers
Step-by-step guide for printing and cutting VHS slipcovers.
Making Cassette J-Cards
Create and fold custom J-cards for your cassette tapes.
Making Cassette Labels
Print and apply custom cassette labels for your mixtapes and music collections.
Quick Guides
Printer Settings
One of the most important things to do when printing is to choose your right paper size and set your scale to 100%. The gallery below shows a variety of example printer dialog boxes to show how to set your print at 100% scale.
Every browser has a different printer dialog, and we've attempted to guess your setup below:
Print Dialog Examples
Click any image to enlarge. Find the 100% scale setting in your browser or app.
Paper Size Guide
| Paper Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 8.5" × 11" (216 × 279 mm) | VHS labels, J-cards, CD inserts |
| US Legal | 8.5" × 14" (216 × 356 mm) | VHS sleeves, polycases |
| A4 | 8.27" × 11.69" (210 × 297 mm) | VHS labels, J-cards, CD inserts |
| A3 | 11.69" × 16.54" (297 × 420 mm) | All sleeves and large covers |
| Tabloid (11×17) | 11" × 17" (279 × 432 mm) | All sleeves and large covers |
Most VHS sleeves and covers require Legal, A3, or Tabloid paper. If your printer only supports Letter/A4, consider using a print shop for larger designs.
Cutting & Assembly
Tools You'll Need
- • Sharp scissors or craft knife (X-Acto)
- • Metal ruler for straight cuts
- • Cutting mat to protect your surface
- • Bone folder for crisp folds (or a credit card)
Cutting Tips
- • Let ink dry completely before cutting (5-10 minutes)
- • Cut slightly inside the design edge for cleaner results
- • Use multiple light passes with a craft knife vs. one heavy cut
- • Round corners slightly to prevent peeling (for labels)
Folding Tips
- • Score fold lines lightly with a bone folder first
- • Fold with the printed side facing out
- • For J-cards: fold the flaps inward, spine panel last
- • Use a ruler edge to get sharp, straight folds
Professional Print Services
Don't have a printer or need larger formats? These services can print your designs:
- • FedEx Office / Kinko's — Upload online, pick up in store
- • Staples — Good for cardstock and photo paper
- • CVS/Walgreens Photo — Quick turnaround for photo paper
- • Local print shops — Often best quality and can advise on paper
Tip: Download as PDF and ask for "actual size" or "100% scale" printing on cardstock.