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

  1. Click ExportCopy to copy the label to your clipboard
  2. Click Paste & Print to open a print-ready page
  3. Press Ctrl/Cmd + V to paste into the Photopea template
  4. Move your label to the guides
  5. When you're ready to print, Hide any guide layers then print at 100% scale

Covers

Sleeves, J-cards, CD inserts, etc.

  1. Click Export, select your paper size, and choose the PDF download
  2. Print at 100% scale (actual size) — do not "fit to page"
  3. 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. GSM is worth shopping by even in the US, where the same stock also gets sold as 12pt or 100lb cover: searching for a GSM number is far more reliable. For labels, use sticker paper. For slipcovers and full wraps, aim for 300 GSM cardstock. Lighter paper (160-200 GSM) folds more easily and is what you want for inserts that slide inside a case, but it feels flimsier as a wrap. Score your fold lines before folding so heavier stock does not crack.

Paper thickness guide showing GSM weights

Print Dimensions

All exports are rendered at 600 DPI for high-quality printing.

DesignPixelsInchesMillimetersNotes
VHS Face Label1840 × 11103.07" × 1.85"78 × 47 mm
VHS Face Label (with bleed)1960 × 12303.27" × 2.05"83 × 52 mm+60px bleed
VHS Spine Label3480 × 4005.80" × 0.67"147 × 17 mm
VHS Spine Label (with bleed)3600 × 5206.00" × 0.87"152 × 22 mm+60px bleed
VHS Slipcover6440 × 556010.73" × 9.27"273 × 235 mm
VHS Polycase6153 × 465010.26" × 7.75"260 × 197 mm
VHS Clamshell6969 × 502511.62" × 8.38"295 × 213 mm
Double VHS7724 × 619112.87" × 10.32"327 × 262 mm
Betamax Sleeve6016 × 457310.03" × 7.62"255 × 194 mm
Blockbuster VHS6153 × 464910.26" × 7.75"260 × 197 mm
Blockbuster DVD6449 × 434710.75" × 7.25"273 × 184 mm
Blockbuster BitBox (N64/SNES)7332 × 436012.22" × 7.27"310 × 185 mm
UHD Blu-ray Sleeve6340 × 351210.57" × 5.85"268 × 149 mm
UHD Blu-ray Slipcover7512 × 401612.52" × 6.69"318 × 170 mm
Cassette Label (per side)2160 × 10803.60" × 1.80"91 × 46 mm
J-Card (standard)4766 × 24007.94" × 4.00"202 × 102 mm
CD Label (disc)2837 × 28374.73" × 4.73"120 × 120 mm
CD Tray Liner3564 × 27875.94" × 4.65"151 × 118 mm
CD Insert/Booklet (cover only)2850 × 28504.75" × 4.75"121 × 121 mm1 panel
CD Insert/Booklet5700 × 28509.50" × 4.75"241 × 121 mm2 panels
CD Insert/Booklet (3-panel)8476 × 285014.13" × 4.75"359 × 121 mmneeds Tabloid/A3

Paper Recommendations

VHS Labels (Face & Spine)

Paper size: US Letter / A4 | Thickness: Sticker paper
  • Sticker paper (matte or glossy)
  • Full-sheet label paper works great
  • Avery 8165 or similar

Sleeves & Covers

Paper size: US Legal / A3 / Tabloid | Thickness: 300 gsm
  • Cardstock (matte or satin finish)
  • Matte cardstock for authentic vintage look
  • Heavier paper holds up better to folding

CD Labels

Paper size: US Letter / A4 | Thickness: CD sticker sheets

J-Cards & Inserts

Paper size: US Letter / A4 | Thickness: 160-200 gsm
  • Matte cardstock works best for folding
  • Lighter paper (160 gsm) for easier folds
  • Satin finish for a polished look

Video Guides

Printing VHS Labels

Printing VHS Labels

Print and apply VHS face and spine labels with bleed for edge-to-edge color.

How to make VHS labels & covers

Making VHS Slipcovers

A deep dive into paper types, weights, and finishes for different projects.

Cutting and folding a custom VHS Slipcase

Printing & Cutting Slipcovers

Step-by-step guide for printing and cutting VHS slipcovers.

How to make Jcard cassette sleeves (from a Spotify mix)

Making Cassette J-Cards

Create and fold custom J-cards for your cassette tapes.

Adding Photos to J-Cards

Adding Photos to J-Cards

Add photos to double-sided J-card designs for a custom cassette look.

Making Cassette Labels

Making Cassette Labels

Print and apply custom cassette labels for your mixtapes and music collections.

Quick Guides

Paper Size Guide

Paper SizeDimensionsBest For
US Letter8.5" × 11" (216 × 279 mm)VHS labels, J-cards, CD inserts
US Legal8.5" × 14" (216 × 356 mm)VHS sleeves, polycases
A48.27" × 11.69" (210 × 297 mm)VHS labels, J-cards, CD inserts
A311.69" × 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 a paper size yours can't handle? Any local print shop or copy shop can print these designs. Bring or email them the PDF and tell them what paper you want — cardstock for covers, sticker paper for labels. They can usually advise on weight and finish, and many will cut it to size for you.

Whichever shop you use, ask them to print at 100% scale ("actual size") — never "fit to page", which shrinks the design and throws off every measurement.

Troubleshooting

Print is too small
Your print dialog is set to "Fit to Page" or "Shrink to Fit". Change to "Actual Size" or "100% Scale".
Colors look washed out or wrong
Make sure the paper type in printer settings matches your actual paper. Also check that "Color" (not grayscale) is selected.
Ink is smearing
Let prints dry longer before handling (10+ minutes). If using glossy paper, make sure you selected "glossy" in printer settings.
Design is cut off at edges
Your paper size is too small for the design. Check the dimensions table above and use a larger paper size, or print at a print shop.
Labels are peeling off
Make sure the VHS surface is clean and dry. Round the corners of your labels slightly. Consider using a stronger adhesive label paper.

Photopea Print Templates

Each template opens a blank canvas in Photopea (a free, no-install browser editor). After you tap Copy on a design, paste it in with Ctrl/Cmd + V and print at 100% (actual size).

General-Purpose Sheets

Blank sheets in every common size — best when a design's dimensions vary, like Obi strips. US sizes on the left, international on the right.

Templates by Mode

Pre-sized templates for each label type. Most modes surface these automatically under the Paste & Print button once you copy a design.

Video Cases & Sleeves

VHS Slipcover
VHS Side-Load Slipcover
VHS Polycase
Double VHS
Betamax
Card Deck Box
UHD Blu-ray Sleeve
DVD Sleeve
Blockbuster VHS
Blockbuster DVD
Blockbuster BitBox (N64/SNES)