Using Your LightScribe Drive - a Beginner's Guide
Author: Patricia Lynn
If you have a LightScribe enabled drive, this tutorial is for you, Everything you need to know to print labels in one fast and easy tutorial!
How does LightScribe drive work? The drive prints your CD or DVD labels on special discs covered with a thin dye coating. The LightScribe laser etches images and text onto this coating by causing a chemical change in the dye.
There should be a LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling logo on or near any LightScribe enabled drive.
The three requirements to printing labels with your LightScribe drive are:
- LightScribe System Software (LSS)
- Labeling Design Application Software
- LightScribe CDs and DVDs
**To download the software referenced in steps 1 and 2 below, go to the LightScribe website, click the Downloads tab, and click your operating system**
One: the LightScribe System Software (LSS)
Required for the LightScribe enabled drive to function; similar to a driver.
Download the LightScribe system Software (LSS) to your hard drive, double-click the file, and click Run. Follow the steps in the install wizard.
After the software is installed, the LightScribe Control Panel icon will appear on your desktop. This utility provides:
- Change of contrast settings (recommended, but requires a longer print time)
- Notification options and links to information on the LightScribe website
- Information about your LightScribe drive and LSS software version
Two: Labeling application
Used to design the labels that the LightScribe drive will burn. Your options are:
A. Use Existing Software
The software that came with your DVD drive may have LightScribe label design functionality. If so, there will be a LightScribe option somewhere in the program. If not available, you can probably upgrade your software, for a fee, to a more robust version. (See purchased software below).
B. Use Free Software
LightScribe Simple Labeler, available on the Downloads page of the LightScribe website, only provides for a half-circle of text printed above and below the center hole of the disc. To install, double-click the downloaded file, and click Run. Follow the step in the install wizard. An icon shortcut will be placed on your desktop.
LightScribe Template Labeler, available on the Downloads page of the LightScribe website, creates labels using free templates that are separately downloaded and installed.
To install, double-click the downloaded file, and click Run. Follow the step in the install wizard. An icon shortcut will be placed on your desktop. NOTE: if you receive an error saying you need a newer version, the error refers to the LSS software. Download and install the latest version of LSS as described above, then begin the installation again.
Before using LightScribe Template Labeler, download some template sets from the LightScribe website. From the Downloads page, click Design Center, and click Design Center again on the next page. Click one of the categories and then choose a subcategory. On the following page, view and download the template set. After downloading, simply double-click the file, click Run, and the templates automatically install.
Though the templates are varied and unique, you cannot add, move, or change the size of the text or image boxes on a template.
C. Purchase Software
For true design flexibility, purchase LightScribe labeling software. The LightScribe website has links to vendors' websites. Vendors include Nero, Roxio, Sonic, Neato, CyberLink, Acoustica, and Corel.
Three: LightScribe Media
Specially coated discs required for LightScribe laser printing
LightScribe CD-R and DVD+R media are available in a variety of colors, though the label itself prints in monochrome. You can purchase the media at most major retailers and online vendors. The LightScribe website also has a link to the various vendors' websites.
If you have questions or problems with your LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling drive, visit the LightScribe Toolbox on the LightScribe website. There you will find a knowledge base, instruction videos, and a discussion forum.
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