Photoshop actions for ebook covers

24 replies
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I'm relatively new to photoshop, been using PSP11 for a long while but thought I had better start using photoshop for some higher level images and website graphics.

I want to know what everyone uses for actionscripts for ebook covers. I know there are a wide range of looks to ebook covers and considering that I don't want to outsource these anymore, I want to take a stab at doing them myself.

What actionscripts do you recommend?
Do you have instructions to use them?
What tips do you have using photoshop to create these ecovers?

I really appreciate any information anyone can help with with.

Thanks
Mitch
#actions #covers #ebook #photoshop
  • Profile picture of the author iClickGraphics
    I highly recommend Cover Action Pro 2.0, definitely worth every penny.
    Installation video and instructions how to use the script is included in the package.
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    FREE Weekly Book Cover Templates ---> Download now!
    140 CreateSpace PSD Book Cover Templates ---> Click Here
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    • Profile picture of the author nelsonbiglar
      Is that the program you use? I took a look at your site and I;m impressed with what ebook covers you have
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      www.fishingnorthernontario.com

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      • Profile picture of the author iClickGraphics
        Yes Sir! that's the program I'm using to create those ecovers for my clients. I bought it for $297 (standard) now it's only $197. Like what I've said.. worth every penny

        PS Very easy to use and fully compatible with photoshop CS5
        Signature
        FREE Weekly Book Cover Templates ---> Download now!
        140 CreateSpace PSD Book Cover Templates ---> Click Here
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    • Profile picture of the author Harrison Ortega
      Originally Posted by iClickGraphics View Post

      I highly recommend Cover Action Pro 2.0, definitely worth every penny.
      Installation video and instructions how to use the script is included in the package.
      I was also looking for ways to learn how to design professional ebook covers and packages.
      Thank you for sharing about this software. I've never heard of it until now.
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      NJ web design / NJ Web Designer. MY Wordpress portfolio. 10 years of HTML/CSS - 6 years developing professional Wordpress websites. Currently not available for services.
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    • Profile picture of the author auth
      Originally Posted by iClickGraphics View Post

      I highly recommend Cover Action Pro 2.0, definitely worth every penny.
      Installation video and instructions how to use the script is included in the package.
      I've been using this software too and I like it a lot!
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  • Profile picture of the author VicFranks
    eCover Suite Elite eBook Cover Software

    Does some nice stuff as well and half the price of CAP..
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  • Profile picture of the author ridnet
    Designing your own e-book is the best than outsourcing it and using adobe photoshop is so interesting and simple. you will need to load some Action script to your photoshop b4 you can use them. you can get the action script from diff websites but i can send them to you 4 free. please write me PM
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    • Profile picture of the author Marky B
      Hey guys,

      Just saw this thread and for those who are looking to start out using these ecover actions, at present I have one you can download for free. All you gotta do is go to my site: extreme-photoshop-tutorials[dot]com, register for free and you can download it instantly. Should work in all Photoshop versions to

      All the best!
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  • Profile picture of the author Designr
    Hey nelsonbiglar,
    I have to second eCoverSuiteElite it's one of the best suite of eCovers as far as Photoshop actions go.

    Also, check out these - A brand spanking (quicker than photoshop actions?) new way of creating ebook covers and software boxes in the newest versions of Adobe Photoshop CS4 & CS5.

    It's called ProductShotPro and it's awesome - ProductShotPro - eBook cover software
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    • Profile picture of the author asatkuna
      Hey buddy, I was once like you, trying to figure out how to do the same thing you are and fortunately I found the answer and it happens to be FREE! It is an action script that comes with full installation instructions and pretty much creates a great e-book cover in seconds.


      FREE eBook / eCover Action Generator – Create an Ebook Automatically!

      Things you should know:
      • To get great looking ebook covers you really need to understand and utilize gradients. If you don’t know what that is try going to a tutorial site and learning off a pro.
      • This action script only produces one form but is absolutely free so it’s a great place to start.
      • When saving things like ebook covers to use for your website, save it under the .png format with the background layer hidden in photoshop because that’s the only way your image will be transparent. If you use a .jpeg format then you will continuously see a white background which can be frustrating when trying to layer it on other colours.
      • When you make your photoshop file, set the resolution to 300 pixel/inch instead of 72 pixel/inch (300 pixel/inch if you want high resolution covers), but be warned that this creates a larger file and will take longer to load when placed on a website.
      • When creating your e-book cover look at other e-book covers and actually put some time and thought into it. Putting graphics and suitable font over top of a quality colour gradient(s) and then applying a wonderful drop shadow and reflection leads to an impeccable ebook cover. AND IT’S ALL FOR FREE!!!

      But yea that’s all I have to say, sorry for making this so long and I hope this works for you. It did for me. I'll e-mail you something I whipped up in 5 minutes if you want to see an example.

      FREE eBook / eCover Action Generator – Create an Ebook Automatically!

      Here's what I whipped up in 5 minutes.


      Before After
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      • Profile picture of the author nelsonbiglar
        Originally Posted by asatkuna View Post

        Hey buddy, I was once like you, trying to figure out how to do the same thing you are and fortunately I found the answer and it happens to be FREE! It is an action script that comes with full installation instructions and pretty much creates a great e-book cover in seconds.


        FREE eBook / eCover Action Generator - Create an Ebook Automatically!

        Things you should know:
        • To get great looking ebook covers you really need to understand and utilize gradients. If you don't know what that is try going to a tutorial site and learning off a pro.
        • This action script only produces one form but is absolutely free so it's a great place to start.
        • When saving things like ebook covers to use for your website, save it under the .png format with the background layer hidden in photoshop because that's the only way your image will be transparent. If you use a .jpeg format then you will continuously see a white background which can be frustrating when trying to layer it on other colours.
        • When you make your photoshop file, set the resolution to 300 pixel/inch instead of 72 pixel/inch (300 pixel/inch if you want high resolution covers), but be warned that this creates a larger file and will take longer to load when placed on a website.
        • When creating your e-book cover look at other e-book covers and actually put some time and thought into it. Putting graphics and suitable font over top of a quality colour gradient(s) and then applying a wonderful drop shadow and reflection leads to an impeccable ebook cover. AND IT'S ALL FOR FREE!!!

        But yea that's all I have to say, sorry for making this so long and I hope this works for you. It did for me. I'll e-mail you something I whipped up in 5 minutes if you want to see an example.

        FREE eBook / eCover Action Generator - Create an Ebook Automatically!

        Here's what I whipped up in 5 minutes.


        Before After
        Wow that is a nice looking ebook cover. LOL! I guess the basis to the cover is to have a quality graphic in place.

        Looks awesome. Guess I'm downloading this now to check it out. Does this script allow for different styles?
        Signature

        On the other side:
        www.fishingnorthernontario.com

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    • Profile picture of the author iClickGraphics
      Originally Posted by Designr View Post

      Also, check out these - A brand spanking (quicker than photoshop actions?) new way of creating ebook covers and software boxes in the newest versions of Adobe Photoshop CS4 & CS5.

      It's called ProductShotPro and it's awesome - ProductShotPro - eBook cover software
      I bought the dvd set and I'm impress! Indeed new way of creating covers.

      But some of the covers look like cover action pro (also the site
      Signature
      FREE Weekly Book Cover Templates ---> Download now!
      140 CreateSpace PSD Book Cover Templates ---> Click Here
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
        Originally Posted by iClickGraphics View Post

        I bought the dvd set and I'm impress! Indeed new way of creating covers.

        But some of the covers look like cover action pro (also the site
        Wow... You're right, that's quite similar. Hopefully they didn't rip off any of the actions. :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author nelsonbiglar
    Thanks everyone... a whole lotta help happening here.

    I was also wondering, does anyone know of any reseller/affiliate actionscripts that create good ebook covers?

    Just wondering...

    Again thanks everyone... so great getting awesome feedback like this.

    Mitch
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    On the other side:
    www.fishingnorthernontario.com

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  • Profile picture of the author auth
    Since we're on topic, i would like to ask if anyone knows where to get an action script that creates a transparent plastic DVD case instead of the usual black based, solid ones.

    I've attached an image for reference. (I took the image from mediaprostore.com).
    Let me know if you know if there's any action scripts available that makes those kind of images! Thanks a lot in advance!
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  • Profile picture of the author thejjones
    Awesome, I'm glad to know that there are some quality free resources that we can use to create ecovers. I've been using Cover Action Pro for about a year and a half, and it's great, but I'd like to find some more variety for cheap or free... Any suggestions?
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve Wells
      Originally Posted by thejjones View Post

      Awesome, I'm glad to know that there are some quality free resources that we can use to create ecovers. I've been using Cover Action Pro for about a year and a half, and it's great, but I'd like to find some more variety for cheap or free... Any suggestions?
      Easy Cover Action Script - Instant 3D Covers

      You can check out the second line in my signature for the discounted rate.
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      Need Custom Graphics Work? - Message Me For A Design Quote!
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  • Profile picture of the author nelsonbiglar
    Does anyone use a specific Warrior to create ebook covers?
    Signature

    On the other side:
    www.fishingnorthernontario.com

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  • Profile picture of the author kittyd
    I also use Cover Action Pro V2.0, but i also used before this one: 3D Photoshop Actions - ebook Cover Software and it`s quite nice. And if you plan on living the site, you get a discount from the initial price.

    Ecoversuite elite, as far as i know, just plain copied the new site of CAP2, they used to have a diferent site. And i don`t trus anyone who doesn`t dare to show their full size or unwatermarked but small images on their own site...

    however, if you ever stumble upon ECoverGO.... i won`t even provide a link, ain`t worth it: they provide an ".exe" installer that will "install" a folder with book covers on your C: so that the action know from where to grab a picture & the action just wraps your design above an existing picture. They are not PHOTOSHOP Created images, just some photomanipulation thing (combining 2 pics). So pls stay away from ecovergo.
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  • Profile picture of the author happy_benjie
    @kiityd... i also use Cover Action Pro V2.0...brings wonders for a novice like me
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    Affordable Quality Websites
    Manila Web Designs - beyond just designs
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  • Profile picture of the author Chance
    Another vote for ProductShotPro- It's who I recommend to my users when they ask.

    He uses DPD too, which gets him mad bonus points in my book
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  • Profile picture of the author zhoom
    All of the what they have suggested are great but if you want to learn for free. Youtube is also a great place.
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    • Profile picture of the author happy_benjie
      Originally Posted by zhoom View Post

      All of the what they have suggested are great but if you want to learn for free. Youtube is also a great place.
      You are definitely correct! Youtube is where i learn Cover Action Pro V2.0
      Signature
      Affordable Quality Websites
      Manila Web Designs - beyond just designs
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  • Profile picture of the author digitalcovergirl
    Cover Action Pro 2.0 is the best, second to best would be ecover suite elite.
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