Love physical media? Need a gift for your music-obsessed friend? We’ve got an easy way to save your precious playlists.
Saving tracks isn’t something new. It’s been a thing since people mixed music onto cassettes, but back then they were called mixtapes. People would make mixtapes to sell but mostly they’d make for friends (and crushes too aka the retro version of sharing Spotify links.)
If you’re someone who loves making playlists, then sometimes you want to have something you can *actually* hold. CD burning only requires a few materials: A blank CD (not a DVD, obviously, we learned that the hard way…), a computer and a CD/DVD player that connects to your computer.
Making your playlists last *forever*
The first thing you’ll need is a playlist. Beach vibes? Study sesh? Romanticizing your life? Pick your fave. Before you transfer the playlist, check the length of it and how many minutes are on the CD. (For example: If your CD has 80 minutes, then your playlist should be less than 80 minutes.)
Next, you’ll want to convert the playlist to MP3 links (useYouTube links). After that, the steps will be a liiittle different for Mac and Windows users.
For Mac: When you download the MP3 file, it should automatically be put into Apple Music. Continue adding your songs and when you’re done, connect the CD player. There should be three dots in the top where, if you click them, there is an option to “Burn Playlist to Disc…” And…. voila!
For Windows: Your downloaded songs should be in the “Windows Media Player Legacy” App. Open this app and connect your CD player. It should pop up at the bottom as “Blank Disc.” You’ll want to click this button and press “Open the Burn tab.” Once that is open, you can add your music by dragging it into the tab. When you’re done, hit the “Start burn” button (You can check the status of your disc by clicking “Blank Disc” again.). Then you’re done!
Decorating your case
Burning CDs are the hard part—but the real fun begins when you decorate the case and CD.
For the CD, you can use markers, stickers or paper. (DW—it doesn’t damage the CD as long as you keep the design on the front.)
Get creative with your CDs! Add a track list! Make a lyric book! The fun is in the personalization.
Show off your CD creations on Insta @girlslifemag!
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Top and slider image by Ari Acevedo
