How to Record a CD

Last Updated: October 8, 2020 Tested

There are a number of ways you can record data on a CD. You can copy your data, songs, videos, and images onto a CD, using CD burner software. Here are the specific guidelines to record data on a CD.

Steps

1
Get a CD writer drive installed on your machine (or accessible through the network).
2
Get a writable CD disk of a good brand, such as Smart Buy, of Maxell. Writable CD disks have a CD-RW label on them.

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3
Install the CD burner software that is usually shipped with your CD writer drive. Alternatively, you can use any popular CD burner software (such as Nero).
4
Insert the CD into the CD writer. In many cases, this will automatically launch your CD burner software. If it does not, you can run the software manually. All the CD burner software titles usually have the same interface and follow the same procedures.
5
Run the CD copy wizard, and select "Compile New CD."
6
Select the type of CD you want to create (Data CD, Audio CD, or Others).
7
Add the files that you want to record. You can add or remove files from the software explorer window.
8
If you want to record more files than can fit of a CD, your software may advise you to use more than one disk.
9
If you use CD-RW disks, you should record as many files as possible because you may only record files to a disk one time.
10
Click on "Write CD." This wizard may ask you few more questions.
11
The CD will start burning. Do not interrupt this process.
12
Once the burning is finished, remove the CD from the tray and label it appropriately.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I record a CD to my computer?

Community Answer

You could use a program like iTunes or Windows Media Player to rip the CD to the computer.
Question

How do I send an audio recording by email?

Community Answer

You send it as an attachment in the email: open up an email message, click "add an attachment," click the audio recording you would like to send, and send your email.
Question

How do I record music from YouTube to a disc?

Community Answer

Use some kind of converter to convert the Youtube video into a music file (.mp3, .flac,...) and then use these methods.
Question

Do I need to finalize a CD to be sure it will play on other devices?

Community Answer

Different devices play or read media/data in different formats. Make sure the media/data you have is in the same format as the device you want to run it on. After confirming this, you should transfer the media/data to a CD. Just focus on the data or media format before finalizing the CD.
Question

How do I finalize a CD?

Community Answer

Windows Media Player in Windows 7, Real Player, and iTunes have the ability to finalize a disc. Also, most notably, imgBurn.