This Instructable is all about using Photoshop to create a decal for an Xbox 360 hard disk drive.

what you will need:

- A tiny bit of knowledge about Photoshop
- Printable peel & stick paper (I got mine at Walmart - Avery 03383)
- Scissors
- An HDD

Step 1: The Template

I have already scanned a template:
http://i32.tinypic.com/2zswpc8.jpg

Scanned at 300dpi :o)

My HDD is pretty scratched up, which shouldn't be a worry since most of it will be replaced.
I will post an extra step on correcting the scratches, just in case.

open this image in Photoshop.

Note: Do not save the picture below, save the picture in the link

Step 2: Cropping the Template

The template needs to be cropped so we will do this with the magic wand.
Select just the two top black corners with a 32 tolerance.

Next, choose the Polygonal Lasso Tool and cut off the blurry dip on the bottom of the HDD ( I followed the lines of the highlight like the picture below).

(I highlighted the parts in red you need to delete)

Step 3: Selecting the HDD and More Cropping

Instead of having to re-select everything, go Select
If you don't want to overlay a decal on the rim in the middle, subtract it from your selection using the Polygonal Lasso Tool.

Next, subtract the HDD characters from your selection (unless you don't want to)

Now that you have the core decal layout selected, copy and paste it to create a new layer.

Take reference to the picture below

Step 4: Making the Design

Go crazy! If you are a good air brusher, be creative.

If you are not so good at Photoshop, you can search around adobe's website (requires login), or other various websites (which I will give a link to later) for actions, brushes, filters, and styles. They really helped me!

The best way to go is styles, it pretty much draws you a design based on the contours of the photo.

heres some helpful links for addons:
DeviantART -
http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/applications/?order=9&startts=1209369600&endts=1209456000

Adobe's open source page -
http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/exchange/index.cfm?s=5&from=1&o=desc&cat=-1&l=-1&event=productHome&exc=16

Brushes -
http://www.psbrushes.net/

Actions -
http://www.visual-blast.com/photoshop/124-free-photoshop-actions/

Filters -
http://www.photoshop-filters.com/

Styles -
http://www.thefreelogomakers.com/pshop_styles/default.asp

More Styles -
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoshopstyles/Free_Photoshop_Layer_Style_Effects.htm

Step 5: Applying the Decal

Use that peel and stick paper to print out that design

To cut out the decal you could use scissors to cut out the decal and (if you wish) a hobby knife to cut out the dip in the middle.

When applying remember to take your time and make sure its straight (that paper is expensive)

Step 6: Deleting the Scratches (Optional)

In case you want to keep that center bar with out a decal I can make all of those scratches disappear!

First is (if you haven't already) to select just the middle bar and deselect the HDD characters.

Grab the stamp tool (Its difficult to find on the tool bar) alt and click a place that doesn't contain a scratch on the center bar. Then like airbrushing, spray on the stamp. if you start seeing edges or lines while pasting, alt + click again on a different spot (away from edges and lines) and paste from where you stopped.

Step 7: My Designs and Others

Heres a look at what you could add to yours...

DecalGirl
http://www.decalgirl.com/

Have fun!

I know this instructable doesn't appeal to many people, but you could use that template and those addons for tons of other reasons.

P.S - If you are wondering about the whole "An Angry Clown" thing in the design, thats my gamertag (send me a friend request)