CD Packaging Artwork Templates

The following .eps templates are available (all compressed .zip files):

Jewel case 2-panel insert (.zip file 95K)

Jewel Case traycard (1 or 2 sides) - (.zip file 122K)

DVD insert (.zip file 62K)

For Macintosh users, stuffit compressed .eps files - (.sit files):

Jewel case 2-panel insert (.sit file 84.3K)

Jewel Case traycard (1 or 2 sides) - (.sit file 107K)

DVD insert (.sit file 50K)

Compact Disc (CD) & DVD Packaging

In today's "content download" society where music distribution is increasingly geared towards the provision of content for iPods and now the Microsoft Zune player, CD packaging has become just as, if not more, important than the content on the CD itself. CD sales are on the decline, by as much as 20 % per annum, mostly as a result of download services such as iTunes and Napster. CD manufacturers are having to become more innovative and spend more on their product build in order to tempt customers to buy a physical product rather than download a file onto their hard disk.

For commercial products, it follows that small producers in particular must think beyond the jewel case. Digipak-style packaging, typically consisting of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic disc trays attached to the inside were among the first alternatives to jewel cases to be used by major record companies. They offer a more attractive, if not as durable, option that opens up further opportunities for creative expression via panel designs.

Even for material that is free to distribute, it is one thing to give a compact disc away, another for someone take the time to open and play it. Unless the packaging gives a sufficient "call to action" to view the information replicated on the disc, your investment will be wasted. How many times have you been given a cheap looking CD case and let it gather dust and eventually thrown it away.

CD Packaging Classification

There are literally hundreds of different packaging options for CDs, we will attempt to simplify the choice based upon cost, purpose of the CD, and distribution method. We can broadly classify five different types of packaging:

• Generic (non-printed) Packaging;
• Printed Sleeves, wallets and mailers;
• DVD-style plastic cases;
• Jewel Cases;
• Digipak-style packaging.

1. Generic Packaging:

Generic packaging refers to simple, cost effective, non-printed packaging from stock. Such packs include paper envelopes with see-through windows, clear plastic envelopes with reversible adhesive seals, and clear vinyl envelopes with and without seals. There are also clam shells in various colours.

2. Printed Sleeves & Wallets:

Such sleeves and wallets consist of 2-6 panel cardboard sleeves which are custom made, light, durable and recyclable. Such packets are the next step up from generics, and allow clients to print on the packaging whilst keeping an eye on overall weight and cost. A good solution for mailouts, the sleeve can contain the CD, a flap seals the slit, and the packet be mailed quite safely.

3. DVD Style:

A DVD video box (or Amaray-style media case) can house 1-2 regular CDs, and accommodate a substantial booklet of instructions, bonus materials, lyrics, or other information.

The Compact Single box resembles a slimmed down DVD case that can contain either 2 CDs or 1 CD and a 8-12 page booklet. This box is extremely durable and lightweight at 45 g. A new packaging format for a new standard, applying the superior characteristics of a DVD case, whilst at the same time differentiating it as the new audio format. We stock a whole range of colours. Contact us for further details.

4. Jewel Cases:

Jewel cases are the standard packaging type for CDs. Almost all mainstream audio CDs are packed in the jewel cases. They consist of a three-piece plastic case, measuring 142 mm x 125 mm x 10 mm, which usually contains a compact disc along with the liner notes and a back card. Two opposing transparent halves are hinged together to form the casing, the back half holding a media tray that grips the disc by its hole. All three parts are made of injection-molded polystyrene.

The front lid contains two, four, or six opposing tabs to keep any liner notes in place. The liner notes typically will be a 120 mm x 120 mm booklet, or a single 242 mm x 120 mm leaf folded in half. In addition, there is a back card, 150 mm x 118 mm, between the media tray and the back, usually listing the track names, studio, copyright data and other information the consumer would need to read before purchasing. The back card is folded into a flat U shape, with the sides being visible along the ends of the case. The ends usually have the disc name and artist printed on them, and are designed to label the case when it is stored book-style.

The back media tray snaps into the back cover, and is responsible for securing the disk. In its center is a circular hub of teeth which grip the disc by its hole, this is called a nipple. This effectively suspends the disk in the middle of the container, preventing the recording surface from being scratched. Most jewel cases made today feature a transparent polystyrene media tray that allows the reverse of the back card to be visible, and is usually used for additional artwork (see inset).

Liner notes can be folded so to feature upto 12 panels for artwork. Booklets (saddle stitched) of upto 12 pages can also be inserted (depending on stock used), with the provision that overall thickness does not exceed ~1.8 mm.

Slim Jewel Cases: Two-piece construction "Slim jewel" cases at 5 mm thick are popular for free distribution CDs; they are light and can save print costs. The media tray and back cover are one unit, so no back card (or tray card) is needed, and the back tray comes in a variety of colours. Normally, these slim jewel cases accommodate 2 or 4-panel liner notes.

5. Digipak-style Packaging:

Digipak-style packaging is often used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums. Since the packaging is less durable than jewel cases, it tends to show signs of wear relatively quickly. However, it is the more "luxurious" product build, and multi-panel designs allow a creative freedom not afforded by other packaging types. The normal book style 4-panel digipak provides four design surfaces.

CD digipaks (like those shown below) follow similar outer dimensions to CD jewel cases. Four and six-panel designs are common, as are slipcases to house the entire folded assembly. Pockets can be added to inner surfaces to allow booklets and other printed materials to be housed. DVD digipaks follow a similar design principle, but are sized like DVD Amaray style plastic packaging. Both CD and DVD-style digipaks are usually machine sealed or shrink wrapped to preserve appearance during shipping or retail display.