
Cd packaging and case design play a crucial role in making a music release stand out on store shelves. A well-designed cd case can make a big difference in how a cd is perceived by potential buyers.
In fact, 70% of music buyers make their purchasing decisions based on the cd's packaging. This means that a cd's case design can be just as important as the music itself.
Cd cases can be made of various materials, including plastic, cardboard, and paperboard. The most common type of cd case is the digipak, which is a compact disc packaged in a foldable cardboard sleeve.
A good cd case should be durable and able to protect the disc from scratches and damage.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Dimensions for Cd Jewel Case
Case Options
Standard jewel cases are a popular choice for CD packaging, offering better protection against scratches and damage. They come in many colors and designs, making it easy to match them with your company logo or brand colors.
Jewel cases can accommodate all of your information while still fitting inside the case, making them a great option for standard sized 12CM CDs. They also include labels for each disc that can be personalized with text or graphics.
You can also consider slim line CD cases, maxi single cases, or cases to hold two or more discs, which are all available in various shapes, colors, and sizes.
Different Types of
Standard jewel cases are a popular choice for CD packaging, offering better protection against scratches and other damage compared to paper sleeves. They come in many colors and designs, making it easy to match them with your company logo or brand colors.
These cases include labels for each disc that can be personalized with text or graphics, adding a professional touch to your packaging. They're available in various shapes, colors, and sizes to suit different needs.
Jewel cases were once the go-to option for music CDs, but they're now considered bulky, fragile, and a little outdated. They can take up a lot of space and may not be the best choice for lugging around to events.
If you're looking for something more compact, slim line CD cases might be a better option. They're designed to hold CDs in a more streamlined way, taking up less space than traditional jewel cases.
CD tin packaging is another option that offers an impressive, exclusive, and stylish look. It's perfect for creating a sense of anticipation for the disc inside and can be a great choice for special projects.
There are many other types of CD packaging available, including clam shell cases, trigger cases, and diamond boxes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to understand what each one has to offer before making a decision.
Multipack Sets
Multipack Sets are a convenient way to package multiple discs together in one box or case. This format is often used by record companies to release albums by different artists on the same label.
These sets can include a variety of discs, such as albums, singles, or EPs. They're a great option for music fans who want to collect multiple releases from their favorite artists.
Record companies choose Multipack Sets for their marketing and distribution benefits. By packaging multiple discs together, they can create a cohesive product that appeals to fans of different artists on their label.
Case Design
The visual aspect of CD covers is crucial if you're selling on e-commerce platforms, as it needs to be attractive and engaging for customers.
If you're selling CDs in live concerts or exhibits, a conventional design might be more suitable. The size of your case is also important, as it should fit well with your chosen design and accommodate all the necessary information.
Custom CD DVD boxes with high-quality printing can make a great first impression, so pay attention to box printing. With no color restrictions, you can personalize the packaging to your preferences, including album colors, graphics, and logos.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Poly Vinyl Chloride Packaging Tape Printing Market
Digipacks
Digipacks are a great option for storing CDs, and they're made from cardboard, usually recycled. They're also less expensive than traditional packaging options.
One of the advantages of digipacks is that they're less likely to break than jewel cases, which are made of plastic. This makes them a bit more eco-friendly, too.
Digipaks come in different sizes, including four, six, and eight panels, and can hold up to seven discs. They also offer more room for artwork, photographs, and text than jewel cases or sleeves.
You can even add a slit or pocket to a digipak to include a standard insert or booklet. This gives you the opportunity to share more information with your fans, like lyrics, liner notes, and stories.
Digipaks are also great for including multiple CDs or turning your merch into a CD/DVD combo. This upgrades your item from a standard CD to a keepsake.
The cost per package for digipaks is relatively low, with a difference of just about $.16 between the different sizes. This is a small price to pay for the extra benefits you get with digipaks.
Digipaks can get crushed easily, so they're not ideal for shipping purposes. However, they're a great option for storing CDs in a shop or at home.
Custom Printed Boxes
Custom Printed Boxes are a great way to make your CDs and DVDs stand out. Plus Printers offers wholesale DVD box manufacturing for customized box designs, prints, materials, and finishes.
You can trust their team of packaging and printing experts to bring your packaging idea to life. From designing the ideal packaging to ensuring the package is precisely the proper size to keep your items secure, they have the expertise, experience, and desire to provide bespoke boxes and CD/DVD packaging with branding that will impress you and your clients.
Their custom-printed boxes can be used for promotional purposes, such as giveaways and marketing campaigns. Plus Printers utilizes cutting-edge printing processes, including free full-color digital CMYK printing, to ensure your CD storage boxes are vivid and attractive.
You can choose from various printing styles, such as matte, gloss, heat stamping, foiling, embossing, and debossing. Their printing professionals help customers choose the best printing styles to make their CDs and DVDs more appealing and stand out.
Their custom-printed boxes can be entirely personalized to your personal preferences, with no color restrictions. You can include album colors, graphics, and logos on these boxes for a more personalized look.
You might enjoy: Print Cd Covers
Unrivaled Material Quality for Custom Boxes

Our custom CD boxes are made from top-notch cardstock with various thickness levels, ensuring they're extremely robust and strong. This means your CDs and DVDs are well-protected from dust, exploitation, and other external harm.
The material used is incredibly durable, making it perfect for storing a large number of discs in a single box. Brilliantly designed interior elements accommodate multiple CDs and DVDs.
Custom CD boxes also make your collection more visually appealing. Thin cardboard is used for personalized DVD boxes for a limited quantity of CDs and DVDs.
You can choose from a range of materials to decorate these boxes, including sustainable options. We're constantly innovating to create more eco-friendly packaging options, like corrugated and sustainable Kraft boxes.
You might like: Order Pizza Boxes
Size of Case
The size of your case is a crucial factor in choosing a package for your CD. If you're using a standard jewel case, it's essential that it fits well in your design.
The cover should be large enough to accommodate all of your information while still fitting inside the case. This means considering the space needed for your CD artwork, tracklist, and any other important details.
Worth a look: Cd Case Packaging
Accessories
When it comes to protecting your CDs, disc shells are a great alternative to traditional jewel cases. They're durable and impact-resistant, making them perfect for shipping.
You can choose from a variety of disc shells, including TrimPaks and DiscSavers, which are both made from durable polypropylene. These one-piece plastic cases are a fraction of the thickness and weight of standard jewel cases.
If you need to store or mail multiple CDs, consider using a DVD box or "Amaray Box". Media Supply carries a wide range of configurations, from single disc cases in black to multiple disc cases.
For added protection, use disc sleeves or mailers made from paperboard, paper, or Tyvek. Tyvek sleeves are a lightweight and dust-free solution that won't scratch your discs like paper sleeves might.
Make sure to choose a case that fits your design and information. The cover should be large enough to accommodate all of your information while still fitting inside the case.
A different take: Kraft Paper Grocery Bags
Case Cost and Tools
Jewel cases for 1000 replicated discs cost $878, or $0.878 per CD.
The cost of a digipak for 1000 replicated discs is $1,036, or $1.036 per CD.
You'll likely sell your CD for at least $10, which covers the cost of almost 10 CDs, even with nicer packaging like the six-panel digipak. This means you make a profit of 85% to 90% on every disc you sell.
What About Cost?
Being in a band can be expensive, and buying CDs can involve parting with a big chunk of change.
You've probably spent money on instruments, lessons, band promotions, your website, the recording studio, touring, and more.
The cost of CD packaging can add up, but let's look at the numbers.
For 1000 replicated discs with the most basic two-panel, full color jewel case, the cost is $878, or $0.878 per CD.
That's a relatively low cost, especially considering you'll probably be selling your CD for at least $10.

One CD sale covers your cost of almost 10 CDs, even with nicer packaging like the six-panel digipak.
The six-panel digipak costs $1,036 for 1000 replicated discs, or $1.036 per CD.
This still leaves you with a significant profit margin, with up to 90% profit on every disc you sell.
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Band
Choosing the right tools for your band is crucial, and it all starts with considering your options carefully.
Presentation really does matter, especially when it comes to selling merchandise, and a small difference of $.16 can make a big impact on how fans view your product and your band.
Think about your immediate needs, like traveling and space constraints, and consider whether the packaging will cause frustration or strengthen fans' connection to your band.
A well-designed CD packaging can become something fans treasure, so invest time and money in creating a presentation that's worthy of your hard work.
It would be a shame for your sound to be overshadowed by sloppy or average presentation, so choose your tools wisely.
Case Considerations
Choosing the right CD packaging can make a huge difference in your business's success.
If you're selling CDs on e-commerce platforms, the visual aspect of the cd covers has to be attractive and engaging for the customers.
Jewel cases were once the go-to option, but they're now considered bulky, fragile, and a little outdated.
Their clear cases let the artwork shine, but they also take up a lot of space and can be prone to damage.
Unless you already have artwork designed for jewel cases, it's probably not the best choice for your project.
Conventional designs are a viable option if you're planning to sell CDs in live concerts or exhibits.
Color
Color plays a huge role in CD packaging, and it's worth considering what vibe you want to give off. A black and white design is perfect for a professional and serious look.
You can choose a colourful design if you want something more fun and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper way to store CDs?
To keep your CDs in good condition, store them in a dark, air-conditioned space to prevent damage from light and moisture. Proper storage will help ensure your CDs play smoothly and last for years to come.
Sources
- https://mediasupply.com/collections/disc-packaging
- https://www.implant.com.au/choosing-the-perfect-cd-packaging-which-option-suits-your-needs/
- https://www.10pdm.com/services/packaging-print/cd-packaging
- https://www.plusprinters.com/collections/custom-cd-dvd-boxes/
- https://source.nationwidedisc.com/choosing-the-right-packaging-for-your-bands-cd/
Featured Images: pexels.com