Packaging Choices

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Anatomy of a Jewelcase

Jewelcase - The industry standard plastic cd case. Recommended for retail projects. Also called a Jewelbox.

Tray - the plastic part of the jewelcase that the disc snaps onto. Usually black, white or clear. The left side of the tray shows through when the case is closed. Clear trays allow printing on the inside of the traycard to show through (see below).

Insert - The front paper part that has the cover. The “back cover” is what you see on the left when you first open the jewelcase but don’t take out the paper. It slips in the front of the jewelcase to show through.

2-panel – a single sheet of paper with no folds – panels include the front cover and the back of the cover where you can put credits or other info.

4-panel – a single sheet folded in half like a greeting card.

6-panel – a single sheet folded twice like a letter.

Booklet – A folded set of 4 panel inserts stapled together. Always increases in fours (8 pages, 12 pages, etc.)

Folder – An insert without staples – usually folds in on itself, although there are other ways (gatefold, poster fold). Always increases in twos (4 panels, 6 panels, etc.)

Traycard – This is the paper part that is embedded in the back of the case under the disc that is not removable. It usually has the barcode and track listing on it, and also has the side spine text (artist name) that you see when cases are stacked. It is perforated left and right. If it is printed only on one side, the plastic tray is usually black or white. If the traycard is printed on the inside, the plastic tray would be clear to be able to see the printing through it, including the left edge when the case is closed. Also called an Inlay card.

Disc Face. This is the printing directly on the disc. Also called the Label, even if a paper label is not used.

Posted in PROJECT CHECKLIST, Packaging Choices | Tags: CD booklet, CD Insert, digipaks, jewelcases, Packaging Choices, slimlines, traycards, wallets

Other Packaging Options

Top spine labels

Those annoying sticky strips on the top edge of some cases. You have probably struggled removing them. They’re hard to remove for a reason – they’re a combination of an anti-theft device and an identification label for CDs stocked in a bin. It displays the artist, album title, release number and barcode number. Not required, but it does give a “big label” feel to your product and it can help your CD stand out in a retail bin.

Stickers

Use stickers for awards, quotes, or description. Usually placed on the outside of the shrinkwrap and discarded. Useful for last minute additional emphasis.

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Posted in Packaging Choices | Tags: DVDs, Packaging Choices, promos, shrinkwrap, stickers, top spine label

Different packaging styles and sizes communicate different messages.

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Posted in Packaging Choices | Tags: digipaks, jewelcases, Packaging Choices, Preparing your own graphics, sleeves, slimlines, wallets

Jewelcases vs. Digipaks

Digipaks

Digipaks are definitely becoming more popular. Before you spend the extra money for the “look” consider this:

Pros: As a designer, I love to design digipaks. Many people love how they look and feel. They are perceived as being more “eco-friendly” (which isn’t exactly true, however). They automatically include full color inside because the printing is all on one side and folded over.

Cons: As a consumer I don’t like them. They take up more room in my CD collection (I MP3 all my CDs, take the inserts out of the jewelcase and file them in a vinyl sleeve).

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Posted in Packaging Choices | Tags: digipaks, jewelcases, Packaging Choices

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