Custom Printed CD Jackets

Sizes and Spine Options

A standard CD is 120mm across, so most jackets finish at around 125mm square to give the disc a comfortable fit. That leaves a small border so the disc slides in without catching on the glued edges. If you include a folded insert or lyric sheet, the jacket needs a slight gusset or a spine to make room.

A spine of a few millimetres lets you print the artist name and title along the edge, which helps when the CDs are filed on a shelf or in a record shop rack. Without a spine, the jacket is at its slimmest, which suits mail-outs and promo copies.

If you need more panels, for a booklet pocket or a second disc, look at a four-panel wallet instead. The two-panel jacket is best when you want one disc and a clean, minimal pack. p2 The folders for CD and DVD sets page covers the multi-panel formats.

Artwork for Printed CD Jackets

Printed CD jackets give you two main panels, plus the inside surfaces if you want them. Full colour CMYK printing handles photographic covers, illustrations and collage artwork. Because the front panel is square, artwork designed for a digital release or a vinyl sleeve usually transfers well, though small text may need enlarging so it stays legible at this size.

The back panel typically carries the track list, running times, credits, label logo and catalogue number. A barcode is needed if you plan to sell through record shops or distributors. Printing inside the jacket gives you room for lyrics, a photo or thank-you notes without a separate insert.

Always supply artwork with bleed. Card jackets are trimmed after printing, and bleed makes sure colour runs right to the edge with no white slivers. p2 The guide comparing print finishes shows how a photo cover looks on coated and uncoated board.

Card Stock and Finishes

A sturdy board between 300gsm and 400gsm gives the jacket enough stiffness to protect the disc while keeping it slim. Uncoated board has a natural, tactile feel that suits folk, acoustic and experimental releases. Coated board gives sharper colour and suits bold, graphic covers. Kraft board gives a rough, DIY look with one or two colours of ink.

Matt lamination protects the print from scuffs at the merch table, while gloss makes colours richer. Spot UV on a band logo or title adds a subtle shine. Foil works well on minimal covers where a single word or symbol carries the design. p1 Bands that also sell posters at the merch table often print A3 posters of the cover art from the same file.

Who Orders CD Jackets

Independent bands are the biggest group, using jackets for EPs, albums and tour editions. Record labels use them for promo copies sent to radio, press and playlist curators. Choirs, brass bands and church groups use them for recordings sold at concerts. Podcasters and audiobook producers sometimes press physical copies for patrons.

Businesses use them too. Training companies distributing audio courses, photographers delivering image discs and wedding videographers handing over a film all use card jackets to give a professional finish to a disc.

Tour editions are a growing use. Some bands print a short run with a different colour cover or a signed panel for each leg of a tour, which gives fans a reason to buy at the gig rather than online. Because jackets are quick to produce in small numbers, these special runs are affordable even for unsigned acts. p2 Photographers handing over a disc in person sometimes add a printed box for photo prints for the full package.

Book the Discs and the Jackets on the Same Day

Jackets and disc replication are two separate jobs, and the launch slips when one is ordered before the other. Fix the number of copies first, then order both the same day so the discs and the sleeves land in the same week. Tell us the quantity, which edge the opening sits on, and if you want a spine or inside printing; those four details are all the quote needs, and it comes back by email within one working day.

Supply the cover at 125 x 125 mm with 3 mm bleed, and check any small text on the back panel at that size, since vinyl artwork shrinks a long way. The minimum is set per job, so a first EP pressing of 100 is a normal order, and simple jackets start from £0.25.

The free proof shows trim, fold and glue areas on a template. After approval, printing takes 4 to 7 working days and the jackets reach UK mainland addresses by free tracked delivery, which leaves time for stuffing and shrink-wrapping before the first gig. If the release includes a booklet or a second disc, the four-panel CD wallet with a pocket is the right format.