CD's In a Package

The beginning of CD duplication was simple.  You printed your CD and put it in a case that would make it so that it wouldn't scratch.  However, the evolution of CD duplication has made the options for packaging worth looking into.  You can now create a customized CD that will allow you to put together the perfect package.

Cases

Depending on your budget and your needs, you can get different options for cases.  When deciding on a case, you will want to know where you will be selling most of your CDs, what type of protection they will need and what formatting looks best. 

The first, and most popular option for cases, is the jewel case.  This is a hard plastic case that has a thicker setting.  Jewel cases are popular because it allows for panels or booklets to be put inside with the information that is needed.  It is also known as the industry standard for musicians because of the extra protection and the ability to put more information in the case. 

The slim line CD package is the second option and is usually the mid-line possibility between the jewel case and CD sleeve.  This option allows you to place an insert inside, without the extra room.  While it still has the outer protection of the plastic, it does not have the side plastic that is thicker for a title.  If you need protection for your CD, but are on a budget, this is a good option. 

The third type of casing is the CD sleeve.  This is a simple option, which allows you to insert a CD into the packet.  There won't be room to place a booklet or panel into the CD and the protection is limited by the one cover.  However, this option is typically less to print and can be effective in preventing your CD from getting scratches. 

If you want more options for cases, you can also look into the type of material that you use.  For instance, jewel cases can come in a harder or softer plastic.  You can also look into vinyl sleeves or paper sleeves, depending on the amount of protection you need and what type of CD you are printing.  Another option is to get disk mailers, which are similar to sleeve packages, but come with the option of adding inserts inside with the CD in a sleeve on one side and the booklet on the other side.  With this option, you can also choose to slide the CD in a wallet format or you can create a double disk that folds in with the package. 

Inserts

One of the best parts of the end process for finishing your CD is figuring out exactly what you want to say.  The inserts are your space to do exactly just that.  Depending on the type of CD case you are getting, an insert can help you to put in the wording to explain your creation. 

Inserts typically come in three different options.  This includes poster, panel or booklet options.  The poster option is a simpler format that folds out from the middle and into a full size.  All of the information will be shown on one page as if you are reading a piece of paper, but then will fold into the CD packet that you have. 

A panel differs because it allows for a formatting that folds differently into the CD.  The inserts will overlap, one into the other.  This allows for the information of up to eight pages to be displayed differently, with the most important information on the top layers, and the details on the inside.  Many times, this option is used with only a front and back insert, but if wording to lyrics or more detailed information is needed, extra panels can be added. 

The booklet is the thicker option to the panel, starting with an insert of 8 pages and moving up to 20 pages of information.  A booklet will also fold the same as a book, with the pages all opening on one side. 

With all of the options available, you can begin to customize your CD, depending on what type of CD you have, the format that best fits your needs, the information you want to provide and the budget that you are on.  The result will be a custom CD that will have the packaging and details that represent you.