Custom 4 Panel CD Jacket
Two folds instead of one gives you eight printable faces rather than four. That is the whole difference, and it changes what a release can carry. Lyrics, credits, artwork and liner notes all fit without cramming. We produce a lot of 4 panel CD jacket work at ZEE Packaging and the extra space is exactly why artists step up to it.
Eight Faces To Work With
A 4 panel CD jacket doubles what a two panel offers.
- Two folds create four panels and eight printed faces
- Lyrics fit comfortably without shrinking the type
- Credits, thanks and personnel get proper room
- Artwork can run across multiple panels as one image
- It unfolds into something worth looking at
- Still ships flat and light, with no plastic case
Most artists moving to a 4 panel CD jacket do so after running out of space on a simpler format.
Fold Style Changes The Reveal
There is more than one way to fold four panels.
- Gatefold, with two outer panels meeting in the center
- Roll fold, each panel tucking inside the next
- Accordion or zig zag, opening out concertina style
- Gatefold suits a symmetrical layout best
- Roll fold needs slightly narrower inner panels
- Accordion shows the whole spread when opened flat
- Gatefold style the most requested 4 panel CD jacket
- Roll fold version panels nesting inside each other
- Accordion fold opening out flat in one motion
- With a disc pocket the disc sliding into an inner face
- With a paperboard tray the disc held more securely
- With a spine sitting properly on a shelf
Sizes We Print Regular
Every 4 panel CD jacket is built to your release, though these run often:
- 4.75" x 4.75" folded, the standard format
- 19" x 4.75" flat before folding
- 5" x 5" folded for a slightly looser fit
- 4.72" x 4.72" as a jewel case replacement
- 4.75" x 4.75" x 0.2" with a spine
- Custom sizes for a non standard release
Stock And Print
- SBS C1S at 16pt to 20pt, since four panels need to fold cleanly
- Uncoated stock for a matte record sleeve feel
- Kraft board for a lo fi independent aesthetic
- Matte lamination where durability matters
- Spot UV and foil for limited edition runs
- Rich black builds where artwork runs dark
Board choice matters more here than on two panel. Heavier stock resists folding cleanly across two creases, so we usually specify slightly lighter than you might expect.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled board across most grades we run
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Paperboard tray rather than a plastic one
- Paper inner sleeve instead of poly
- Fully curbside recyclable as a single piece
How Your Release Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, which suits an album or a tour run
- Free proof before anything prints
- Free artwork setup by our own designer
- Physical proof on request, since color accuracy matters
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Four panel or two?
Four if you have lyrics and full credits. Two is plenty for a straightforward release with minimal text.
How much is a 4-panel CD jacket?
Rough estimate is $0.32 to $0.85 per unit plain, $0.50 to $1.30 with lamination and $0.80 to $2.00 with foil at moderate quantity. Volume moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Gatefold or roll fold?
Gatefold for a symmetrical opening. Roll fold if you want a sequence of reveals as it unfolds.
Will the folds crack?
Not with the right caliper and scoring. Heavier board across two creases is where cracking usually starts.
Where does the disc sit?
Either a pocket on an inner face or a paperboard tray. Both work, and the tray holds more securely.
Can artwork span panels?
Yes, and it looks excellent. We set the artwork across the fold so the image runs continuously.
Is it fully plastic free?
With a paperboard tray and paper sleeve, yes. That is what most independent labels now request.
