Custom CD Covers
Physical music sells to people who want to own something rather than stream it. That changes what a cover has to do. It is no longer a container for a disc, it is the reason somebody bought the physical version at all. We produce a lot of CD cover work at ZEE Packaging and treating it as artwork rather than packaging is where the good projects start.
The Artwork Is The Purchase
A CD cover carries the whole reason for buying physical.
- Buyers already have the music streaming for free
- They are paying for something tangible to hold and keep
- Artwork gets examined properly rather than glanced at
- Liner notes and credits still matter to serious listeners
- Limited pressings sell out on artwork alone
- Signed and numbered editions add real collector value
Most CD cover work that underperforms treats the disc as the product rather than the object as a whole.
Color Accuracy Matters Here
Artists have usually agonized over the artwork.
- Screen to press always shifts, particularly on saturated colors
- Deep blacks need a rich build rather than a single pass
- Uncoated stock mutes everything noticeably
- Photography reproduces differently to flat graphic work
- We proof on the actual stock before running
- A physical proof is worth the extra day it takes
Formats We Produce
- Digipak style panels the most requested CD cover format
- Card wallet the simplest and cheapest option
- Jewel case inserts front booklet and rear tray card
- Gatefold sleeve opening out for a double disc
- Mini LP replica a scaled down vinyl style sleeve
- Slipcase over a case for limited editions
Sizes We Print Regular
Every CD cover is built to your release, though these run often:
- 4.75" x 4.75" for a standard card wallet
- 4.72" x 4.72" for a jewel case front insert
- 5.4" x 4.6" for a tray card
- 4.75" x 9.5" for a gatefold opened flat
- 5" x 5" for a mini LP replica sleeve
- 4.75" x 4.75" x 0.25" for a digipak
Stock And Print
- SBS C1S at 18pt to 24pt for most formats
- Uncoated stock for a matte, tactile finish
- Kraft board for a lo fi independent aesthetic
- Matte lamination, which suits most artwork better than gloss
- Spot UV and foil on limited edition runs
- Rich black builds for anything with dark artwork
Booklets are worth considering. Even four pages gives room for lyrics and credits, which listeners of physical media genuinely read.
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 trays rather than plastic disc holders
- No lamination, so the whole thing recycles curbside
- All card construction, which most independent artists prefer now
What Happens On Your Release
- 100 unit minimum, which suits a debut EP or a tour run
- Free proof before anything prints
- Free artwork setup by our own designer
- Physical proof on request, since color accuracy matters here
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the color match my artwork file?
Closely, though never exactly. Screens emit light and board reflects it, so we proof physically before running.
Do you replicate the discs?
No, we print packaging only. You handle replication and we build the CD cover around whatever format arrives.
How much is a CD cover?
Rough estimate is $0.20 to $0.55 per unit for a card wallet, $0.45 to $1.20 for a digipak style format and $0.90 to $2.20 with a booklet at moderate quantity. Finishing moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Matte or gloss lamination?
Matte suits most artwork and hides fingerprints. Gloss works for bold graphic covers where you want colors to pop.
Can we add a booklet?
Yes, from four pages upward. Lyrics and credits still matter to people buying physical music.
Do you do numbered editions?
We do, printed digitally. Collectors value it and it costs very little to add.
Can it be fully plastic free?
Yes, with a paperboard tray and no lamination. That is what most independent labels now request.
