Custom CD Jackets
The card jacket is what most independent artists reach for now, and it is easy to see why. It costs a fraction of a jewel case, it ships flat and light, and it looks like a scaled down record sleeve rather than a plastic box. That last point matters more than anything to the people still buying physical music. We produce a lot of CD jacket work at ZEE Packaging and simplicity is exactly the appeal.
Simpler And Cheaper Than A Case
A CD jacket strips the format back to the essentials.
- One piece of printed board rather than a plastic assembly
- Considerably lighter, which cuts your shipping cost per unit
- Ships flat, so storage takes almost no space at all
- No cracked hinges or broken teeth like a jewel case
- Fully recyclable, since there is no plastic component
- Cheaper per unit at almost any run length
Most artists choosing a CD jacket do it for cost and then find they prefer the look anyway.
Handling Wears The Sleeve
Worth knowing where the format is weaker.
- The disc slides in and out against the board
- Repeated removal can scuff an unlined sleeve
- A paper inner sleeve prevents that entirely
- The opening edge softens with heavy handling
- Uncoated stock marks more readily than laminated
- Not ideal for discs removed and replaced daily
Formats We Produce
- Single pocket sleeve the standard CD jacket
- Double pocket two discs in one jacket
- Gatefold jacket opening out for artwork and credits
- With a paper inner sleeve protecting the disc surface
- With a spine sitting properly on a shelf
- Mini LP replica style a scaled down record sleeve
Sizes We Print Regular
Every CD jacket is built to your release, though these run often:
- 5" x 5" for a standard single disc
- 5" x 5" x 0.2" with a spine
- 10" x 5" for a gatefold opened flat
- 5.1" x 5.1" for a slightly looser fit
- 5" x 5" double pocket for two discs
- 4.75" x 4.75" for a compact format
Stock And Print
- SBS C1S at 18pt to 24pt for most jackets
- Uncoated stock for a matte, tactile record sleeve feel
- Kraft board for a lo fi independent aesthetic
- Matte lamination where you want durability
- Spot UV and foil for limited edition runs
- Rich black builds where artwork is dark
Uncoated board is what most artists prefer here, since it reads closest to a vinyl sleeve. It does mark more easily, which is worth accepting knowingly.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled board across most grades we run
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- No plastic at all in the construction
- Paper inner sleeve rather than a poly one
- Fully curbside recyclable as a single piece
How Your Release Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, which suits a debut 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
How much is a CD jacket?
Rough estimate is $0.18 to $0.50 per unit for a plain printed sleeve, $0.30 to $0.80 with lamination and $0.55 to $1.40 for a gatefold format at moderate quantity. Volume moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Will the disc get scratched?
Not with a paper inner sleeve, which we would recommend as standard. Bare board against a disc surface can mark it over time.
Coated or uncoated stock?
Uncoated reads closest to a vinyl sleeve and is what most artists want. Coated lasts longer under handling.
Can you print inside the pocket?
Yes, and it is worth doing. Credits and lyrics printed inside get read when the disc comes out.
Does it work with a spine?
It does, and it helps considerably on a shelf. Without a spine the release is invisible when filed away.
Is it cheaper than a jewel case?
Noticeably, and it ships lighter too. Both savings matter on a self released run.
Can we do a gatefold?
Yes, which gives you double the artwork area. It suits releases with extensive credits or imagery.
