Custom 2 Panel CD Jacket
Two panels means one fold and four printable faces. That is the simplest CD format there is beyond a plain sleeve, and it is where most independent releases land. It costs very little, it ships flat, and it looks like a scaled down record sleeve rather than a plastic case. We produce a lot of 2 panel CD jacket work at ZEE Packaging and the simplicity is exactly why artists choose it.
One Fold, Four Faces
A 2 panel CD jacket gives you more surface than a sleeve.
- A single fold creates front and back covers
- Both inner faces are printable as well
- That is four surfaces for artwork, credits and lyrics
- It costs a fraction of a jewel case
- Ships flat and light, which cuts postage noticeably
- Fully recyclable, with no plastic component at all
Most artists choosing a 2 panel CD jacket want more space than a sleeve without the cost of a digipak.
Using All Four Panels
Most releases waste at least one of them.
- Front cover carries the artwork and sells the release
- Back cover holds the track listing and barcode
- Inside left suits credits, thanks and personnel
- Inside right can take lyrics or an image
- The disc pocket or tray sits on one inner face
- Leaving a panel blank wastes the space you paid for
- Pocket style the disc sliding into an inner pocket
- Tray mounted a paperboard or plastic tray glued inside
- With a spine sitting properly on a shelf
- Slit hold version the disc held by cut slits
- Mini LP replica style a scaled down record sleeve
- With a separate inner sleeve protecting the disc surface
Sizes We Print Regular
Every 2 panel CD jacket is built to your release, though these run often:
- 4.75" x 4.75" folded, the standard format
- 5" x 5" folded, a slightly looser fit
- 9.5" x 4.75" flat before folding
- 4.75" x 4.75" x 0.2" with a spine
- 4.72" x 4.72" for a jewel case replacement
- Custom sizes for a non standard release
Stock And Print
- SBS C1S at 18pt to 24pt for most jackets
- 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
Uncoated is what most artists prefer here, since it reads closest to a vinyl sleeve. It marks 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
- 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 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
What does a 2 panel CD jacket cost?
Rough estimate is $0.22 to $0.60 per unit plain, $0.35 to $0.90 with lamination and $0.55 to $1.40 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.
Two panel or four panel?
Two for a straightforward release. Four if you have lyrics and extensive credits that will not fit comfortably.
Will the disc get scratched?
Not with a paper inner sleeve, which we would recommend. Bare board against a disc can mark it over time.
Pocket or tray?
Pocket for the simplest all card build. A tray holds the disc more securely and costs slightly more.
Should it have a spine?
It helps enormously on a shelf. Without one the release is invisible when filed among others.
Do you replicate discs?
No, we print packaging only. You handle replication and we build the jacket around it.
Can it be fully plastic free?
Yes, with a paperboard tray and a paper sleeve. That is what most independent labels now ask for.
