High-quality custom cardboard sleeves with printed and duplicated CDs, made for independent singles, EPs, event handouts and small-release merchandise. No minimum order.
PRINTED CARDBOARD SLEEVE
PRINTED DIGIPAKThese images are taken from existing DiskCrafters product and service artwork. Follow a card to see live options and order details.
A compact, full-colour sleeve for a single or EP.
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Simple, lightweight protection for a printed CD.
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Fold-out printed board with a fitted CD tray.
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An economical complete printed-CD package.
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Artwork-led fold-out packaging for a distinctive release.
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A printed card sleeve makes a CD easy to post, store, carry to a gig and share with listeners. Front and back artwork become the focus without the extra weight of a plastic case.
We produce full-colour sleeves through our own finishing workflow, along with the discs inside. Choose the style and quantity that match your project, from a one-off copy to a repeat release.
These are the same native product cards and live starting-price badges from the DiskCrafters homepage. Choose a format to configure the quantity, disc print and packaging.
Card stock, print artwork, folding and popular sleeve applications.
A cardboard sleeve turns the outside of the CD package into a simple, uninterrupted canvas. It gives the front cover the visual impact of a miniature record sleeve while using far less space than a traditional jewel case. For a single, EP, small festival release or promotional album, that simplicity can be an advantage: the artwork is immediately visible and there is no large plastic case competing with the design.
A finished sleeve is more than a folded piece of office paper. The card needs to be printed, cut, creased and assembled to the correct dimensions so the CD fits securely and the panels line up. DiskCrafters manufactures its printed packaging as part of the same in-house workflow as disc printing and duplication, with no compulsory minimum order for the standard sleeve-and-CD product.
The front of a sleeve can carry a striking photograph, typography or illustration; the back can include a track list, credits, catalogue information, web address or compact liner notes. Because the space is limited, good hierarchy matters. Avoid forcing a full booklet's worth of information onto the rear panel: make the artist and release title readable first, then prioritise the details listeners will genuinely use.
Use the correct template, extend background artwork into the bleed and keep small text away from trimming and adhesive areas. A design that appears symmetrical on screen may be affected by folds and the opening, so inspect both panels as part of one physical package. If you need lyrics, extensive photographs or a long list of contributors, a booklet jewel case or multi-panel digipak may be more appropriate.
These names are often used loosely, but they can describe different constructions. A simple paper wallet is lightweight and functional. A printed cardboard sleeve uses thicker board and can produce a more substantial feel for a self-released CD. A digisleeve is a more elaborate printed-board format with its own fold and pocket construction, while a digipak has a fitted tray for holding the disc.
The differences matter when a package is going into a merch stand, posted to customers or handled repeatedly. A card sleeve is compact and accessible for many independent releases, but it does not provide the same rigid protection as a jewel case. Put sleeves into suitable mailing packaging for delivery rather than assuming printed board alone will protect the disc against postal handling.
Direct-to-disc printing means you can create a coordinated design without adding a paper label to the disc surface. You can use a full-colour image that echoes the front artwork, a restrained monochrome type treatment or a different graphic that reveals itself when the CD is removed. The printable area and available finishes depend on the chosen disc product and its selected options.
If the package is a bold illustration-led release, a colour printed CD may make the whole object feel intentional. For a simple promotional handout, classic black-on-silver printing can be visually clean. Before creating the files, check the disc-print template as carefully as the sleeve template. The outer card and the disc are separate pieces with different safe areas and production requirements.
One of the best reasons to choose a card sleeve is how easily it fits into the practical life of a release. Bands can carry a modest supply to gigs, send copies to reviewers or place a few into a press pack. A solo artist can make a debut EP tangible without needing to price it as a deluxe album. A short-run service makes it easier to try a small release, learn what sells and reorder once there is demand.
Consider how the CD will be distributed before deciding the quantity. If a venue audience is small or you are experimenting with cover versions, choose a batch you can comfortably sell or give away. When selling online, add a protective mailer and account for postage in the retail price. The same card-sleeve format also works for independent labels preparing samplers or promotional discs.
Quantity is a major factor, but it is not the only one. The chosen disc finish, packaging specification and available extras all affect the price shown in the online configurator. The cheapest advertised unit price often assumes a much larger quantity than a first-time release needs, so compare the total cost at five, ten, twenty-five and fifty rather than only looking at a headline price per disc.
Card sleeves can offer a relatively economical way of producing a full-colour physical release, especially when you do not need a booklet or rigid case. But the best value is the package that suits the project. A slightly more expensive option with room for the necessary credits might be better than a sleeve that compromises important artwork. Always check the live product page for the final order total.
You will need final audio, the intended track sequence and print-ready artwork for both the disc and sleeve. Use the matching files from the artwork template library rather than guessing dimensions. For music, choose a standard audio CD format if the disc is intended for normal compatible CD players. A data-disc project needs a different setup, even if it contains audio files.
Check the design at real size, especially text near the edges and any rear-panel credits. If a colour is important to the overall design, remember that printed board and a printable disc surface are different materials and may not reproduce exactly identically. DiskCrafters can explain preparation requirements and offer artwork support where a layout needs more work before it is ready to manufacture.
Select the cardboard sleeve product, configure the quantity and finish, then submit your order and artwork through the usual upload process. After files are accepted, duplication and printing take place in our Greater Manchester workshop and the completed sleeves are assembled and packed. The required production time changes with workload and specification, so confirm a fixed event or launch deadline before ordering.
A small first order can be a sensible choice for a new independent release. Keep the final approved sleeve and disc artwork if you plan to reorder, and think about whether future batches should match the first exactly. If the release develops into an album with longer notes or more elaborate artwork, you can also compare the digipak and jewel-case ranges before choosing a second edition.
These examples show what each physical CD format looks and feels like, with direct ordering links.
A compact, full-colour sleeve for a single or EP. Choose the quantity, print finish and packaging options that suit the release.
Simple, lightweight protection for a printed CD. Choose the quantity, print finish and packaging options that suit the release.
Printed board packaging for a refined release. Choose the quantity, print finish and packaging options that suit the release.
Fold-out printed board with a fitted CD tray. Choose the quantity, print finish and packaging options that suit the release.
Real reviews from artists and customers, with direct links to the original Trustpilot feedback.
It was a very friendly and efficient service that treated my little music project as important. Queries were answered promptly and the product was delivered Quickly.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Diskcrafters are quite literally the best in the entire industry. Being on demand, affordable, based in the UK, all with insane customisation like the option for metadata, genuine Digipaks, Vinyl-style CDs, and...
Without a shadow of a doubt, Diskcrafters are quite literally the best in the entire industry. Being on demand, affordable, based in the UK, all with insane customisation like the option for metadata, genuine Digipaks, Vinyl-style CDs, and Clear jewel cases, it’s easy to see why I rate them so highly. All of these seem like basic necessities for a normal CD, and yet the market nowadays seemed so deprived of it until Diskcrafters came along.
I've used other services that offer similar CD duplication. This is the best out of all for the money. There is no question. I've had amazing customer service, helping me through adding bits and making sure everything works...
I've used other services that offer similar CD duplication. This is the best out of all for the money. There is no question. I've had amazing customer service, helping me through adding bits and making sure everything works on my product. Really good prices, and no minimum order number so you know if it's good enough before you order more. Surprisingly fast delivery. I waited a total of a week from ordering to recieving the sample. This is a great service.
Yes. Select the cardboard sleeve and CD product to configure the disc finish, quantity and other available options.
No. We print directly onto the disc surface using the selected direct-disc printing method.
Artwork options depend on the product configuration and template; use the matching sleeve artwork file so front and rear panels align correctly.
Yes. A no-minimum service is suitable for a short merchandise run, first single or promo batch.
The format is compact and relatively lightweight, but it should still be packed in suitable protective mailers for postage.
Consider a jewel case with a booklet or a fold-out digipak. Both offer different ways to include extra artwork and text.
Professional CDs with no minimum order. Choose the correct product, check your exact options and upload your finished audio and artwork.
