4 Panel CD Jacket

Premium 4 Panel CD Jackets | Custom Printing & Bulk Orders | Haul Packaging

At Haul Packaging, we understand that your music and content are a personal expression. The packaging should be, too. A 4 Panel CD Jacket is more than just a case; it's the first physical touchpoint your fans have with your art. It’s a canvas for your creativity, a home for your CD, and a cherished part of your band merch.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about our 4 Panel CD Jackets, from materials and sizing to design templates and the industries we serve.

What is a 4 Panel CD Jacket?

A 4 Panel CD Jacket is a single sheet of high-quality paperboard that is folded twice to create four distinct sections or "panels." It functions as a complete album packaging solution, replacing the need for a standard jewel case.

• Panel 1 (Front Cover): Your album's first impression. This is where your iconic artwork lives.
• Panel 2 & 3 (Inside Spread): A continuous canvas perfect for lyrics, credits, behind-the-scenes photos, or a powerful visual narrative.
• Panel 4 (Back Cover): Typically features the tracklist, barcode, and production credits.
• The Spine: Though narrow, the spine is crucial for visibility when stored on a shelf, allowing you to print your artist name and album title.

This format is a popular and cost-effective choice for independent musicians, filmmakers, and businesses looking for a premium yet affordable alternative to digipaks.

Explore our Bowl Sleeve collection, a simple yet effective solution for food and retail brands that value presentation and functionality.

Industries Served: Who Uses 4 Panel CD Jackets?

While traditionally used for music, the versatility of the 4 Panel CD Jacket makes it ideal for various applications.

For more complex product packaging, our Custom 123 Bottom Boxes offer secure locking structures perfect for retail and promotional uses.

Materials & Construction: Built for Quality and Impact

We believe that great design deserves great materials. Our 4 Panel CD Jackets are constructed from durable, premium cardstock to protect your CD and make a lasting impression.

• 100# Coated Cardstock (Gloss/Matte): Our most popular choice. The coated paper provides a superior, smooth surface for vibrant full color printing.
  • Gloss Finish: Delivers sharp, vibrant colors with a reflective, high-end shine.
  • Matte Finish: Offers a sophisticated, non-reflective look that is soft to the touch and reduces glare.
• 18pt Kraft Paperboard: For an eco-friendly packaging and rustic, DIY music aesthetic. Perfect for folk, indie, and acoustic albums. Prints beautifully with a natural, textured background.
• 100% Recycled Cardstock: A commitment to sustainability. This sustainable packaging option is made from post-consumer waste and performs brilliantly with both offset and digital printing.

All our jackets are designed to fit a standard CD securely without the bulk of a plastic jewel case.

To showcase products in retail displays, consider our Custom 123 Bottom With Display Lid  combining functionality and shelf appeal.

Sizes & Dimensions: Getting the Perfect Fit

Precision is key in CD packaging. An ill-fitting jacket can look unprofessional and fail to protect the disc. Our 4 Panel CD Jackets are manufactured to exact industry standards.

• Folded Dimensions: 4.75 inches x 4.75 inches (This is the standard size that fits most CD storage units).
• Unfolded Flat Dimensions: 9.5 inches wide x 4.75 inches tall (This is the total canvas size you will design on).
• Spine Width: A precise spine ensures a clean fold. Our spines are calculated based on the material thickness (e.g., 1/8 inch for standard cardstock).

If you’re looking for practical hanging retail options, explore our Custom 5 Panel Hang Tab Boxes for products that need to stand out on store shelves.

Design & Printing: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Your design is what transforms a blank jacket into a piece of art. At Haul Packaging, we make the process seamless.

• Full Color Printing: We use advanced CMYK offset and digital printing to ensure your artwork is reproduced with stunning accuracy and color fidelity.
• Print-Ready Templates: Before you start designing, download our free 4 panel CD jacket templates. These templates include:
  • Safe zones for text and critical artwork.
  • Bleed areas (typically 1/8 inch extra on all sides where the color extends).
  • Cut lines and fold lines.
• File Setup: We accept high-resolution PDF files (300 DPI) with all fonts outlined. Using our templates guarantees your final product will look exactly as you designed it.

For auto-locking, quick-assembly options, check out our Custom Auto Bottom With Display Lid, perfect for efficient retail packaging.

Cost & Pricing: Premium Quality at Competitive Rates

We are committed to providing transparent and accessible pricing, especially for independent musicians and small businesses. The cost of your 4 Panel CD Jackets depends on several factors.

Key Factors Influencing Cost:

• Quantity: Ordering in bulk significantly reduces the per-unit cost.
• Material: Standard cardstock is the most economical, while specialty papers like kraft may have a slight premium.
• Printing: Full-color printing on all panels is standard. The complexity of the design does not affect the price.
• Finishing: Additional services like spot UV coating or embossing add to the cost but also the perceived value.

Sample Pricing Table (for estimation purposes only):

4 Panel CD Jacket vs. Other CD Packaging

How does this format stack up against the competition?

• Jewel Case: The jewel case is a rigid plastic case. Our jacket is more eco-friendly, lighter, offers a larger continuous canvas for art, and is less prone to cracking. However, jewel cases have a built-in hub for the CD and a clear tray for a CD booklet.
• Digipak: A Digipak is typically made from a heavier plastic-coated card and often has a molded plastic tray glued inside. It feels more premium but is also more expensive and less eco-friendly. Our 4 Panel Jacket is the perfect cost-effective and stylish alternative for short run CD packaging.

Why Choose Haul Packaging for Your 4 Panel CD Jackets?

• USA-Centric Service: As a US-based company, we understand the local market needs, offer fast shipping across the country, and provide dedicated customer support.
• Top-Tier Quality: We never compromise on the quality of our cardstock or our full color printing.
• Made for Creators: We built our service for independent musicians, bands, and creative professionals. Our tools, templates, and support are tailored to your needs.
• Fast Turnaround: We know you're on a deadline. We offer some of the fastest production times in the industry.
• Commitment to Sustainability: We offer a range of eco-friendly packaging and sustainable packaging options, including recycled materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a special template to design my 4 Panel CD Jacket?
A: Yes, and it's crucial! Using our free print-ready templates ensures your design accounts for bleeds, trim, and folds. Designing without one can result in misaligned artwork or unwanted borders.

Q: Can I order a small batch for a demo or short run?
A: Absolutely. We specialize in short run CD packaging, making it affordable for artists to produce smaller quantities of 50, 100, or 250 units without sacrificing quality.

Q: How do I place the CD inside the jacket?
A: The CD is typically placed in a white paper or clear plastic CD sleeve that is glued onto the inside of the jacket (usually on panel 3). We can provide these sleeves as part of your order.

Q: Are your 4 Panel CD Jackets eco-friendly?
A: We are committed to sustainable packaging. We offer several eco-friendly packaging options, including jackets made from 100% recycled paperboard and 18pt kraft, which is a natural and biodegradable material.

Ready to Create Your Custom 4 Panel CD Jackets?

Your music, your film, your brand—it deserves packaging that reflects its quality. At Haul Packaging, we provide the materials, expertise, and passion to help you create stunning 4 Panel CD Jackets that your audience will love.