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Yes. Create a page layout with your lyrics, artwork and track details, then print it as an insert or booklet sized for the exact CD packaging. For a one-off, make a test print and check the fit before trimming and folding. For a professional run, use the manufacturer’s current template and file specifications.
Choose the CD packaging before you design
A jewel-case insert, tray card, folded insert and stapled booklet are different formats. Their panel sizes and page order are not interchangeable, so decide what the printed piece needs to fit before laying out lyrics. A short set of lyrics may fit on a front-and-back insert; longer lyrics, credits or notes may need a folded insert or multi-page booklet. Manufacturers such as Oasis Disc Manufacturing and CD Sonic provide format-specific templates.
Gather the lyrics and design material
Prepare the album title, artist name, track sequence, lyrics, credits and artwork. Check the lyrics against the final track versions, and use images and text you have permission to reproduce. A jewel-case insert commonly combines cover art and a track listing; liner notes can also be included. RealNetworks’ jewel-case insert instructions describe this kind of content.
Lay out the pages
For a home-made insert, use a word processor or page-layout application that lets you set page dimensions, place images and arrange text boxes. A desktop-publishing program can make panel placement and folds easier to manage. Do not rely on a generic page size found in an online how-to as an industry standard: the correct dimensions depend on the package and printer.
#1 Best Overall
- Add a polished, cohesive look to your CD collections by creating custom CD case inserts that match your disc and spine labels for seamless branding or organization
- Design and print professional-looking CD case inserts with ease using Avery Design & Print, which offers templates, designs, and easy-to-use tools for customizing text, images, and graphics
- Print clear text and crisp graphics with printable CD insert paper optimized for both laser and inkjet printers to help prevent smearing or smudging
- Effortlessly personalize jewel case inserts to fit any purpose, whether for data backups, music albums, photo collections, or custom projects
- Durable and easy to insert, Avery CD case inserts are designed to fit perfectly into standard or slimline jewel cases for a professional presentation
- Keep lyric text legible against the artwork. Use strong contrast and avoid placing text over busy parts of an image.
- Leave breathing room around cut and fold lines so letters and credits are not clipped or bent.
- Arrange panels in the order they will appear after folding. If the piece prints on both sides, check which panels face one another when folded.
- Make the track sequence easy to scan, and label lyrics clearly if a song has multiple sections or guest performers.
For a professional order, download the template for the exact format from the chosen manufacturer before designing. Oasis lists two-panel, four-panel, six-panel and eight-page formats; its stated requirements include 300 PPI artwork, CMYK images and a final PDF, with PDF/X-4 recommended. Those are Oasis specifications, not universal requirements, so follow the current instructions of the provider producing your job: Oasis templates and specifications.
Print a proof and check the fit
- Use the template or set the page size. For a home copy, match the layout to your case and the paper you can feed through your printer. For a manufacturing order, use its current template.
- Check printer settings. Confirm the paper size, orientation and duplex or two-sided settings. A printer that cannot print to the edge may leave margins, so keep important text inside its printable area. Microsoft explains page setup and printable margins in Publisher’s page-setup guidance.
- Print a test page. Check alignment, legibility, panel order and whether the artwork lands where intended. Corel’s instructions include printing test pages to check alignment: Corel Creator help.
- Trim and fold the proof. Compare it with the actual case. If a panel is reversed, too tight or obscured by a fold, correct the layout before printing the final copy.
If artwork must run to a cut edge for professional production, check the printer’s bleed and safe-area requirements. A to Z Audio’s guidance specifies 1/8-inch bleed for images reaching an edge and 1/8-inch clearance for elements that do not bleed; verify the chosen provider’s own specifications rather than treating those measurements as universal: A to Z Audio production guidance.
Rank #2
- Front booklet insert is die-cut and micro-perforated to allow for ease of printing, separation and insertion into CD jewel case
- Consists of 2 adjoined cards, which are scored in between to allow them to be folded over to make a 4-sided front booklet
- Glossy Finish; Compatible with inkjet printers only
- 100 sheets (standard 8.5-inch x 11-inch size)
Check rights if you are sending files to a manufacturer
A professional provider may ask you to confirm that you own the material or have permission to use it. A to Z Audio, for example, says it requires a replication-rights form confirming ownership or written licenses for material the submitter does not own. That is the provider’s requirement, not a complete statement of copyright law; requirements and legal rules can vary.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Make your own CD Jewel Case Inserts using Printable White Matte Cardstock. Each Insert set is perforated and scored to fit perfectly in full size jewel cases, and contains one Front Insert and one Tray Liner.
- Each bulk package contains 20 sheets of White Matte CD Jewel Case Insert sets, with one Front Insert and one Tray Liner per sheet for a total of 20 CD Jewel Case Insert sets.
- Easily printable with laser and inkjet printers or copiers, these tray inserts are made from 67# Vellum Bristol white matte cardstock. Please note that Vellum Bristol cardstock is not the same as Vellum parchment.
- CD Jewel Case Inserts are easy to format with most word processing or page layout software, and templates are available for download, please inquire.
Rank #4
- Space-saving way to organize and store CD/DVD media
- Protects disc surface from scratches, dust and light exposure
- Clear window to see disc label
- Envelope-style closure keeps media securely in sleeve
- Verbatim has been a leader in data storage technology since 1969, and provides technical support.
Rank #3
- Make your own CD Jewel Case Mini Booklets using Printable White Matte Cardstock. Each Booklet is perforated and scored to fit perfectly in full size jewel cases.
- Each package contains 20 sheets of White Matte CD Booklet Inserts, with 1 Booklet Insert per sheet for a total of 20 CD Tray Inserts.
- Easily printable with laser and inkjet printers or copiers, these tray inserts are made from 67# Vellum Bristol white matte cardstock. Please note that Vellum Bristol cardstock is not the same as Vellum parchment.
- CD Jewel Case Booklets are easy to format with most word processing or page layout software, and templates are available for download, please inquire.
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