Cardboard packaging such as digipak, wallet, and jacket sleeves can be easily customized with special paper stock, print effects and techniques 

1. Stock options:
as simple as choosing the right stock can make such a big difference on the final print. Here are some examples of various paper choices: DVD digipak in woodfree/fiberboard

Digipak printed on fiberboard / woodfree board

DVD digipak in extra white Japanese recycled stock

2. Coating:
coating a paper is a simple way to change the look of the design. For example, matte coating gives a modern and sleek look with the smooth surface; high gloss UV makes the design really 'pop' and colors more vibrant; reverse print makes the design look more organic and rustic. , You can enhance the look of the design easily without changing anything on the artwork

Learn more about difference of AQ and matte coating and examples of reverse printing.

3. Spot UV / Varnish:
here's another trick that does not require any changing of the artwork. It's simply printing a glossy coat over a graphic element that you want to highlight. Its subtlety causes a nice surprise.

The carbon fiber effect is created by many small dots of spot UV varnish

The CD title is printed with spot UV

The landscape in the back is printed with spot UV

4. Inside spine:
If you have this amazing artwork that spans across the inside of a digipak or wallet, then you need to know that generally the inside spine is white and will break up the artwork in half. To remedy this is to print the inside spine as well so the design looks continuous as well on the inside.

Read more about our digipak and wallet inside spine options:

An example of CMYK inside spine

5. Foil stamping:
any graphical elements with foil will shine and pop from afar, but use it sparingly, a little goes a long way. Foil comes in many different colors, with most popular ones are gold and silver.

Image on the CD digipak cover is printed with blue foil

Logo and title on this CD digipak is printed with silver foil

6. Emboss

Embossing a logo or title is a great way to add dimension to a design. It is best done in a small scale for a nice contrast. A popular way to emboss is on the title of an amaray case or digipak slipcase.

Logo on both business card and digipak are embossed

7. Custom die-cut

Another great feature about using a cardboard disc packaging is that you can make the shape into anything that you want. You can create custom die-cut to change the size of the package, create custom folder for discs or booklets, or even slots to hold business card or other printed materials.

The custom wallet has a tuck flap and a slot to close

The CD wallet has a slit-cut style pocket to hold the disc

The digipak folder pocket has a custom die-cut to incorporate the company's logo