The Digipak

The Digipak



- What is a Digipak?

A Digipak is a storage device for optical discs, a modern alternative to the jewel case. While the term Digipak is a trademarked term for a specific product, the lack of recognised competition led to Digipak being used generally. What sets it apart from jewel cases are the folded cardboard segments inside.

Digipak for Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

- What are the advantages of the Digipak over jewel cases?

• Artwork can be more vivid as it is printed on cardboard rather than paper.
• The cardboard segments can make one large image when unfolded, allowing artists extra room for creativity in their designs.
• The extra space for artwork can cement their image and message to the audience, both of the album itself and the band.
• The cardboard segments can hold additional CD's or DVD's. 
• The packaging becomes as much part of the purchase as the CD does.
• Digipaks can be cheap to produce in bulk.
• Digipaks can be sold to consumers as a special edition at extra cost, making more money for everyone involved.
• The cardboard can be made from recycled materials whereas the plastic on jewel cases can not.

- What are the drawbacks of the Digipak?

• The cardboard deteriorates much quicker than the jewel case due to the folding process placing pressure on the hinges.
• The cardboard rip and tear relatively quickly.
• They can be expensive to produce in small numbers, making them unviable for smaller artists.
• A Digipak is thicker than a jewel case, making them less portable.
• They can take a variety of shape, meaning they can't be stored in a typical CD rack.

Despite the negatives of the Digipak, they are now in a duopoly in the market alongside the jewel case, bands opting for the Digipak where they feel applicable. It is vital that we create artwork that ties together our song, band and our video in a way that is eye catching and appealing to our audience.