The sleeve and the booklet are the first things listeners discover when they pick up an album. They present the musical world, showcase the artwork and bring together the key information about the project.
To get professional-quality CD inlay printing, the artwork files must be properly prepared before they are sent for production. Here are the main rules to follow.
Choose the packaging before creating the artwork
File preparation depends directly on the packaging chosen. Hurricane Entertainment offers several solutions: jewel case, cardboard sleeve, digipack, digisleeve, digifile, Mint Pack or double jewel case.
Each type of packaging has its own dimensions and print areas. It is therefore best to choose the final format before you start designing the inlay or the booklet.
Use the template for your product
A template lets you position text, images and other graphic elements correctly. Hurricane Entertainment provides templates for CD and DVD design, including cardboard sleeves, jewel cases, digipacks and booklets.
The templates used for duplication are the same as for professional pressing. You still need to choose the exact template for the packaging you have ordered.
Use the right print settings
Print files must be created in CMYK colour mode. RGB is meant for on-screen display and some of its colours cannot be reproduced in print.
Hurricane Entertainment also asks for:
- a resolution of 300 dpi;
- a maximum ink coverage of 300%;
- the FOGRA 39 colour profile;
- a final file saved as a PDF.
These settings apply to the sleeve and the booklet, and also to the artwork printed directly on the disc.
Allow for bleed and safety margins
Images and coloured backgrounds that reach the edge of the page must extend into the bleed area shown on the template.
Conversely, titles, credits, logos and other important information must not be placed too close to the trim line. A safety margin of about 3 mm should be kept.
Check the booklet page order
When an album has a booklet, the pages must follow the imposition order given by Hurricane Entertainment.
For a classic 12-page booklet, the required order is:
12-1, 2-11, 10-3, 4-9, 8-5 and 6-7.
This check is essential before sending the final PDF.
Have your files checked before production
Before production starts, check the template used, the colours, the resolution, the margins and the page order. Hurricane Entertainment's graphic design service can also advise you, check your documents or correct them.
Once the audio and artwork files are final, your project can go into professional CD pressing or CD duplication, depending on the quantity you want and the needs of your project.
