The Digipack

A digipack is like a book with two sides, or it may contain three sides one that opens right and one that opens left with the CD presented in the middle; it showcases the CD like somewhat of a jewel.

Digipacks were first created by MeadWestvaco, and their product, called Digi-Pak, is trademarked. There are many pros and cons to the digipack. One advantage is that it gives appeal to the CD and the sleeves allowed for more than just the CD to be included. It made the brand seem more exclusive and premium. The digipack is also very protective and resistant, so it prevented the CD from breaking and expanded its lifespan; however, were more prone to breaking than their jewel case counterpart.

The digipack is also meant to express the band's brand.


Front Cover

Promoting the Artist
Many digipacks are meant to promote the artist of the album or single. This can be done by place an image of the band or artist on the cover, so its the first thing you see when you get the CD. It allows the audience to assimilate the song or album to the artist.

Ex: Rhianna's Digipack for "Loud"


Challenging Conventions
Many artist instead of promoting themselves on the cover try to set the tone or mood of the album through the cover image. The lyrics of the song are more emphasized through the cover.

Ex: Kodaline's Digipack for "In a Perfect World"


Artist's Name
This is mostly done for recognition of the band/artist. The picture of the band/artist doesn't necessarily need to be on the cover.

Ex: One Republic's digipack for "Native"



* the album name is also promoted on the cover of all digipacks. It gives the audience insight as to what the album is going to be about because the name often reflects the content of the album.



Inside
Information
Information on the artist, as well as information on the album is included and what inspired the artist to create it.

Lyrics 
Lyrics may also be included inside so the audience can gain deeper insight into the meanings of the lyrics and have a better understanding of them. Mostly done when the artist releases a single rather than a full album.

Back Cover

• Copyright information
• Barcode
• Tracklist: The songs featured on the album 
• Background image that is either related to the album or the band. Must be cohesive with the front cover.

*The spine of the digipack also contains the name of the band/artist, the album name, and record company, so a fan can easily spot it on a rack for purchase or when it is stored.

Here is an example of a digipack

https://prezi.com/t4kvdkboubqe/digipak-conventions/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/the-history-of-digipack-cd-packaging-2460360

Stay Tuned. 

Mari