Online CD packaging?

ashcat_lt · Post by **ashcat_lt** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:58 pm

I'm lookng to re-release a number of albums which were formerly put out on CD-R. I'd like to use an online distribution model. I was thinking something like a .zip file that included all of the audio as well as a file that could be used to print out the cd packaging. But that's where I'm getting hung up.

What format should I use for the artwork? I was thinking a .pdf, but how should I lay it out. I guess the 2 page booklet and tray insert are pretty easy. A user could pretty much print these on their favorite paper and cut to fit. The image on the disc itself, though, seems the proper layout for this would depend on which brand of label is being used, no?

Is there a standard CD label? Should I include several files, one for each of the most popular brands? I know other people are doing this, but I've never actually seen how they put it together.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Mark Alan Miller · Post by **Mark Alan Miller** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:57 pm

I'm interested, too, about the CD-face issue. I'm currently thinking of omitting the CD face from the included art altogether for an upcoming release... (for the download version, that is.)

tubetapexfmr · Post by **tubetapexfmr** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:53 pm

You could try using the submission template for Oasis or Discmakers as a guideline for layout.

http://www.oasiscd.com/graphics/templates.asp

http://www.discmakers.com/templates/download.asp

pixeltarian · Post by **pixeltarian** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:46 am

how about some discrevolt love?

http://www.discrevolt.com

kayagum · Post by **kayagum** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:07 am

You can check out how Caldo Verde records packages their online downloads: http://caldoverderecords.com

Oh, and while you're at it, buy the new (and excellent) Sun Kil Moon and Retribution Gospel Choir records.

ashcat_lt · Post by **ashcat_lt** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:01 am

Shit! I had it on my calendar to go grab that RGC the day it came out. Then there's this new kid (like, newborn) at the house and everything's all crazy.

Thanks for the reminder.

flapmaggot · Post by **flapmaggot** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:55 am

I think CD Baby now allows customers to download a zip folder which contains higher quality audio files and artwork as .pdf.

Chuck

Mark Alan Miller · Post by **Mark Alan Miller** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:49 pm

CDBaby, as far as I know, make their MP3-download ZIP out of scans from the submitted hard-copy. Although they do take front-cover scans upon special arrangement (just email 'em). So maybe they're taking the whole thing now. But, last I knew, the MP3s they sell they encode themselves.

ashcat_lt · Post by **ashcat_lt** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:42 pm

Yeah, so the "packaging" for the RGC album is a little disappointing. Just a (fairly small) .jpg of the front cover art. Doesn't include any liner notes or credits or any such thing.

The music itself is well worth the download price.

DryCounty · Post by **DryCounty** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:54 am

iTunes has Digital Booklets distributed with some CDs. Out of curiosity I purchased the latest Sons and Daughters CD which came with one. I looks like a scan of the whole CD booklet with the back cover. The file itself is a fairly lightweight (4.6MBs) PDF. I like the fact that I can view it in iTunes as well.

segaface · Post by **segaface** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:14 am

DryCounty wrote:iTunes has Digital Booklets distributed with some CDs. Out of curiosity I purchased the latest Sons and Daughters CD which came with one. I looks like a scan of the whole CD booklet with the back cover. The file itself is a fairly lightweight (4.6MBs) PDF. I like the fact that I can view it in iTunes as well.

The new(ish) Jens Lekman and Dr. Dog cds came that way too. It's a pretty nice way to get that stuff if you don't want the "physical" copy.

lotusstudio · Post by **lotusstudio** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:16 am

very interesting

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