A digipak is a standardized packaging format used to house, protect, and promote CDs and DVDs. It typically contains several printed panels that can include photos, illustrations, text, and information about the music or film. Digipaks serve to both physically protect the disc inside and help market the product through visual design that conveys the mood or genre. Key conventions include listing the artist, album/film title, and label logo on the front, back, spine, and sometimes inner panels along with additional details like song lists, photos, and credits.

1. Codes and
conventions of a
digipak
A N C I L L A R Y T A S K

2. What is a digipak?
• It is a standardised packaging for hosting,
protecting and promoting CDs and DVDs
• It has various sections (panels), may contain
photos, illustrations and text
• It is usually made from clear plastic box
(jewel case) + inner printed booklet, or just
from printed cardboard
• They can vary in design and style, but most
commonly have 4 or 6 panels
• It also usually contains production
information, personnel and lyrics

3. Why digipak?
• In the pre-streaming world, it was the key
way to distribute music & films in shops and
by mail. It protected CD/DVD inside.
• It also carried all the design of the album or
film: key artist info + visual design telling the
story about the ‘mood’/genre of the product.
• It is part of marketing for the product; it
involves the user with the product and its
‘philosophy’.
• It makes the product visible in shops; it
stimulates purchase.

4. Typical features/conventions
FRONT
Name of the artist
Name of the album/film
Cover art and/or artist
image
Label logo
BACK
Name of the artist
Songlist
Cover art and/or artist
image
Label logo
Barcode
CD ART
Name of the artist
Name of the album/film
Cover art and/or artist
image
Label logo
SPINE
Name of the artist
Name of the album/film
Label logo
Reference number
INNER PANELS/SLEEVES
Additional artwork/artist photos
Lyrics
Band members’ names & roles
Recording personnel & recording
location/s
Thank yous
Website URL/social media
handles
Other technical/legal info

5. How digipaks reflect the genres…
Heavy Metal Jazz Hip Hop