CD and DVD Cases, Sleeves and Disc Holders

Case or sleeve: protection or space

A hard case protects the disc from scratches, bending and crushing and holds a printed booklet or cover insert; a sleeve takes far less room and suits large collections, mailing and archives of burned copies. Standard jewel cases are about 10 mm thick, slim cases about half that, and DVD and Blu-ray cases are taller than CD cases, so a cover insert made for one type will not fit another. Choose the case type before you prepare covers.

Sleeve material, pack size and what else turns up

Soft non-woven sleeves are gentler on the disc surface than paper, and a clear window lets you see the disc's label without opening the sleeve. Polypropylene holders and binder pages hold discs in pockets and suit shelves or travel. Packs of 50, 100 or 200 are common, so work out the count you need rather than the largest pack. This section also lists a few cases for other equipment, such as drive carry cases, so read the title.

Questions about CD and DVD Cases, Sleeves and Disc Holders

Are CD and DVD cases the same size?

No. A CD jewel case is smaller than a DVD or Blu-ray case, and slim cases are about half as thick as standard ones. The disc itself is the same 12 cm diameter, but covers and inserts are cut for one case type.

Are paper sleeves safe for discs?

They are fine for short-term use. Paper can shed fibres that scratch the surface over time, so soft non-woven sleeves are gentler, and a hard case is the better choice for discs you want to keep for many years.

How should I keep discs so they last?

Hold them by the edge, keep them upright in a case or sleeve, and avoid heat, direct sun and damp. Write only on the label side with a soft-tipped marker made for discs, never a hard pen.