PRINTING, PACKAGING & LITERATURE

There are many printing and packaging options available. They range from the simple, quick, and inexpensive to the sophisticated, unique, and expensive. There are so many options available that there really is no "standard" setup. The only limits are your timetable, budget, and imagination!

Printing

When producing a CD jewel case insert/tray card or DVD cover sheet, there are generally two methods of printing used; laser and offset.

LASER PRINTING is an ideal option for small volume runs (typically 100 to 1000 units) on printed materials such as inserts, tray cards, posters, and post cards. Laser printing is a professional Xerox printer that will create a very nice reproduction of your full color or monocolor artwork. The quality and gloss levels are not the same as offset, but it is a great option for quick turns on printed materials requiring smaller quantities and four color printing.

OFFSET PRINTING is a higher quality print process in which plates are produced from films or directly from the artwork. It generally creates a better quality, more professional product. Typically, the minimum quantity is 1000 units, with price breaks beginning at 2500 units. Offset printing generally produces artwork using four color process (CMYK), however, many printers have the capability to print up to seven colors, allowing pantone colors to be used as well. Turn time varies depending on the quantity, but typically, offset printing takes 5 - 7 business days upon proof approval.

Packaging

There are packaging methods designed to suit nearly every taste and budget. Basic CD packaging usually involves a jewelcase, clamshell, or sleeve. Custom CD packaging usually incorporates offset printing or silkscreening, and can be done on mailers, boxes, or any of the other types of "containers" that are available. There are standard sizes and shapes of mailers and boxes, but custom stamping dies can be made to accommodate nearly any design.

There are packaging methods designed to suit nearly every taste and budget. Basic CD packaging usually involves a jewelcase, clamshell, or sleeve. Custom CD packaging usually incorporates offset printing or silkscreening, and can be done on mailers, boxes, or any of the other types of "containers" that are available. There are standard sizes and shapes of mailers and boxes, but custom stamping dies can be made to accommodate nearly any design.

Literature

Literature is considered any type of printed (or copied) piece that accompanies the media. This would include everything from simple black and white copied sheets to color traycards and inserts to book-bound manuals to miscellaneous posters and other inserts.

It is important to note that the proliferation of digital color printers and copiers has completely changed the options that are realistically available. The "old school" thought was that it was only practical to consider color literature when producing thousands of pieces. It is now reasonable to produce color literature in low volumes.

Common Options

There are many common packages and they are listed below. Also listed below are the common types of literature that accompany the media. Please note that there are many, many more options available. Contact us to discuss your special needs.

• Jewel Cases
• Clamshells
• Sleeves
• Generic Mailers
• Printed Mailers
• Traycards & Inserts

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