Conventions of Digipacks

Digipaks are a type of CD packaging, that were first owned by IMPAC Group, Inc. who were acquired by MeadWestvaco (MWV) in 2000 and then licensed to several manufacturers, leading to the increase in the product internationally.

The typical digipak will have these features:

• Digipak's will either open as a book would or open to the right and left, having three parts.
• They will include the CD itself and a small book, which usually includes additional artwork, as well as lyrics for the songs of the album.
• Unlike most CD's, digipak's are usually made of plastic and cardboard, which although is cheaper, will wear more than a traditional CD case.
• The digipak will include additional information about the artist, producers record company etc. giving fans a further understanding of the album.

The style of the digipak will reflect the style of the band therefore every aspect of the case is used carefully to create an image true to the artist.

Advantages of the digipak include:

• They create more design options, as there are more sides than the traditional CD cases and therefore allow for greater creativity for the artists.
• Digipaks could be more beneficial for the environment, if they are made from recycled material.
• They also cost less to make than CD cases.

Disadvantages of the digipak include:

• The digipak will eventually wear and are more likely to become damaged.
• They also offer less protection than the CD case for the CD and therefore the disk is more susceptible to becoming damaged or scratched.
• As the disks are not held in place, unlike the CD case, the disk could be more likely to fall out and again, become damaged.