The Digipak is similar in size to the standard CD jewel case. The design is a gate-fold cardboard package with one or more plastic trays to hold CDs. Some Digipaks offer a tray for one CD and pockets on both sides for extra booklets or inserts, while some have dual trays for two-disc sets. Digipaks can have any number of panels ranging from two to eight. While they contain more graphic display and deliver more marketing impact, they are also less common than jewel cases because of higher manufacturing costs and lower resistance to wear.
Cardboard sleeves are a standard CD mini-jacket. Cardboard sleeves can be shrink-wrapped or sealed with a paper tab, while some can be glued shut. This design is ideal for promotional CDs or as a mailer. While cardboard sleeves are a cost-efficient and simple way to package CDs, it is possible that discs can be scratched each time they are taken out for play. The glue from the spine of the sleeve can also soften and get onto the CD, making it unplayable.
Discbox sliders are made from cartonboard. The disc is held in the box by a slider mechanism that reveals the contents when pulled out. This design is similar in size to the standard jewel case, but is 30 percent thinner. Discbox sliders take up less space and weigh less, so they are less expensive to ship. There are variations for both one or two CDs and space for a standard jewel case booklet up to 5 mm thick.
CShell packaging is based on a circular clam-shell design. CShells are made of polypropylene and have a hinged edge. They snap shut with a button style clip in the middle. This design provides extra protection during the shipping process. Each CShell can safely store two CDs in the same package. CShells are available in a variety colors, either transparent or opaque.