Music CD cases - Information and guide on the different types

Music CD cases - Types and Guide

Types of CD cases

Standard CD Jewel Case

This is the standard case used for all cd album releases since 1983, the cases are all very similar and can be changed easily if damaged or broken.

Standard 'Fat Case' Double CD

This was the original case that could hold more than 1 CD, and is commonly know as a 'fat case', these were gradually fazed out with the introduction of the slimline double CD case, early 'fat cases' included foam inserts to protect the disc.

Slimline Double CD Case

This case superseded the 'fatcase' above as it was cheaper to manufacture and cheaper to post, the tray inserts were either clear or black as standard but some special editions came with coloured trays, again these are quite easy to replace.
But note that the paper inserts are not compatible between the older cases because the 'fat cases' have the equivalent of two rear inserts but you could replace and omit the original front insert.

Digi-pack CD Case

These case come along a little later as a way of saving money and storage room, they have a card cover with the CD tray glued to the rear card, these do wear much easier and suffer from damage and trays becoming loose.

Card Slipcase over Jewel Cases

This extra card case used as promotion on many limited editions although become quite common in latter years features either a copy of the jewel case inserts or sometimes a completely different picture, finding used CDs with these intact and undamaged is quite rare now. 

Book Style Card and Fabric Case

Card sleeve