Methods of printing on CD and DVD discs
Depending on the desired result, there are several printing techniques available for CDs and DVDs. The print on a CD or DVD can be done using screen printing or four-color offset printing, depending on the type of artwork. For colorful photos or images, we use four-color quad offset printing, with or without a solid white base layer. If the image consists mostly of flat color areas, screen printing is a better choice, as it delivers more vibrant and even solid colors.

Printed CDs
CDs and DVDs have a metallic base, so the printed image plays a key role in visually identifying your artistic project. Choosing the right printing method is essential to get the best possible result. Be sure to check out our packaging options for discs as well.

Choosing between full-color offset or screen printing on CDs/DVDs
Your choice of print depends primarily on how the CDs/DVDs are produced: whether they are pressed or duplicated. After we know your production method, we review your graphics and can advise on the best printing option for your project. Below you’ll find an overview of the different printing techniques available for CDs and DVDs.

Offset quad printing or screen printing?
This applies only to pressed CDs/DVDs. The choice depends on the image to be printed, as each technique requires a different preparation. For offset printing, we prepare four separate plates for CMYK colors, while for screen printing, we create individual stencils for each color.

Inkjet or thermal transfer printing?
This applies only to duplicated CDs/DVDs (recorded discs). The choice depends on the desired print quality. If the inkjet print has lower quality, uneven or less saturated colors, inkjet printing might be the more affordable choice for duplication. For high-resolution prints with solid colors or HD-quality photos and images, thermal transfer printing is the best option for duplicated discs.

Direct screen printing on CDs or DVDs
This widely used technique uses screen printing, where ink is pushed through a mesh screen. Since CDs/DVDs have a silver base, a solid white layer is applied first to ensure proper image reproduction. Flat areas of color can use between 1 and 5 spot colors (with white counted as one of the colors). Based on your files and the number of colors selected, we create silk screens and metal frames (“screens”) covered with the stencil. Each color is then applied by pushing ink through the mesh using a rubber squeegee, blocking areas where the ink shouldn’t go according to the artwork.

Full-color offset printing on CDs or DVDs — printed CDs
This industrial printing process is recommended for reproducing photos or complex images. Offset printing uses four CMYK colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) layered on top of each other, with a white base layer counted as the fifth color. Four separate offset plates are prepared and mounted on a rotating cylinder that applies the ink to the disc one color at a time. This process ensures precise reproduction of even the smallest details.

Below you’ll find a brief overview to help you decide which printing method suits your CD print best.

Screen printing
This method works best for designs with vibrant colors and solid color blocks. Projects should use Pantone colors, ideally up to 5 colors. The best results are achieved with fully saturated colors at 100% opacity.

Offset printing
This advanced technique is perfect for detailed and complex artwork, including sketches and photographs. Thanks to high line screens and fine halftoning, even the tiniest details and smooth tonal transitions are accurately reproduced. Offset printing also allows for applying UV varnish for glossy or matte finishes on printed discs.

Differences between screen printing and offset printing

Digital printing
Digital printing is fast and cost-effective for small and medium runs (up to 500 pcs). It combines the benefits of screen and offset printing, using UV-curable inks with a white underbase and CMYK colors. This method produces vivid, slightly glossy prints with excellent detail reproduction. The UV curing process makes the print durable and resistant to weather and dirt.

Our projects

How to prepare your artwork for printing
The printable area on a standard CD/DVD is between diameters of 22 mm and 117 mm, optionally between 35 mm and 117 mm.
For miniCDs, the printable area is between 22 mm and 76 mm, optionally between 35 mm and 76 mm.

Colors
Prints are produced using CMYK or Pantone color palettes, depending on the chosen technique.
If your file is in RGB, please convert it to CMYK before submission.

Fonts
For text to be clear and readable on the print, the minimum font size is 4.5 pt. All text must be converted to vectors.

File format
We accept files in PDF format.