CDs in 1-3 “spot/PMS” colors are screen printed, using the Pantone® Matching System (PMS) color chart. (Use Pantone® Solid Coated colors only; we are unable to print Uncoated or Process Pantone® colors on disc.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: CD label artwork in 1-3 colors is silk-screened at 110 lines-per-inch (LPI). Most disc packages at National Media Group include 1-3 PMS/spot color on-disc silk-screen printing. This is the disc industry standard for printing for major record labels and software companies and other professionals. Silk-screen printing provides a high quality, profession disc print for most any application. Because printing on the disc is a screen printing process like t-shirts, and uses a larger line screen than that used on a traditional printing press, detail will not be as fine as that achieved on the insert printing. If trying to match PMS colors on the disc to a color on your insert or other printed packaging item, note that inserts are printed using the CMYK process and that the CMYK "process" version of a color often looks different than the actual PMS color - even if it is the same color. In light of this, attempting an "exact" match of color on the disc to a color on the insert is often challenging due to the nature of the two different print processes. For this reason we recommend the on-disc design be "complementary" to the insert/package instead of an "exact" color or image match. Also, we advise that you do not use the exact same image for both your inserts (or outer packaging) and on-disc print. This will only highlight the differences between the two print processes. Instead, we recommend using a design and/or image on the disc that is complimentary to the packaging.

DROP OUT TEXT: Avoid dropping text out of any halftones, including process color (CMYK) images. Text may appear "choppy” or unreadable due to the limitations of dot size.

LOW PERCENTAGE SCREEN TINTS: The acceptable minimum halftone dot range is 15%. Color percentages below this guideline may not print, may be invisible to the eye, or may cause undesired patterns. We highly recommend using 100% of a lighter solid spot Pantone color rather than a low screen tint. When using a 100%, you will see no “dots” in the print – only solid color.
We also advise against using any color gradient on your disc. Due to the silk-screening process, you will not see a smooth transition between the light and dark areas of color.
The disc base is reflective aluminum and provides a different medium from that of white paper. Please keep this in mind when choosing colors.

FULL COLOR “OFFSET” PRINTING
National Media Group also offers the option to print your disc in full color. (White base + the CMYK 4 color process.) When printing full color, National Media Group exclusively utilizes the “OFFSET” on-disc print process. Most disc companies offer only silk-screen printing for full color images at a mere 100-133 line screen. Even if a company offers offset print, most have the capability to only print at 150-175 line screen print. ALL of National Media Group’s full color OFFSET printing is done at a full 200 line screen! LITERALLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY OFFSET PRINTED DISC AVAILABLE.

Note that even with the high quality line screen print available with offset printing, we still advise that you do not use the exact same image for both your inserts (or outer packaging) and on-disc print due to the different print processes of each. Instead, we recommend using a design and/or image on the disc that is complimentary to the packaging.

MINIMUM TYPE SIZE: The recommended minimum type size is 6 point. Minimum reverse type size is 6 point bold.

DIMENSIONS: Printing dimensions are provided below. Artwork must fall inside these parameters. Especially important is the allowance for the center hole. If artwork falls into this area, we must make adjustments and your order may be delayed.

Changes or repairs made to your original files will result in additional charges.

1-3 PMS Color Dimensions	Full Color Dimensions