Vinyl Jackets vs Gatefold Jackets explained

Are you planning on releasing some vinyl records but aren’t sure what the best packaging option is? Here’s a breakdown of the top choices to see which is right for you and your fans.

by Lauren Davish from the Disc Makers Blog

Vinyl record sales have surged in recent years and have become a tangible connection between fans and artists once again. Beyond the impeccable listening experience that vinyl records offer, their physical format provides an experience itself, where artistry and design play a huge role in deepening that artist-to-audience connection.

Two features in the world of vinyl production are the vinyl jacket (also known as the single vinyl jacket) and the gatefold jacket. Here, I’ll explore the differences between these two options and the opportunities each presents for both artists and fans. As vinyl continues to explode, knowing the distinctions between single vinyl and gatefold jackets is essential if you are looking for new ways to express your music and stand out as an indie artist.

What is a vinyl jacket?

A vinyl jacket, often referred to as a record sleeve or album cover, is the outer casing for a vinyl record. Its function is to protect the grooves of the vinyl from scratches, dust, and any other potential damages that could affect the sound quality. Additionally, the vinyl jacket is a space for artistic expression, reflecting the music and theme of the album it holds.

Using the vinyl jacket as a canvas for artistic expression started in the late 1930s when graphic designer Alex Steinweiss introduced the concept of illustrated covers. Steinweiss is credited as the pioneer of album cover design, as before his work, vinyl records were sold in plain, basic sleeves with no art.

Steinweiss revolutionized the way music was marketed and initiated a new chapter of music, where visual art became an integral part of the overall experience. For example, when you read “Pink Floyd,” what do you immediately envision? If it’s not the Dark Side of the Moon album cover, it’s likely another album cover by them with which you’re familiar. The fusion of auditory and visual artistry transformed vinyl jackets into collector’s items and, ultimately, cultural icons for some.

But, I digress — back to vinyl jackets. Standard vinyl jackets have two panels and typically measure between 12.25 to 12.375 inches square for 12-inch LPs, tightly fitting the record inside. The two panels allow for the front cover album art — typically your artist/band name and the name of the album — as well as a design, logo, band photo, or whatever you choose to represent your music visually. The back usually contains more artwork, possibly a continuation of the front cover art, as well as the album tracklist, publisher, copyright, etc.

What is a gatefold vinyl jacket?

A gatefold vinyl jacket takes the concept of vinyl packaging a step further by incorporating a fold-out sleeve design that expands the space for artwork. Unlike the standard vinyl jacket, a gatefold jacket opens up like a book. It can include liner notes and lyrics, ultimately providing a larger canvas for artists to share details and insights into the album’s creation.

The origins of the gatefold jacket date back to the 1950s. They were first introduced as a way to hold double albums or collections that required more space than a standard jacket could provide. The gatefold was also inspired by a desire to offer fans a more immersive music experience. Gatefolds quickly became synonymous with premium packaging, often reserved for special releases or albums where the artist wanted to make a bold visual statement. 

Gatefold vinyl records are huge collector’s items, not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for the tangible experience they offer. Opening a gatefold sleeve to explore artwork, read song lyrics, or see behind-the-scenes photos adds an element of ritual and anticipation before even listening to the record itself. And in an era where everything is digitized, that type of multi-sensory experience can only exist where physical media is present.

Key differences between vinyl jackets and gatefolds

When choosing between vinyl jackets or gatefold jackets, the differences become significant in terms of material usage, durability, and overall presentation.

Material usage and durability

• Vinyl jackets: Traditionally, standard vinyl jackets are made from a single piece of cardstock or paper which is folded and glued to form a sleeve or pocket that holds the record. These are pretty straightforward in design, and their main function is basic protection. The material is typically lighter than that of gatefolds and can be prone to wear and tear over time.
• Gatefold jackets: Gatefolds are designed in a fold-out format, which doubles the available area for artwork and other relevant artist or album information. The material is typically sturdier in order to manage both the weight of the vinyl itself and the folding movement. Gatefolds are usually made from thicker cardstock or heavy-duty paper, which allows for more durability, as well as handling wear and tear more effectively.

The material choices for both single vinyl and gatefold jackets have a big influence on their longevity and aesthetic appeal. While vinyl jackets offer a classic, straightforward approach to record packaging, gatefolds are the more premium option and are great choices for special releases, collector’s editions, or double albums. 

Top mistakes in vinyl design

Designing vinyl covers is an art that requires attention to detail, creativity, and an understanding of the music that it’s representing. However, of course, there are some common mistakes to be avoided that can significantly affect the finished product.

Overlooking spine design

If you’re looking through someone’s vinyl collection, chances are you’re looking at them on the shelf, reading the spine first to see which album is which. The spine of a vinyl album is the primary identifier for most shelved records. That’s why a well-designed spine is vital for visibility and aesthetics. Make sure to avoid:

• Using fonts that are too small or difficult to read
• Overcrowding the spine with too much information
• Not leaving enough contrast between the text and background colors

Neglecting inner sleeve design

The inner sleeve plays an important role in both protecting the record and contributing to the overall tangible experience of the album. Common mistakes include:

• Using cheap, thin material that can tear easily
• Missing the opportunity to include lyrics, credits, or additional artwork
• Not having a snug fit around the record can lessen its protection

Failing to optimize artwork resolution

High-resolution artwork is crucial when transitioning digital images to printed materials. As we’ve discussed, vinyl album covers provide a large canvas that can show off incredible visuals, but low-resolution files can leave you with blurry, pixelated images. Be sure to use top-quality, high-resolution images (ideally 300 DPI or higher) to make sure your artwork is clear.

Vinyl record templates

Using vinyl record templates in the design process is important for ensuring consistency and accuracy, especially for elements like the center label, spine, and tracklist. Templates for different vinyl record sizes provide a guide for margins, bleed lines, and text placement while helping designers avoid some of the common mistakes mentioned above. Failing to use templates can result in design inconsistencies, production delays, and, ultimately, a final product that doesn’t meet your personal or professional standards.

Choosing the right vinyl Manufacturer

When it comes to producing vinyl records, our services at Disc Makers continue to be the best choice for independent artists. From mastering and pressing to custom vinyl record jacket printing and packaging, we ensure that every record not only sounds its best, but also looks and feels its best.

Through our strategic sourcing of materials and efficient production processes, we’ve consistently balanced cost and quality and continue to deliver outstanding products — as we have since 1946! Contact us today to start working on your next vinyl project.

Lauren Davish is a writer, singer/songwriter, yoga instructor, and voice coach. She received her MA in Creative Writing with a focus on creative nonfiction in 2019. Her favorite types of writing include blog posts and song lyrics.