DESIGNING FOR IMPACT.
The cover art is the face of your music. On a 12-inch jacket, every pixel and every brushstroke matters.
Moving from the tiny digital thumbnail of streaming platforms to the large 12.375" x 12.375" canvas of a vinyl jacket is a transformative experience for any visual artist. Here are our top tips for making the most of that space.
1. Think Big
Details that are invisible on a smartphone screen become massive on a vinyl jacket. Use high-resolution assets (at least 300 DPI) and don't be afraid to experiment with textures, noise, and complex typography that wouldn't "read" well in digital formats.
2. The "3mm" Bleed Rule
When designing your jacket, always include a 3mm (0.125") bleed on all sides. This ensures that when the jacket is trimmed during manufacturing, there are no white edges. Download our official Photoshop and Illustrator templates from the resources section for exact dimensions.
3. Spine Typography
The spine is the most overlooked part of album design. When your record is on a shelf, the spine is the only part visible. Ensure your artist name and album title are legible, centered, and oriented correctly (usually reading top-to-bottom in the US and bottom-to-top in Europe—we prefer top-to-bottom).
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4. Color Profiles
Crucially, all artwork for print must be in the CMYK color space. If you provide RGB files, some colors (especially bright neons or deep blues) may appear duller in the final printed product. Check your "Gamut Warning" before exporting your final PDF.