Normally a full-size (12cm) disc will be metallized out to the edge. It's possible, though, to have a full size disc metalized only out to the mini disc size (8 cm), leaving the remainder of the disc metal-free. We call it "clear substrate." If you have a title that really doesn't require a that much data, but you'd like the full 12cm "canvas" for your disc art , consider clear substrate. With clear substrate, you can leave transparent areas in your art.

Clear substrate is great for any project with a low amount of data, such as a CD single or a promotional piece. Clear substrate a good choice for many children's CDs or DVDs.

Imagine a disc package with a diecut window on the front panel, and through the window you see another window—with daylight showing on the other side. And in the window you see something floating there. What you're seeing is some art "floating" on the clear substrate. Add spot white ink behind the art to make it more opaque.