Shaped CD Design Guide; Die Cut, Custom Shape CDRs, Business Card CDRs, and clear substrate CDRs

CD Shape Capacity Chart and Design Guide

Discs must be balanced

Whatever the shape, the disc must be perfectly balanced.
Discs need a way to sit in the drive

Two or more areas on the disc should fall along one
of the two standaard CD diameters, 8cm and 12cm. Generally, the
fewer areas the wider the line of contact you'll want along the
outer edge.
Note, also, that disc loading trays often have a slot which allows it to clear the internal mechanism. If a disc falls or tilts into that slot as the disc is loading, the disc, the drive, or both could be damaged. Shapes should be considered with that in mind.
A note about compatability

Shaped CDs and DVDs should be played only using tray-loading drives -- preferably drives which allow the user to place the disc directly onto the spindle. In the case of tray loaders which place the disc onto the spindle inside the drive, these should be used with caution.
Using shape DVDs and CDs is not without risk. Megalodon can manufacture shaped CDs and shaped DVDs, but we cannot guarantee that a particular shaped disc will play in a given player. Megalodon cannot be held liable should a shaped disc fail to play or should a shaped disc be damaged or damages a drive. You choose this option at yourown risk. A safe alternative is the clear substrate CD or DVD
For more information...

We've provided this guide to help you determine the shape that's best for your application. Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions!