Did you know that many pens commonly used to label CDs, DVDs, and other optical disks may cause permanent damage, making the disk unreadable?
Our Optical Media Pen is safe for use on CDs and DVDs.
This marker has a felt tip and water-based ink. Other marking pens with fine points or rolling balls, as well as those with solvent-based inks, pose a danger to optical media because they may cause damage that interferes with a laser's ability to read recorded data.*
How can I get a pen?
To order pens, visit the online store. Your purchase of our pens supports our group's future programming and education efforts.
How should I use the pen?
Following the guidelines outlined in section 5.2.5 'Marking' of CLIR's Care and Handling of CDs and DVDs: A Guide for Librarians and Archivists (Fred R. Byers, October 2003), we recommend labeling only on the clear inner hub of the disk.
*Based on testing conducted by Media Sciences, Inc. of Marlborough, Mass., felt-tipped, water-based inks are safer to mark CDs and DVDs than roller-ball pens or solvent-based inks.
This publication was developed under a grant from the National Park Service and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Its contents are solely the responsibility of EMG and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the National Park Service and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.