Caddy (hardware)

In computer hardware, a caddy is a container used to protect an optical media disc from damage when handling. Its functionality is similar to that of the 3.5" floppy disk's jacket.

Its use dates back to at least the Capacitance Electronic Disc in 1981, and they were also used in initial versions of the Blu-ray Disc.^[1] As a cost-saving measure, newer versions use hard-coating technology to prevent scratches and do not need a caddy.

Caddies may be an integral part of the medium, as in some DVD-RAM discs, or separately attached.