FedEx does not list CD burning as a FedEx Office service. Its published in-store services cover printing, scanning, packing and shipping, with no disc burning or duplication on the menu. A few locations may still help if you ask, so call your local FedEx Office before you bring files and a blank disc.
Disc burning was a common copy-shop service in the Kinko’s era, which is why many people still expect it. Today most FedEx Office work starts from a USB drive or a cloud account rather than a CD, so for a burned disc you will usually need another option. This guide covers what FedEx Office can do with your files, where to burn a CD instead, and how to ship a finished disc safely.
What digital services does FedEx Office offer instead of CD burning?
FedEx Office is built around getting files onto paper and documents into digital form. The in-store services that overlap with why people want a CD are:
- Printing from a USB drive or a cloud storage account at a self-service station or the counter.
- Scanning paper documents and photos to a USB drive, email or cloud storage.
- Computer workstations for editing or preparing files, rented by time at locations that have them.
- Packing and shipping, including discs you have already burned.
None of these writes data to a CD or DVD. If the real goal is to hand someone a copy of your files, a scan to a USB flash drive or a shared cloud link does the same job and works on computers that no longer have a disc drive. Our guide to whether FedEx has a scanner explains the self-service scanning options in more detail.
Can you ask a FedEx Office store to burn a CD anyway?
You can ask, but don’t count on it. Services at FedEx Office vary by location, and FedEx does not publish disc burning as a standard offer at any of them. Equipment such as optical drives has largely disappeared from retail workstations as new computers stopped including them.
Before you make the trip, call the store and ask two specific questions: whether any workstation has a CD or DVD writer, and whether you can bring your own blank disc. The store page on FedEx’s location finder lists the phone number and hours. The answers to many other common store questions are in our FedEx frequently asked questions guide.
Where can you get a CD burned if FedEx won’t do it?
The cheapest dependable option is usually to burn the disc yourself. An external USB CD/DVD writer plugs into any laptop, and both Windows and macOS can burn data discs without extra software. For music CDs that play in a car stereo, use a media player that offers an audio CD burn mode rather than a data disc.
If you don’t want to buy a drive, these are the usual alternatives:
| Option | Best for | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| External USB disc writer at home | Repeat or private jobs | The drive writes the disc type you need (CD-R, DVD-R) |
| Public library computer | A one-off data disc | Whether a computer with a disc writer is available |
| Independent print or computer repair shop | A single disc made for you | Whether the shop offers burning and accepts your file format |
| Online disc duplication service | Ten or more copies with printed labels | Minimum order and turnaround time |
Whichever route you choose, bring the files on a USB drive and keep a second copy. Older CD players may not read rewritable discs, so ask for CD-R if the disc is for a car or a stereo.
Does FedEx ship CDs and DVDs?
Yes. FedEx ships discs like any other small, fragile item, through Ground, Home Delivery or Express services. Pack each disc in a hard case or rigid mailer with cushioning so it can’t flex, because a cracked or bent disc is the most common shipping failure.
For valuable masters or one-of-a-kind recordings, add declared value coverage, which our FedEx insurance guide explains along with the claims process. Peak-season slowdowns and routing problems are covered in our articles on avoiding FedEx shipping delays and why FedEx is sometimes slow, and our guide to what happens when FedEx delivers to the wrong address covers misdelivered packages.
Is there a cheaper way to mail a CD than FedEx?
For many discs, yes. USPS Media Mail accepts sound recordings, video recordings and computer-readable media containing prerecorded information, which covers burned music, video and data discs. Blank discs do not qualify, and Media Mail is slower than Priority Mail or Ground Advantage.
Our USPS Media Mail guide explains the content rules and delivery times. If you want to compare carriers, ParcelPath is free to use and offers up to 89% off USPS and up to 85% off UPS, and you can check live prices for a disc mailer in the ParcelPath rate calculator. For a wider look at carriers and delivery options, see our roundup of shipping services and solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FedEx Office burn CDs for customers?
Not as a listed service. FedEx Office’s published in-store services include printing, scanning, packing and shipping, but disc burning is not among them. Services vary by store, so a few locations may still help if they have a computer with a disc writer. Call your local FedEx Office first and ask whether you can use your own blank disc.
Can I print or scan from a CD at FedEx Office?
Plan on a USB drive or a cloud account instead. FedEx Office self-service stations and counters are set up to print files from USB drives and cloud storage, and scans can be saved to a USB drive, email or cloud. Many newer computers no longer have disc drives, so copy files off the CD before your visit.
What is the easiest way to burn a single CD?
Use an external USB CD/DVD writer with your own laptop. Windows and macOS can burn data discs without extra software, and a media player with an audio CD mode makes music discs that play in car stereos. Choose CD-R rather than rewritable discs if the disc will go into an older player.
Can I send a burned CD by USPS Media Mail?
Yes, if it contains prerecorded content. The USPS Domestic Mail Manual lets Media Mail carry sound recordings, video recordings and computer-readable media containing prerecorded information. Blank discs and discs sent with advertising do not qualify. Media Mail is slower than Priority Mail or Ground Advantage, so it suits non-urgent shipments.
Sources
- FedEx Office location finder and store service listings, local.fedex.com/en-us
- FedEx customer support FAQs, fedex.com/en-us/customer-support.html
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 173: Media Mail content standards
Part of our FedEx Insurance guide. Related: FedEx Shipping Delays, Why Is FedEx So Slow, FedEx Delivered to Wrong Address.
