1. GREEN BACKS - May have a black or white plastic shell, and any one of several grip styles. The most common shell type is the Audiopak, made by Capitol. Another shell type is the Lear Jet shell. The 8-tracks themselves will have front and back covers made of labels adhered to the plastic, with the back cover being a song listing on a green background. Early copies have white shells. Green-back labels were used until 1969 and were used on the later black plastic shells.

2. WHITE CARTRIDGES - In 1967, Capitol's labeling became more colorful. All shells issued in this period were white. The green back was phased out and replaced with a white back which was usually rimmed in red or pink. This issue is easily identified by the pink or blue color on the spine (or front edge) of the 8-track. The first Beatles 8-track issued in this style originally was the double titled package Beatles VI / Yesterday...And Today.

3. BLACK CARTRIDGES - In 1969, Capitol eliminated the white shell altogether, using black from that point on. The issue sports only a front label, instead of a front and a back label, with few exceptions. There are ways to more accurately date 8-tracks from this period. Recessed grips are most common through 1970, though they became scarce afterwards. Around 1971, Capitol started putting their round logo on the back of the shell. Until 1973, this logo was followed by "T.M." From mid-1973 on, a ® (Registered Trademark) symbol followed the Capitol logo. The outer boxes housing the 8-tracks contained a warranty statement until 1975. After mid-1976, Capitol 8-tracks were marked to indicate the factory of origin, using the same symbols as on the LP's. These symbols can be found on the back of the shell near where the Capitol logo usually is. Sometimes the factory symbol, but not Capitol's logo, can be found in this space. In 1982, Capitol stopped producing 8-tracks, although some Beatles solo 8-tracks were available from record clubs until 1987.