How to Design Packaging

Use mm for units (the global standard, although inches widely used in US).

Illustrator / New Document / Choose a Print Item / Under Preset Details, make sure Millimeters is selected as unit

Need a dieline template. The term “dieline” refers to the template needed to define the correct layout of a final physical package. This is a flattened, 2D blueprint of a piece of packaging. It tells printers where to cut, fold, glue, and add graphics to assemble the final physical package.

Perforation line

Cut lines (in red) - show the machine where to cut through the cardboard.

Fold/Crease Lines (in green) - Indicate where the material will be scored to allow for smooth bending and folding.

Bleed Lines - An extended area of your artwork that goes slightly beyond the cut lines, ensuring no unprinted white edges show if the packaging is cut slightly off-centre.

Safety Zones - The areas in which text and important logos should be placed so they aren’t accidentally cut off or obscured by folds.

Glue Areas/Tabs - The flaps that will have adhesive applied to secure the packaging together.

The perforation lines and the cutting or trim lines should be located on different layers and as dots of color.

The printer performs the cutting and perforation processes in two different stages.

Use CMYK colour mode.

Resources

Box Dieline Maker
Generate 3D mockups and flat packaging blueprints.

Die Cut Templates
A catalogue of standard folding box designs.

Dieline Design Tips
From PackMojo.

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