Box Design Software and Template Generators

Box design software and template generators are essential tools for creating custom packaging solutions. These tools range from simple online template generators to sophisticated professional software packages.

Online Template Generators

Templatemaker.nl

Templatemaker is a free online tool that allows users to create custom-sized papercraft and packaging templates. The platform offers a wide variety of box styles including:

Basic boxes with lids
Gift boxes
Cake slice boxes
Card boxes
Coffin-shaped boxes
Conical containers
Counter displays
Curved boxes
Egg-shaped boxes
Elliptical boxes
Envelopes
Exploding boxes
Gem stone boxes
Heart-shaped boxes
Mailers
Match boxes
Milk cartons
Cylinders
Multi-sheet boxes
Nestable trays
And many more

Users can customize dimensions and download their designs in various formats including PDF, DXF, SVG, PNG, or SignCut files.

Pacdora

Pacdora offers over 3,000 customizable box templates for various industries and products. Their library includes:

Folding boxes (212 templates)
Tuck end boxes (243 templates)
Display boxes (151 templates)
Boxes with lids (57 templates)
Insert boxes (58 templates)
Tray boxes (90 templates)
Paper bags (89 templates)
Storage boxes (32 templates)
Pouches (276 templates)
Tuck end box variations (182 templates)
Rigid boxes (58 templates)
Polygonal boxes (72 templates)
Bottles (1002 templates)
Cups/containers (263 templates)

Pacdora's templates are created by packaging specialists with precise structures that include important elements like flaps, tabs, and perforations. This ensures that the templates can be cut, folded, and assembled correctly to create the final product as intended.

Open-Source Box Design Software

Boxes.py

Boxes.py is an open-source box generator that comes with a library of various box types. It's not limited to just rectangular boxes but also includes:

Boxes with rounded corners
Boxes with hinges
Shelves
Drawer inserts
Living hinge patterns

The software is free and licensed under GPL v3+. It offers advanced customization options and is available as an Inkscape plug-in. Users can also use Python code to create their own generators. Files can be downloaded in multiple formats including AI, DXF, GCODE, PDF, PLT, PS, or SVG.

MakerCase

MakerCase is a free web tool for designing custom project cases. It provides a 3D preview that allows users to see how their box will look. The tool offers three different joint options: flat, finger, and t-slot. Users can customize line colors, line weight, and specify kerf compensation. Files can be downloaded in SVG or DXF format.

Make a Box

Make a Box is a simple, intuitive tool specifically designed for creating box templates. It produces boxes with symmetric finger joints and offers a straightforward user interface. Files are downloadable in PDF format.

Laser Cutter Box

This generator creates files for laser-cut boxes with various options including:

Open or closed boxes
Boxes with slopes
Boxes with dividers

Files can be downloaded in DXF format.

Professional Packaging Design Software

For professional packaging design, there are several industry-standard software options:

ArtiosCAD

ArtiosCAD is considered the gold standard in the industry. It features a large library of parametric design standards where users can select a style, enter dimensions, and generate a box design. It's primarily used in commercial printing and packaging industries.

Prinect Package Designer

Prinect Package Designer is a professional tool that includes numerous templates and connects through plotters. It allows for imposition and ganging of designs.

Packly

Packly offers a complete packaging solution where users can:

Create and download dielines immediately
View 3D box models with artwork in real-time
Print high-quality packaging

Comparison of Features

Software/Tool	Type	Cost	File Formats	3D Preview	Special Features
Templatemaker.nl	Online generator	Free	PDF, DXF, SVG, PNG	No	Wide variety of box styles
Pacdora	Online template library	Free/Premium	Printable, Downloadable	Yes	3000+ templates
Boxes.py	Open-source software	Free	AI, DXF, GCODE, PDF, PLT, PS, SVG	No	Highly customizable, Inkscape plugin
MakerCase	Online generator	Free	SVG, DXF	Yes	3D preview, kerf compensation
Make a Box	Online generator	Free	PDF	No	Simple interface
ArtiosCAD	Professional software	Paid	Industry standard formats	Yes	Parametric design library
Prinect Package Designer	Professional software	Paid	Industry standard formats	Yes	Plotter connection, imposition
Packly	Online service	Paid	Various	Yes	Real-time 3D with artwork

These tools provide options for everyone from hobbyists to professional packaging designers, with varying levels of complexity, features, and cost.

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