Artwork Guidelines

The 3D Design Tool is an interactive way to create and order custom packaging online, and it's ideal for most projects. Using our 3D Design Tool is easy!

1. Be sure to log in to your Packlane account at the top right of the screen, so that you can save your creation.
2. Customize your product configuration on the product page, including size, material, and quantity.
3. Click Design Now to start designing.
4. Get creative designing your packaging with text, shapes, backgrounds, uploaded images, and more.
5. Once you’re satisfied with your design, click Save and Continue.
6. Review your cart and proceed to checkout.

How do I design the inside of a box on the 3D Design Tool?

You can design both the inside and outside of your box using the 3D Design Tool.

To access the inside canvas:

1. Visit the product page of your preferred box style.
2. Configure your box, selecting either Inside or Both Sides for the Printed Sides option, then click Design Now.
   1. If you chose Inside, only the inside of the box is available on-screen, and you can begin designing.
   2. If you chose Both Sides, you can switch between the Outside and Inside canvases using the toggle just above the canvas.

What are Packlane’s artwork guidelines or recommendations for designing?

When designing on the 3D Design Tool, be sure to use CMYK color mode to create artwork for upload. To access complete guidelines for designing artwork for print, you can read our comprehensive Artwork Guidelines.

Before uploading artwork files to the 3D Design Tool, make sure that:

• The file(s) are created using CMYK color mode.
• All fonts are converted to outlines/paths.
• All images are embedded (not linked).
  To do this in Adobe Illustrator, right-click the element(s) in the Links palette and select Embed File(s).
• All transparencies have been flattened (this includes less-than-100% opacity screens and overlays).
• Raster images are high resolution (300ppi at print size).
• Text and line art follow our guidelines.
• At least 0.125” of bleed is included where artwork extends beyond the cut edge (0.25” on corrugated boxes).
• All artwork is inside the safe zone area and backgrounds are extended into the bleed area.
• Artwork is saved in one of the acceptable vector or raster image formats.

How can I check if the artwork is oriented correctly on my box?

When you’re designing in our 3D Design Tool, a live 3D preview appears on the screen. It will update as you make changes to the artwork.

If you are creating your artwork in professional design software before uploading to the 3D Design Tool, you can reference one of our Box Models to preview how artwork will be positioned once your box is printed, folded, and assembled. These printable miniature boxes were created to help you verify the correct orientation before uploading your design. Download the Box Model(s) you need here.

What if I prefer designing in Adobe Illustrator or another professional design application?

If your artwork is too complex for the 3D Design Tool, or you prefer working in Adobe Illustrator or another professional design application, you can download a custom-sized dieline and create your artwork in 2D instead. See instructions for designing in software.

Which design method should I choose?

• Use the 3D Design Tool if you want to create your box online using uploaded artwork, text, colors, and graphics.
• Use a custom dieline if you're working with a professional designer or creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator or another design application.

Both options include a digital proof for review before your order enters production.

Got a special request?

Just because you don’t see it in our 3D Design Tool doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Get in touch with our team–we’ll see what we can do to customize your box even further.

Bonus! We created a fun personality quiz for you that can help you develop a brand identity for your packaging.