Packaging and Boxes 101

Your packaging is a powerful branding opportunity. Use it to tell your brand's story, create a memorable unboxing experience, and showcase your values with custom colors, logos, and messaging. Explore specific strategies in our article on 5 ways to use packaging as a marketing tool.

A product label is a piece of paper, polymer, cloth, or metal affixed to a product or its container. It provides essential information, such as the product name, brand identity, ingredients, and usage instructions, acting as a key point of communication with the customer. Learn more about what a product label is.

Iconic packaging successfully combines form, function, and brand identity into a distinctive and instantly recognizable design. It often uses a unique shape, color, or typography that sets it apart from competitors and creates a lasting impression on consumers. See famous examples in our article on iconic packaging.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), the four ink colors used in most printing processes. Unlike the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model used by screens, CMYK is designed for printed materials, making it essential for accurate color reproduction. Learn more about what CMYK means.

Screens create color with light (RGB), while printers use ink (CMYK). The RGB color spectrum is wider, so some bright screen colors can't be perfectly replicated with ink. To ensure color accuracy, you must convert your design files to CMYK. Understand the technical reasons by learning why you need to change RGB to CMYK for print.

In Photoshop, go to Image > Mode > CMYK Color. In Illustrator, use File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color. This crucial step is the professional standard for preparing files for print. For a step-by-step visual guide, see our tutorial on how to convert RGB to CMYK in Photoshop and Illustrator.

PPI (Pixels Per Inch) refers to the resolution of a digital screen, while DPI (Dots Per Inch) refers to the density of ink dots a printer creates. For high-quality printing, your design files must have a resolution of at least 300 DPI to ensure your images are sharp and clear. Read our full explanation on DPI vs. PPI.

A file's resolution determines how large it can be printed before it starts to look blurry or pixelated. A high-resolution file (300 DPI) can be printed at a larger size than a low-resolution file (72 DPI) while maintaining professional quality. Learn the details in our guide to resolution and file size for printing.

Yes. Our free 3D Design Tool allows you to upload logos, add text, and create a complete design from your browser. It provides a live 3D preview so you can see exactly how your box will look before ordering. Find out if you can create your own custom box design online.

Our tool allows you to add artwork and text to each panel of your box's dieline. You can rotate the 3D model to see your design from every angle, ensuring everything is perfectly placed. For a quick tutorial, learn how to use the Boxes 3D Design Tool.

Flexography is a printing method that uses flexible relief plates, making it exceptionally well-suited for printing on uneven surfaces and a wide range of materials, including plastic, metallic films, and paper. It's a common choice for high-volume label and flexible pouch printing. Learn more about what is flexography.

Finishing techniques like embossing (raising a design), debossing (imprinting a design), foil stamping, and UV coatings add a premium, tactile quality to your packaging that enhances its look and feel. Explore the options in our guide to print finishing techniques.

Embossing creates a raised impression on the stock, while debossing creates a recessed impression. Both techniques add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your packaging. See visual examples in our explanation of the difference between embossed and debossed.

Cardstock weight, measured in points (pt.), indicates its thickness and durability. A higher point value means a thicker, more rigid stock. For example, 18 pt. cardstock is more substantial than 14 pt. and offers greater protection for heavier products. Understand the nuances in our guide to cardstock and its weights.

White cardboard provides a smooth, coated surface that makes colors appear vibrant and is ideal for high-end retail packaging. Kraft cardboard has a natural, fibrous texture, offering an eco-friendly and rustic aesthetic. See a side-by-side comparison in our article on the difference between Kraft and white corrugated cardboard.

Yes, absolutely. Corrugated cardboard is typically made from a high percentage of recycled materials and is fully recyclable and biodegradable, making it one of the most sustainable choices for shipping and product packaging. Read more on why custom boxes are environment friendly.

This certification ensures that the paper and wood pulp used in the packaging are sourced from forests that are responsibly managed to prevent deforestation and protect ecosystems. Look for marks from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Get the full details on what you need to know about certified sustainable packaging.

Start by choosing recycled and recyclable materials, correctly sizing your boxes to minimize waste, and using eco-friendly inks. Communicating these choices to your customers can also enhance your brand's image. Learn how to get started with our guide on how to start your company's sustainability with eco-friendly packaging.

Design your boxes to be durable and visually appealing enough for secondary uses like storage. You can also print fun patterns or creative ideas on the inside of the box to inspire repurposing. Find more tips in our article on creative ways to reuse boxes and other recyclables.

A truly sustainable strategy involves using renewable or recycled materials, minimizing the overall amount of packaging used (right-sizing), and ensuring the packaging is easily recyclable by the end consumer. For a deeper look, read about product packaging sustainability.

The right box depends on your product's weight, dimensions, and fragility. A snug fit is crucial to prevent internal movement. For heavy or fragile items, a stronger grade of corrugated cardboard is recommended. Find the perfect match with our guide on how to choose the correct box for my product.

Box strength is measured by tests like the Edge Crush Test (ECT), which determines its stacking strength. A higher ECT rating means the box can withstand more pressure. Our guide explains how to test shipping box strength and what to look for when ordering.

Always use the internal dimensions: Length x Width x Depth. Measuring the inside ensures a snug fit for your product, which is key to preventing damage during shipping. For a step-by-step guide, see how to measure box dimensions.

Start by measuring your product's exact dimensions (L x W x D) and add a small buffer (about 1/4 inch) on each side for easy packing and protective inserts if needed. This ensures a secure fit without excessive, costly empty space. For more detailed advice, read our guide on what box size I should order.

A custom mailer box transforms a standard delivery into a branded unboxing experience. By printing your logo, brand colors, and social media handles on the box, you create a memorable first impression that builds brand loyalty and encourages user-generated content online. Discover the marketing potential by learning how mailer boxes can promote your business.