- \n
- Design marketplaces: Creative Market, Envato Elements<\/span><\/li>\n
- Online tools: Canva (basic templates), Adobe Illustrator (for pros)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Packaging blogs\/forums: Often share free downloadable dielines<\/span><\/li>\n
- Custom suppliers: Offer precise templates based on box type and dimensions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Refine Packaging provides free custom dieline templates when you request a quote, ensuring your design fits perfectly. Their team also offers design support, making the process easy even if you’re new to packaging.<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Free custom dielines for every order<\/span><\/li>\n
- Support for all major box types (mailer, tuck-end, rigid, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Design help to avoid print\/layout errors<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fast quote process and low order minimums<\/span><\/li>\n
- Great for small businesses or growing eCommerce brands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Get a Free Quote<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\nA box is a box is a box. Right?<\/p>\n
Well, not exactly \u2013 especially if you need a custom design.<\/p>\n
A custom box can come in any shape or size to house your products perfectly. Your\u00a0box design<\/a>\u00a0can help increase brand recognition and pump up sales. It can also give you maximum flexibility, but it will involve a little more work.<\/p>\n
Your novel box creation all starts with a template, and designing a box template isn’t all fun and games. You have to be practical in deciding on a box design and take into account mundane things like\u00a0shipping costs<\/a>\u00a0and rules established by retailers.<\/p>\n
That’s why you need to understand different packaging shapes and styles, so you get the right dieline templates. To the unfamiliar, packaging templates can look like a confusing mess. You may be wondering how a 2D drawing with a bunch of dotted lines is going to turn into a 3D box.<\/p>\n
Well, fret not. Even if you’re not tech-savvy or if you’ve never heard of a\u00a0dieline<\/a>\u00a0(a flat template for the package that indicates where it needs to be cut and perforated), there’s an affordable \u2013 or even free \u2013 option that can help you produce the right box for your unique needs.<\/p>\n
There are primarily three ways to get a packaging template. You can hire a designer, find a ready-made template, or go the DIY route. What you choose will depend on your budget, how much customization you need, and what your skill set is.<\/p>\n
Here’s a breakdown of 18 great resources to get you the box template you need at any price point.<\/p>\n
Ready-Made Templates<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Nowadays, you can find just about anything on the internet \u2013 and packaging templates are no exception.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You may have an odd-shaped product that’s difficult to fit into a standard box, but chances are, someone has already run into a similar problem. There may very well be the perfect packaging template already out there for you.<\/p>\n
The good news is you can access many of these templates for free!<\/p>\n
Die Cut Templates<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
![\"custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/custom-box-template-from-die-cut-templates.png\")
<\/p>\nDie Cut Templates<\/a>\u00a0can easily give you a custom template.\u00a0<\/p>\n
All you have to do is enter the dimensions and material thickness of your box, then you can download your dieline. You can try a demo for free, and then sign up if you see what you like. You can buy a single custom dieline starting at $2.40, or if you need several dielines, you can sign up for a subscription plan.<\/p>\n
Template Maker<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"template](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/template-maker-dieline-template-.png\")
<\/p>\nTemplate Maker<\/a>\u00a0offers up free box and bag templates. The site has many options for those irregularly-shaped items. It has everything, from coffin-shaped boxes to cardboard milk cartons.\u00a0 Need some mailer boxes<\/a>?\u00a0 No problem. It has you covered. If you’re looking for an unusual way to package your items, this site is worth checking out.<\/p>\n
Pinterest<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Pinterest](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Pinterest-ready-made-packaging-templates-for-boxes-and-inspiration.png\")
<\/p>\nPinterest<\/a>\u00a0may seem like an unlikely resource, but it does have free ready-made templates that you can print or use as a reference.<\/p>\n
If you’re looking for a free box template, consider checking this platform out. Whether you’re looking for a pillow box template, a\u00a0rectangle box template<\/a>, or a square box template, you’ll probably find what you need here.<\/p>\n
It’s also a great source of design inspiration if you ever feel like you’re stuck in a design rut. However, with the wealth of varied resources pinned on the site, you may have to sift through a lot of content before finding the template you want.<\/p>\n
Hiring a Packaging Designer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"hiring](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/hiring-packaging-designer-factors-budget-design-brief.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThere are already countless box templates out there that you can adapt to your own needs, but sometimes, you may need a box that has to fulfill a very specific purpose. If you want to get exactly what you want or you don’t have the time to hunt down the perfect template, it makes sense to hire a designer.<\/p>\n
Of course, you won’t want to hire just any designer. You want to find an artist that specializes in packaging design. There are plenty of talented designers out there who would have no problem whipping out a box template design for you.<\/p>\n
Important Factors When Hiring a Packaging Designer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
With the sheer number of designers and freelance marketplaces available, it might be challenging to find the right packaging designer for your specific needs. You would also need to consider important factors, such as your budget and your design brief.<\/p>\n
Budget<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Before searching for or hiring a packaging designer, determine how much you can spend on design fees. Many online freelance marketplaces have a feature that lets you see an artist’s hourly or per project rate. Use this as a basis to find a designer that fits your budget range.<\/p>\n
Design Brief<\/strong><\/h4>\n
It helps to ready a clear, complete design brief prior to choosing a packaging designer. Your design brief serves as a guideline that can help you identify the right packaging designer for the job.<\/p>\n
A thorough brief usually covers these details:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Company overview<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Target audience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Business goals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Scope of work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Project deadline<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Budget<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One of the things you can do to narrow down your choices is to create a shortlist based on the following criteria:<\/p>\n
Portfolio and Experience<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"package](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/package-design-portfolio-experience-industry-fit-process.jpg\")
<\/p>\nScreen your candidates carefully by evaluating their credentials. You can check their profiles to look for specific skills or experiences that you think may come in handy for creating box design templates.<\/p>\n
To better gauge their skill, style, and competence, ask for their portfolios and review their past design work. Check if they’ve done box design templates before and see if they can accommodate different templates, be it a paper box template, a gift box template, or a cake box template.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Industry Fit<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Ideally, you’d want to go with a designer who understands or is familiar with your industry. You can check their profile or conduct an interview to see whether or not they’re a good fit for creating a packaging box template that suits your needs.<\/p>\n
Flexibility<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Each design project has a unique production timeline and deadline, which is why it’s important to check if the designer can accommodate the project and adapt to its timings.<\/p>\n
Strategy and Design Process<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Knowing a designer’s design strategy and process can help you make more informed decisions. These are also good indicators that can determine whether they’re a good fit for your business or not.<\/p>\n
\n\n\t\tShop Popular Products\n\t<\/h4>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mailer-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Mailer Boxes with Logo<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/custom-soap-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Soap Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Custom-Vape-Cartridge-Boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Vape Cartridge Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hair-extension-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Hair Extension Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"CBD](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cbd-packaging-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCBD Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Customizable](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/candle-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustomizable Candle Box Wholesale<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Pillow](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/custom-pillow-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nPillow Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/eyelash-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Printed Eyelash Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cardboard-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Cardboard Boxes & Cardboard Packaging<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Product-Boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Printed Product Boxes for Retail<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/printed-lip-gloss-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Lip Gloss Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom-Made](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Custom-Made-Lip-Balm-Packaging-Boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom-Made Lip Balm Packaging Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"CBD](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CBD-Display-Boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCBD Display Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/bath-bomb-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Bath Bomb Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/collapsible-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \nCustom Collapsible Boxes<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n\n Learn More <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Kraft-Boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
- Support for all major box types (mailer, tuck-end, rigid, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Online tools: Canva (basic templates), Adobe Illustrator (for pros)<\/span><\/li>\n
![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/printed-medicine-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n ![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hanger-boxes.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n