Packaging: Create a Template/Dieline

Use one of these box templates I made for you
(or create your own)

Keep things simple and use one of my box designs. They’re Illustrator files that are ready for you to start designing. They work for many products including crackers, cookies, granola bars, fruit snacks, cornbread mix, muffin mix, cake mix, mac ‘n cheese, tea, etc.

Choose and download a template below, choose your product, and start designing.

Cracker or cookie box template

cracker_box_template.ai.zipDownload

Cake or muffin mix box template

cake_mix_box_template.ai.zipDownload

Mac ‘n cheese box template

mac-n-cheese-box-template.ai.zipDownload

Photoshop file to use to create your digital mockup

macncheese-box-mockup-photo.psd.zipDownload

Tea Box template

tea-box-horz-template.ai.zipDownload

Photoshop file to use to create your digital mockup

tea-box-horizontal-mockup-photo.psd.zipDownload

Optional . . .

If you’re feeling ambitious, create your own die line/template from a box of your choice.

Here’s how . . .

1. Chose a package

  • Find a boxed product that you think needs a new package design—find a poorly designed box if you can.
  • Your new design must fit on 11″ x 17″ paper
  • Choose a unique die template to package your product. Or use the existing packaging and update/alter its size as needed.
  • Remember form and function. It must look good and advertise/merchandise/protect/ship the product.

2. Create your template/die line in Illustrator

  • I opened up and flattened the packaging box for my product. I then used a black piece of paper for the background and scanned it in. If you don’t have a scanner, get out a ruler and start measuring and recreating your box.

After I scanned mine, I created a vector template/die line by tracing the edges and folds in Illustrator

Download a sample template here: tabasco_dieline.pdfDownload

Next, create and identify what each line/area means.

I put each line style on a separate layer. Like this:

3. Print and assemble your prototype box

Print a copy on heavyweight paper. Then, cut, assemble, and see how it looks in 3D. Follow these steps to create your box safely:

  1. Use the scissors to cut out your box—only cut the solid pink/red lines all the way through (not the dashed red lines). Cut straight so it looks professional.
  2. I would recommend NOT using an x-acto knife. A scissors works just fine and it’s safer.
  3. Then, score your fold lines with a bone folder or the edge of a penny or nickel held against a ruler.
  4. Score on the top of the fold (the front of your printed sheet).
  5. Next, put double-sided tape on your glue areas and assemble your box.

Test your box and make adjustments

  1. Place your product in the box and see how it fits
  2. Make any necessary adjustments
  3. Keep tweaking and reprinting the mock-up until it’s right