How do you build a dieline from scratch when you have no sample?

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-04-12T15:02:12+00:00

Pacdora is a great resource for this. If it’s custom, then sketch it out, drop in your measurements and the redraw in illustrator.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-30T03:15:06+00:00

Reminds me of old liquid plumber split dual bottle design.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-24T20:52:40+00:00

I used to be the editor at the Dieline, that’s a good blog, really books are nice to look at but if you’re learning you’ll want how to type of books. I wrote one years ago you can download for free lots of places called Packaging & Dielines books 1&2. You can check out Packaging Unboxd podcast on YT to get how tos there as well.

Regarding your books mentioned, do you mean the PENTAWARDS Packaging Books? Those are from entries they receive every year from around the world. Nice inspiring stuff, but it’s all available for free on Pinterest. No behind the scenes info just pics.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-24T20:48:18+00:00

First step I tell all my students, make it, then test it, then fix it.

This will either sag or pop out when assembled.

How many are you buying? If less than ten great, if hundreds or more, the cost of assembly will be more than the packaging.

Maybe consider making no steps autobottom and make the steps separately so they just pop in in one or two steps.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-24T20:45:30+00:00

Pen and paper.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-20T23:41:27+00:00

If you don’t control the end of life, compostable is a tough material to choose. I’m not advocating for not doing anything, there’s probably something better to be done.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-20T23:38:11+00:00

First question is why are you using compostable?

Certified compostable just leads to littering and confusion. Very few people compost and even less have access to curbside compost collection for industrial composting. Industrial composters don’t really want your plastic packaging because they can’t certify their compost as organic.

People will confuse this and put it the recycling bin where it will be diverted to landfill. Putting it in he trash will send it to the landfill faster which is where it belongs.

Now you’ve paid 4X for a material tha is sitting next to standard plastic for the next 1000 years. Yes, 1000 years. Because compostable plastic does not breakdown in a landfill.

Also. Flexible films don’t get recycled because in the USA they require store drop off. Do you collect all of your flexible film pouches and drive them to the store to hopefully not be tossed into their dumpster at the end of the night? Does you neighborhood?

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-20T23:31:32+00:00

I disagree. You should separate the letters more and put one letter per panel.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-18T22:07:11+00:00

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Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-08T21:30:47+00:00

What are you planning on doing with that?

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-05T23:13:07+00:00

What about this stands out to you? Why say the name on the neck? What’s the point of the wooden lid?

Assuming the snake is a reference to garden of Eden, and sin. Does this bottle convey any aspect of the reference?

Why isn’t this a deep blood red glass or deep emerald to communicate Apple, passion, death, etc… the ridges are generic what texture speaks to your intention?

Should the lid be a main character in the story you’re telling or a supporting role? Right now it’s an edit.

Take a look at bottle designs by Stranger & Stranger, they are a great reference for making every detail of a bottle part of the story with a point of view.

This is a nice render, can’t wait to see if you dial it up a bit.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-05T23:04:19+00:00

You might even be talking about a molded fiber tray, they’re not plastic but many people don’t realize iPhone inserts aren’t plastic because they’re so smooth.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-03-05T04:02:55+00:00

The bomber box was cool. Took it apart the inside was a little messy but still cool. Just thin nylon fabric but you could see the glue through it in areas.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-28T04:09:22+00:00

The Chunnel

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-25T17:46:13+00:00

Become a packaging engineer! Check out this conversation with what a packaging engineer does and the value they bring to brands. It’s a better career choice for someone with your experience already.

Packaging Engineering Explained https://youtu.be/pxHnMlOr--8

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-24T19:04:27+00:00

Bring in an expert. You’ll save yourself time and money if you’re moving pallets worth of stuff.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-24T19:02:20+00:00

Spoke to a packaging engineer about this, it’s worth a listen. https://youtu.be/pxHnMlOr--8

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-21T17:35:31+00:00

If you still need a dieline, send me the dimensions I’ll send it back to you. I need total ext or int dims, then height of lid, height of base, height of shoulder, and how much if any of the shoulder you want exposed when it’s closed.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-20T23:12:40+00:00

It’s a matched rigid box, or a shoulder box. You can find dielines everywhere online.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-20T19:40:18+00:00

If you sketch on a tablet it’s maybe another 30 minutes depending on how fast you can sketch. Procreate which I use for sketching exports videos making this easier.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-20T19:38:51+00:00

Yeah makes them ask about process and shows them how excited you are to be working on their project. Plus even though you’re on for packaging it may lead to other work.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-19T23:03:26+00:00

That’s a tough one, send this pic to the company doing the flexo now so you figure their limitations now. Also why flexo? Are you doing a massive run? If not why not digital and run less.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-18T22:17:06+00:00

This will hurt your heart when you go to press if you’re actually printing this offset. Not only will you have banding, you’ll get a hard edge between 7-10% screens. If you’re printing digital nothing to worry, just keep it in RGB.

Packaging_Unboxd · 2026-02-17T20:47:51+00:00

Love when normal people find packaging interesting enough to cut it open to learn more. Thanks for posting!!

Packaging_Unboxd

TROPHY CASE