What is a Box Dieline and Why is it Needed?

When producing a box or packaging for a product, the box vendor will use what is called a dieline. The dieline is a template that tells the box company how the final packaging should be cut and formed and what the printed design should look like.

Here’s an example. The image below is a picture of a box style called the Reverse Tuck Carton. This style simply means the ends of the box tuck inside the box in a specific way. With this particular style, the lid opens facing the consumer and the base faces away. The tuck flaps have a “pye lock” tuck for positive locking, which ensures the ends will stay shut until they are being opened. It’s a very popular style used by retailers.

As you can see, there is ample space available for design and printing on this style of box. Your box printer can print directly on this material. So, for example, you may want the box itself to be a specific color and then also add graphic design elements, text, your company logo, special instructions, and more. To learn about all of the different elements a business can feature on boxes and packaging read this blog post.

24 Elements You Can Feature On a Custom Box

Why do I need a dieline for my product?

For your printer to be able to create a box that matches your vision requires using a dieline. As mentioned above, the dieline is a set of specific instructions that tells the printer important information. It tells the printer the specific dimensions of the box, the shape of the box, where to make cuts and folds, where to use adhesive if applicable, and the overall color and graphic designs that need to be added. Below is what the dieline looks like before any artwork has been added.

Dielines and Graphic Design

While there are many benefits to using a custom box design for your products, it’s not always necessary. There are also cost benefits to using a standard box, especially if your product fits easily in the standard size box. Most people will work with a graphic designer to help design the box. This may be working with an independent design firm or freelance graphic designer or using the in-house design services of the box printing company. When working with a graphic designer outside of the box company, it’s best to put them in touch with the box company early on so that you ensure their design fits within the printing guidelines.

In the short, 30-second video below you will see box printing in action. The team at Uppercut Box has taken the customer’s dieline and used it to create their custom box.

At Uppercut Box Company, we welcome you to use our in-house design services or to work with an independent designer. We don’t even require you to have your box printed with us. If you need a dieline for a standard style box, we offer them for download for a small fee of $14.95. Of course, we would love for you to use our printing services as we offer years of experience, the best customer service, and we are very competitively priced. Our clients are important to us and we want to support your business and help you as much as possible.

Want to learn more about custom packaging? Read our complete guide to custom packaging. Or give us a call. We are happy to answer any questions you have.