How to set up box artwork on a dieline.
A dieline is the flat drawing of your box: every cut, fold and glue flap, at the exact size you ordered. Your artwork goes on its panels, runs 3 mm past every cut edge, and keeps text inside the safe area.
Order custom boxes online: 21 styles in any size from 100 boxes: $1,468.10 for 1,000 3″ × 2″ × 5″ tuck end cartons, delivered to your door, and an instant 3D proof.
See my priceThe dieline, in numbers
| Spec | Number | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bleed | 3 mm past every cut line | The knife can wander slightly; backgrounds that run past it never leave a white edge |
| Safe area | 3 mm inside cuts and folds on cartons, 5 mm on corrugated and rigid | Text and logos inside it never get trimmed or lost in a fold |
| Glue flap | No ink | Glue only holds on bare board |
| Resolution | 300 DPI at print size, or vector | Anything lower prints soft |
| Color | CMYK | Boxes print in four-color process; kraft, black and metallic boards add a white ink layer |
Panels and which way is up
Every face of the box is its own panel on the dieline: the front, back, two sides, the top and the bottom, plus the inside on mailer boxes, trays and five-panel folders. On a flat dieline some panels sit sideways or upside down so they read upright once folded. On the order page each panel has its own Upload button and your art is turned the right way for you.
Design it on the page, or download the dieline
On the order page your exact dieline opens with every panel named. Upload art to each panel, drag and resize it, and see the box folded in 3D before you approve. Prefer your own design software? Get the layered PDF and SVG dieline for your size for $5 and design on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a box dieline?
A dieline is the flat template of a box at its exact size: the cut lines, the fold lines and the glue flap. Artwork is placed on it panel by panel.
How much bleed does a box need?
3 mm past every cut line. Run any background or color that touches an edge out to the bleed.
Can I print on the glue flap?
No. The glue flap stays bare board, because glue only holds on unprinted board.