31 October 2026 · 2 min read
What Is a Dieline? A Practical Guide to Box Templates
A dieline is the flat, 1:1 plan of a box: cut lines, fold lines and bleed. What it contains, who uses it and why every package starts with one.
Blog
Designing and producing your packaging
Dielines, cutting dies, dimensions, board, imposition: everything you need to go from a box idea to print-ready files.
Packaging basics
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
How to Read a Dieline: Cut, Crease and Perforation Lines
Solid lines, dashed lines, partial cuts, bleed and glue areas: what each line on a dieline means, which colors to use and what to keep off them.
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
Inside, Outside or Manufacturing Dimensions: Which to Use?
Length, width, height: measured inside, outside or on the fold lines, a box changes by a few millimeters. How to choose so your product actually fits.
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
FEFCO and ECMA Codes: The Common Language of Box Styles
0201, 0427, 0711… What FEFCO codes mean for corrugated boxes, what ECMA codes cover for folding cartons, and how to use them when you order.
Manufacturing
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
How a Cutting Die Is Made (and Why Your Dieline Must Be Right)
Plywood base, cutting and creasing rules, ejection rubber, creasing matrix, nicks: how a cutting die is built and why your dieline has to be accurate.
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
Packaging Imposition: How Many Boxes Fit on a Sheet?
Sheet size, gripper margin, spacing, head-to-tail layouts and grain direction: how boxes are laid out on a press sheet and why it drives the price.
Choosing a box
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
Paperboard, Microflute or Corrugated: Choosing Your Board
Cosmetic carton, bakery box, pizza box or shipping box: which board to choose based on your product, how it travels and the print quality you need.
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
Pizza Boxes: How to Choose the Right Style and Board
Square with rolled walls, beveled, octagonal, hexagonal, single-slice or cone: pizza box styles, their pros and cons, and the board to plan for.
Also worth reading: our guide to designing effective packaging.