Packaging guides

Plan custom packaging with clearer costs and fewer surprises.

Practical answers about box styles, paper bags, materials, inserts, MOQ, artwork, packing and freight handoff.

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Pantone color fan deck for spot color matching in custom packaging
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Pantone Spot Color vs CMYK for Custom Packaging: When to Use Each

Learn when to use Pantone spot color packaging versus CMYK printing. Compare cost, color accuracy, and brand matching to choose the right printing method.

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More packaging guides - page 7.

73 guides
Premium white gift boxes stacked on a table
Cost guide

How much do custom printed boxes cost?

The main cost factors for custom printed boxes, from board and printing to finish, inserts and shipping.

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Printed packaging color samples used to compare finishes
Finish guide

Packaging finishes and printing options explained

Compare matte and gloss lamination, foil stamping, spot UV, embossing and other packaging finishes by look, protection, cost and production needs.

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Printed mailer box mockup with floral artwork
Artwork checklist

Artwork file checklist for custom boxes

What to prepare before sending custom box artwork, including dielines, bleed, color mode, fonts and images.

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Printed corrugated mailer box opened for ecommerce packing
Box style guide

What is a mailer box? Mailer boxes vs shipping boxes

A mailer box is a self-locking corrugated box used for ecommerce delivery and branded unboxing. Compare it with a regular shipping box by structure and use.

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Rigid tea gift box with fitted insert tray
Box style guide

Rigid boxes vs folding cartons: cost, structure and brand feel

A practical guide comparing rigid boxes and folding cartons for retail packaging, gift sets, cosmetics and premium products.

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Cosmetic carton boxes packed inside a shipping box
Industry guide

How to choose custom cosmetic packaging boxes

A structure guide for cosmetic packaging boxes, including folding cartons, rigid boxes, inserts, finishes and quote details.

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Gift box with candles and protective insert space
Industry guide

Candle box inserts: materials, fit and shipping protection

Compare candle box inserts for glass jars and gift sets, including paperboard, corrugated, molded pulp and foam, with fit, testing and supplier quote checks.

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Kraft soap packaging boxes with window cutouts
Industry guide

Kraft soap boxes with window: when they work and when to skip them

A practical guide to kraft soap boxes, window cutouts, sleeves and folding cartons for handmade soap brands.

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Red velvet jewelry box with ring insert
Industry guide

Custom jewelry boxes with logo: inserts, structure and finish

How to plan custom jewelry boxes with logo, including drawer boxes, rigid boxes, inserts, foil stamping and shipping notes.

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Die-cut paper packaging insert holding products inside a box
Material guide

Paper vs plastic packaging inserts: which should you use?

Compare paper and plastic packaging inserts by protection, product fit, presentation, tooling, packing work and end-of-life requirements before choosing a tray.

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Request a quote

Send the basic packaging details. Get a practical answer back.

Share the box or bag style, size, quantity and destination. Artwork is helpful, but not required for the first estimate. If your project has recycled paper, FSC paper, plastic-free packaging or supplier code requirements, send them before sampling.