Frequently Asked Questions.

Find the answers to some of the most common questions about Box It Now.

What is Box It Now?

Box It Now is an innovative, easy to use, online design toolbox for the packaging industry, though you don’t have to be a professional to create custom packaging. We focus on creating a virtual design studio which allows users to design a custom box without the need for special software or industry tools to create a rapid prototype. The Box It Now design engine allows users to create a virtual design of their package all online and in 3D. Box It Now is also powerful enough to deliver industry standard files that can be used to create actual printed and production ready packaging.

Who uses Box It Now?

Box It Now is for anyone who needs a package designed quickly! From consumer product brand managers, packaging engineers, ad agencies, and graphic-to-structural designers, Box It Now makes package design easy. Any company who requires packaging for their customers or products, Box It Now is an all in one solution.

  • Graphic Designers
  • Brand Managers
  • Package Designers
  • Small Businesses for any industry
  • Startups/Kickstarter Creators
  • Large Corporations
  • Manufactures
  • Anyone who needs a custom box!

What would I use it for?

Box It Now is a program created for users to easily design a box for any application. The uses are endless but it is mostly used for individuals and businesses to create a package for their products, shipping cartons or display items. Here’s a few examples of Box It Now’s uses:

  • Creating a box for a consumer product
  • Creating Advertising and Display POP materials
  • Creating a box for a startup (Subscription Box, Mailing service, etc.)
  • Custom gift and party items
  • Personalizing packaging at any level

How much does Box It Now Cost? Can I try it for free?

Yes, we have a trial offering on Box It Now that allows you to try out the service. We have one box style in each category that is available for trying us out before you even begin the trial. We offer two subscription options: Professional and Multipack. Professional is for a single person and gives access to the full site with unlimited usage. This subscription is $60 / month and you can start with a 15-day Free Trial. A Multipack Subscription offers the full site for multiple users, each with their own logins. Each user costs $45 / month (25% discount!) and is paid for by the Subscription Owner. There is a minimum of 3 users required for Multipack, including the owner. This pack does not offer a free trial but you can still try out our Demo before you choose to purchase.

I’m not a packaging professional. Can I still use it?

Of course! The program is very easy to use, making it simple and easy to create the perfect design. Box It Now makes it simple to create and relay your concepts to your customers and team members. Here are some non-professional uses we’ve seen:

  • Shipping Containers
  • Startup / Kickstarter Packaging
  • Retail Product Packaging
  • Adding branding to products you ship every day
  • Products you ship on Etsy, Ebay and other sites to create brand awareness

Do you offer any prototyping services?

We do not currently offer any prototyping services. We only provide the software to design your box. When your design is completed, our program provides you with everything you need for a local manufacturer to make your prototype a reality. If you need assistance finding a local provider, we will be glad to assist you.

I use the Adobe Creative Suite and other programs to design my packaging. Does Box It Now replace all of those?

While Box It Now provides you with many of the necessary tools to create a box, you may still want to use other graphic software offerings to help create retail ready packaging where precise and detailed information is a requirement for your end product. Box It Now offers a collection of standard graphics that are used on mainstream boxes, although you may want to use your own software to finalize your design in further detail. Remember however, that all the files Box It Now exports are industry standard files that manufacturers will understand.

What kinds of packaging can I create?

We offer over 170 box designs, from a basic shipping containers (RSC) to mainstream POP displays, trays and retail ready packaging. All designs are created using industry standard technology that actually can be produced.

Do I have to download Box It Now onto my computer?

No, Box It Now is entirely web based. This means you can access it anywhere, on any computer using your personal login to access the system. Box It Now also remembers your designs and uploads when you create an account.

Does Box It Now store any files on my computer’s hard drive?

No, Box It Now does not store any files on your computer. Box It Now uses cloud storage to keep a library of digital assets in your Media Manager area. This makes it simple to continuously add files and designs to your library. Stored designs are also on the cloud, saved in the My Boxes area. Box It Now sends its exported files via email to the address you request in the export section.

What Operating Systems support Box It Now?

Box It Now uses your computer browser engine to run. Chrome is a preferred browser on multiple platforms as well as Safari on the Mac and Edge on Microsoft platforms. To create a better user experience Box It Now works best on computers and tablets.

Can I share my designs with my team?

Yes! After your design is completed and stored in your My Boxes area, you can share a link to view the 3D interactive design with your team. This way, non-users of the system can interact with your design in 3D. Exporting files is an alternate option to provide detailed information to your team members.

What file types does Box It Now export?

Box It Now Exports several file types: Spec Sheet (Used for quoting a design), PDF Print Card (Shows how your graphics appear on a flat CAD design), DXF (Used for importing into a CAD program), HPGL (File used to send to a cutting table for sample making), EPS (Detailed drawing of the box design used to import into an alternate design application for exact design processes), and DDES3 (Detailed CAD drawing that can be imported directly into a CAD or 3D rendering program). Box It Now also exports a HIGH RESOLUTION PDF file that can be send directly to a professional printer and die-cutter for rapid prototyping.

Does Box It Now offer different materials for my box design?

We offer three finishes: White, Kraft and White/Kraft. Several options are available for those who may need finishes for both inside and outside the box either in Kraft (standard industry shipping finishes) or White (premium printing surface). These options can be toggled in the ‘Materials’ dropdown of the Design Studio. The options that you select here will be reflected on the emailed PDF for manufacturers to follow.

What materials/corrugated flute sizes do we offer?

Box It Now offers many options of substrates (Material thicknesses) including folding carton, corrugated packaging and double wall (two thicknesses of material glued together).

Can I apply graphics and colors on both sides of a box?

Yes! You are able to apply graphics and color to the interior and exterior of a box. When in the Design Studio, click the “Apply Graphics” tab and click on either the “Outside” or “Inside” tab to switch between the sides of the box to apply graphics.

What color models do you use?

Box It Now exports in the CMYK format, (CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW and BLACK) color profile. Images seen on screen are represented in RGB but can be customized using the Color formula tabs in the design engine.

What types of boxes can I choose from?

We offer 12 categories ranging from Pizza boxes to Pallet Displays. In total, there are over 170 unique designs to choose from.

What file types do you accept for artwork?

We accept PNG, SVG, PDF and JPG for artwork. These files can be dragged and dropped into the Media Manager and sorted or you can simply click the “Choose Graphic” button in the “Apply Graphics” section of the Design Studio.

I have never used a design program before and I am having trouble learning your system. What should I do?

We offer a step-by-step guide [Here] on our website, explaining all of the features of the Design Studio and how to use them. If you are confused about a function, you are welcome to contact us at info@boxitnow.com.

I already have a design with a dieline, can I use that?

Box It Now offers a variety of standard box styles that may match an existing dieline you already have. The library offers over 170 industry-standard designs that can be resized to your needs. Currently we do not have the ability to import an existing CAD file. To import your finished artwork, select the “Full Page Graphics” tab. Your existing graphic can be arranged on an existing design from the library and resized to fit our CAD.

Can you design my artwork for me?

We do not currently offer design development for our customers. If you are having trouble with the design process, you can click [Here] to view our step-by-step tutorial on how to design a box.

Can I add my own logo and/or graphics?

Yes! You are able to upload any image you’d like, as long as it’s a JPEG, JPG, PNG, SVG or PDF. Please remember to upload the highest resolution image you can, as it will scale up when the box is being printed. SVG file format ensures quality printing at any size on your new design.

Does Box It Now offer free graphics to get me started?

We offer hundreds of free graphics to start your design. The graphics range from animals to standard handling warnings, all following a black silhouette style.

What file types can I import into Box It Now?

You able to upload JPEG, JPG, PNG, SVG and PDF files for your graphics using the drag and drop process in the section called MEDIA MANAGER.

Can I resize my box to any custom size?

Every design has basic and custom design capabilities. Remember, when you enter basic dimensions you are entering inside dimensions. Extended parameters can also be altered using the ‘Advanced’ tab in each design. This is for more experienced users of the platform.

Can I import my own box designs into Box It Now?

Currently, you are not able to import your own box styles into our program. If you have a specific design or series of designs you would like to utilize in Box It Now, we also offer a custom Enterprise solution of the product that can be personalized for your company. If you are interested in an Enterprise level membership, please contact us at info@boxitnow.com.

How do I upload my artwork?

There are two ways for you to upload your graphics, through the Media Manager or while already creating a box. We suggest you upload through Media Manager to easily organize your files. Simply click the “Media Manager” tab at the top of the Categories page. Start by creating a folder for your artwork and then drag and drop your files into the designated area at the bottom of the screen. Box It Now offers full storage of your graphics asset on its cloud based storage platform. An alternative is selecting the “My Graphics” section of the “Apply Graphics” tab and click “Select a Graphic” at the bottom of the list. This will allow you to upload a file directly into your archive that you previously created in another graphic design application. Downloading the EPS file from the Box It Now engine will allow a precise map of graphics to your structure using the APPLY GRAPHICS tab.

I uploaded the wrong graphic, can I delete it?

Yes, you can do this by going to the Categories section of the site and clicking “Media Manager” at the top of the page. Once in Media Manager, your graphics will be organized in files if you created them. If not, your graphic will be towards the bottom of the “Main” folder. To delete a graphic, simply hover over the one you want to delete and click the (X) at the top right. You will be prompted to check a box confirming that you are aware that it will be gone forever. Once you agree, click the “Okay” button and your graphic will be deleted.

What is a dieline? How do I use it?

A dieline is a two dimensional drawing which tells a box manufacturer the exact size and design of a box. It also explains where to cut and where to crease the design. Box It Now exports both a drawing of these dimensions, as well as an file that can be imported into another graphic program for detailed editing called an EPS view.

I’m using an external Graphic program like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. how can I prepare my artwork for Box It Now?

After importing the EPS created by Box It Now, you can start building graphics on each panel of your new carton design. Make sure to allow proper artwork alignment including bleeds, traps and text design that best suits your printing process. For some analog printers, certain graphic requirements are more forgiving to the process. For digital prep, make sure to discuss the artwork requirements with your external suppliers. Make sure to save your artwork as a High Resolution PDF file format that can be re-imported into Box It Now for proofing purposes in 3D format. This finished file can be loaded from the FULL PAGE GRAPHICS tab. This is where you can properly align the artwork with the CAD drawing.

What if I am not happy with my experience?

We strive to bring you a great experience and we hope you enjoy our program! We offer a 15-day free trial when you sign up so you can be sure that we’re the right fit. You may unsubscribe at any time and you will no longer be billed after your last paid month ends.

What forms of payment do you offer?

We take all major credit cards. An invoicing process can be put in place as well by contacting the support team at Box It Now.

How do I distribute the individual Multipack License Keys to each user?

Box It Now provides individual license keys for each user. Within your settings, you simply assign a user to a pack and the key is emailed to them instantly. The user then inputs the key in the signup page and creates their own account. The account admin/creator provides users their keys for entering into their registration areas.

Is there a difference between a Professional Account and a Multipack Account?

Both account types have the same features and functions. As a Multipack admin, you are the only one able to end the subscription to Box It Now if you choose to do so for yourself or the rest of your team.

Do I need a Professional Account to buy a Multipack?

No, as a Multipack owner, you receive one of the license keys as your own. The other keys are distributable to other users by the owner of the account.

Guidelines and Best Practices When Getting Your Design Ready for Printing:

Inside Dimensions
Remember, the dimensions you enter into the measurements page are inside carton dimensions. Any resize of the design will become visual in the CAD file drawing. Changing material thickness also alters the panel dimensions of the design.

Do Not Rotate the Structural Drawing
The unique structural template (CAD Dieline) we send you to build your art has been designed to flow through our system smoothly and accurately. It is very important that this template not be altered or rotated. The printed art is cut out based on the original template orientation. Rotating the dieline in your artwork may yield unintended results.

Preserve the Dieline Layer in Your File
To ensure your custom packaging cuts correctly, it is very important that the unique structural dieline we send you is included as part of the print file. The structural drawing will contain Spot Colors for the cut and crease lines in the Swatch menu. These colors are used to tell the cutting and creasing machines how to convert your unique product. Do not delete or convert the spot colors into CMYK, and do not delete the dieline layer.

Add Your Custom Artwork to a New Layer
Within Adobe Illustrator, create a new layer either above or below your dieline layer to add your custom artwork to. All artwork added to this layer should be CMYK (no Pantone or spot colors).

Black Ink Saturation
Too much ink in any one area can lead to printing and drying issues, which affect everything from how quickly your project can be printed, to possible issues in the cutting and finishing processes. Too much ink saturation can lead to other problems like ink smearing and smudging.
For instance, black elements built using 100% Black, 100% Cyan, 100% Magenta and 100% Yellow have ink coverage of 400% which will not cure properly and result in quality and production issues. Using a color build of 100% Black, 30% Cyan, 30% Magenta and 30% Yellow, you end up with a similar result without the print issues.

Rich Black
If your art includes black, we recommend it's built as a rich black with 30% cyan (C), 30% magenta (M), 30% yellow(Y) and 100% black (K). For best results, include a .5pt stroke of 100% black (K) to avoid print overspray.

Color Settings & Pantone
All artwork should be converted to CMYK. Please convert any RGB colors and images to avoid unexpected color shifting. All Pantone (PMS) colors should be converted to CMYK. Pantone and spot colors are not supported.

Fonts and Type
We recommend using size 10 and larger for fonts, and using a heavier weight for text that is reversed-out. All type should be outlined in your final artwork file. Fonts below 10 point may not print legibly, especially if a font is thin (or features of a font are thin, like serifs or cross bars). When reversing type, use one weight heavier than the weight you intended to use. Avoid specifying small trademark and register mark symbols to print in reverse, as they may fill in when printed.

Convert All Text to Outlines
To ensure your custom packaging prints correctly, we require that all fonts be converted to outlines.

Artwork Bleed
Final artwork files must maintain a minimum bleed of .125” (1⁄8th-inch) on all edges and into glue flap.

Safe Area
Margins, rule outlines, or copy that does not bleed needs to be no less than .125” (1⁄8th-inch) away from dieline and scores.

UPC/Barcodes
UPC-A type barcodes need to be at least 150% size (approx. 2.2” wide). In order to scan properly, the height of the bars is not as much of a concern, but we recommend them to be at least .5” (1⁄2-inch) tall.

Image Resolution
Check image resolution to provide the best quality print. If images are at a resolution of 150 dpi or lower at 100% scale this can result in a loss of sharpness and "pixelated" look. Straight lines will have a "staircase" effect.

For best results, all artwork and image resolution should be no less than 300 dpi.

Placed Images
All images should be embedded into your artwork file PDF. Make sure placed images have the correct file extensions: ".tiff" or ".eps" at the end (e.g.,"Image.tiff" or "Image.eps"). Include only the page layout documents and the supporting files required for your project. Place graphics at 100%. Any graphics placed less than 100% takes longer to output and may require additional prepress time. Placed images and artwork should be in the CMYK color space.

Setting Up A Dieline For Two-Sided Printing
If you have placed an order for two-sided printing, when you receive your dieline:

1. Open your dieline file in Adobe Illustrator
2. Unlock the dieline layer
3. Duplicate your artboard, including the dieline layer, so that you have two artboards with dielines
4. Lock your dieline layer and create a new layer to insert your artwork for both sides of your box.

Please note that Artboard 1 will print as the OUTSIDE of your box, and Artboard 2 will print as the INSIDE of your box.

Final Artwork Proofing Before Printing
The export email you receive from Box It Now contains secondary files for industry usage but also contains a link to download a High Resolution PDF file that can be opened for an exact proof of how your finished artwork will be printed. Make sure to view that file before proceeding to print your newly created design.

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