Specify the box
Begin with measurement, materials, corrugated flute, structure, and dielines.
Start with measurements →Direct Box Supply Education Center
Make Better Packaging Decisions Before You Buy
Plain-language guides for specifications, materials, artwork, samples, freight, landed cost, and repeat-order planning.
✓ Technical terms translated✓ Quote-ready checklists✓ Cost and risk explained
Prepare production files
Understand resolution, color systems, proofs, finishes, and samples.
Review artwork requirements →Plan the supply program
Compare freight, calculate landed cost, and build a safer reorder cycle.
Understand landed cost →Packaging Guides
An expanding practical reference library
Use these articles to prepare a quote, challenge an assumption, or identify the questions a supplier should answer in writing.
How to Measure a Box Correctly
Use the standard length × width × depth sequence, distinguish inside from outside dimensions, and avoid the measurement errors that delay quoting.
Read guide →Choosing SBS Versus Kraft Paperboard
Compare print appearance, strength, finish compatibility, sustainability goals, and cost before choosing a paperboard.
Read guide →Corrugated Flute Guide
Understand common flute profiles and how thickness, cushioning, print surface, storage, and shipping demands affect the choice.
Read guide →Understanding Packaging Dielines
Learn how cut lines, scores, bleed, safe areas, glue zones, windows, and panel orientation work together.
Read guide →Artwork Resolution Requirements for Packaging
Prepare logos, photos, type, barcodes, and linked files so artwork survives prepress and prints cleanly at final size.
Read guide →CMYK Versus Pantone for Packaging
Choose the right color system for photography, brand-color control, substrate variation, quantity, and production method.
Read guide →Matte Versus Gloss Versus Soft-Touch
Compare appearance, feel, durability, fingerprinting, scuff risk, cost, and compatibility with specialty finishes.
Read guide →Foil and Embossing: When Premium Finishes Add Value
Understand tooling, registration, artwork setup, material constraints, sampling, and the best places to use tactile finishing.
Read guide →Prototype Versus Production Sample
Know what each sample can validate, what it cannot prove, and when the added cost and time are justified.
Read guide →Express Versus Air DDP Versus Sea DDP
Compare speed, chargeable weight, minimums, customs responsibility, cash timing, and inventory planning across freight methods.
Read guide →How Landed Packaging Cost Works
Calculate the complete cost per usable box by including tooling, freight, duties, brokerage, damage, inspection, and inventory effects.
Read guide →Planning a 60-Day or 90-Day Packaging Reorder Cycle
Set reorder points around demand, lead time, safety stock, artwork changes, cash flow, and the risk of running out.
Read guide →How to Prepare for a Custom Packaging Quote
The specifications, artwork, quantities, and reference materials that help produce a faster, more accurate quote.
Read guide →How to Choose the Right Custom Box Style
Compare structure, protection, assembly, presentation, and budget before selecting a box style.
Read guide →Custom Packaging Materials Guide
Understand kraft, SBS paperboard, corrugated, rigid board, recycled content, and specialty stocks.
Read guide →Artwork and Dielines: A Practical Guide
Prepare print-ready artwork, understand cut and fold lines, and avoid common prepress delays.
Read guide →Custom Packaging Pricing and Lead Times
Learn what influences pricing, tooling, sampling, production schedules, and delivery timing.
Read guide →Start Your Project
Have a packaging question the guides do not answer?
Use the Packaging Assistant for immediate general guidance or request a callback for project-specific help.