When it comes to designing packaging for products, there’s more to it than aesthetics. Packaging should create an experience, tell your brand’s story and help your product stand out on the shelf or in a delivery box. Whether you’re wrapping handmade candles, shipping baked goods or boxing tech accessories, your packaging does a lot of heavy lifting for your brand.
The good news is, you don’t need to be a design expert or have a massive budget to create packaging that looks great and works hard. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from finding your packaging style to choosing materials and prepping for print. So you can design something that feels just right for your brand.
- Designing packaging for products helps small businesses attract attention, build trust and boost brand recognition both online and on store shelves.
- Before you design, define your product, audience and sales channel to choose packaging that’s functional, appealing and cost-effective.
- A great packaging concept design tells your story visually through structure, materials and messaging that reflect your brand values.
- Use correct dielines, file formats and color codes to avoid production errors and create print-ready files that match your vision.
- Small businesses can create standout, affordable packaging using tools like Canva and VistaPrint’s custom packaging options with no design skills required.
Source: Nature themed product packaging by Martis Lupus via 99designs by Vista
What is packaging design?
Imagine two jam jars at a market: one is plain, and the other has an artsy box and label that tells the story of the farm. The second is more likely to grab your attention. That’s packaging design—upgrading the outside of your product, from the materials to the graphics, so it matches the vibe of your brand and makes people notice your product.
It’s a practical tool—like bubble packaging that protects a glass product—but it’s also more than that. Like any good design, packaging design should tell a story. Packaging is an experience for the senses, literally engaging us through sight, touch and sound (and possibly smell and taste, depending on the product/package).
Since packaging is your first impression of a product, it’s often the deciding factor in whether someone chooses your product or another on the same shelf. It also plays a big role in perceived value. Clean, intentional design can make your product feel more premium.
Of course, packaging needs to be functional too. It has to protect and sometimes even dispense your product. And good custom packaging reflects your brand. Whether you’re bold and modern or organic and earthy, your style choices should match your identity. Lastly, consistency matters. A clear packaging style guide will ensure that everything, from your boxes to your labels, feels cohesive and professional.
How to pick the right packaging for your business
There are three questions you must answer before you start the packaging design process for a product. You need to know what the product is, who is buying the product and how they are buying it. These are the foundations of great packaging, and they’ll help shape every design decision you make so it best fits your brand’s needs.
Let’s look at these a little bit more in-depth:
What is the product?
It’s not a trick question; this should be an easy one. Ask yourself what exactly are you selling? How big is it? What materials is it made of? Is it delicate? Does it have any special storage requirements like being kept cool or dry? This will help you determine if there are any logistical musts for your product packaging.
For example, a fragile glass ornament needs cushioned packaging—think bubble wrap or custom inserts. A handmade soap bar might need a wrap that keeps it dry but still lets the scent shine through. A bag of artisanal coffee beans could use a resealable pouch with a degassing valve to maintain freshness. A local candle-maker might choose a sturdy, snug-fit box to prevent chipping during shipping.
Something that is large or with odd dimensions, on the other hand, may require a custom packaging solution. If your item is small, think about a simple packaging design that protects without overwhelming the product. If it’s oddly shaped, you might need inserts or a more creative structure.
Who’s buying the product?
Is the product supposed to be used by men, women or both? Is it for children or adults? Is it geared toward people who are environmentally conscious? To those on a budget or with lots of disposable income?
A product’s packaging should appeal to its ideal consumer; it’s important to know who that consumer is before you start the process. Once you know who they are, you can gear your packaging toward their likes or needs.
For older adults, packaging design may need larger text, or an affluent customer may like product packaging that creates a feeling of luxury. A skincare brand targeting Gen Z might go for colorful, playful graphics with a glossy finish. A small-batch jam company selling at farmers markets might choose kraft paper labels to emphasize its handmade quality.
For eco-conscious shoppers, packaging should be recyclable or reusable and labeled clearly as such. For trend-conscious buyers, modern graphic design can be seen in product packaging that uses bold colors or minimalist layouts. This is where competitor research can help spark ideas.
How are people buying the product?
Are they purchasing it in a supermarket? A small boutique? Online?
Packaging design needs different approaches if the product is going to be sold online and shipped than if it’s going on a big-box store shelf where it needs to stand out from the competition. Items that will be sold online probably shouldn’t have a lot of extra space that could cause the product to rattle around or the package to bend. And those that will be on a boutique shelf will need to catch the eye of a buyer.
For example, a ceramic mug sold online by a small Etsy shop will need protective foam or cardboard braces inside a compact box, while a bakery selling cookies through a delivery service might need sealed pouches and temperature-resistant mailers.
Think about the unboxing experience, too—especially for direct-to-consumer brands. A great unboxing moment is part of your brand story and can help with social sharing. For small businesses, this is a huge opportunity—add a handwritten note or coupon code and you’ve just created a memorable moment that encourages repeat purchases. For shelf-ready products, consider how your packaging looks stacked or hanging. This is where structure, readability and good package design really count.
Information to collect before designing packaging for your products
Before designing, gather:
- Brand details: CMYK/Pantone codes, fonts, vector logo.
- Content: Product name, description, barcodes.
- Style ideas: Inspiration from packaging you love.
- Budget: One-time and per-item costs.
This will save time, reduce errors and help your final design reflect your brand and meet all the practical requirements needed for good packaging design. Think of this step as creating a mini packaging style guide to keep your process focused.
Brand requirements
Sometimes a product stands alone, and in other cases it’s representing an established brand. If your packaging needs to represent a certain brand aesthetic, make sure you’ve gathered the following information before you start:
Colors
If you already have the CMYK values or the Pantone Color codes, include those—as they’re specifically for printing. If not, a hex code is fine, too. Just be aware it may not translate perfectly in print.
Fonts
Make sure you have the proper fonts and any specific usage instructions (like kerning or weight). This is especially important for consistency across product lines, signage and marketing materials.
Logo
If you need to put a logo on the package, make sure you have a vector file available. This means your logo will print crisp and clear at any size. Raster files like JPEGs or PNGs can appear pixelated when scaled.
Content that needs to go on the packaging
This is going to be pretty unique and specific to your product, but you’ll want to make sure you have it all sorted out before you start to design your packaging. Great packaging combines storytelling and clarity, so everything from your copy to your barcodes should serve a clear purpose. Depending on your industry, there may also be some legal requirements to consider.
You may need:
Written copy
This can include anything from the name of your product to a description to words enticing someone to purchase.
Imagery
Want to put photos on your packaging? You’ll need to have those ready to go before you start the design process. High-resolution, print-ready images will give your packaging a polished finish.
Required marks
Depending on your product or industry, you may be required to include a barcode, nutrition information, association marks, etc. These may seem small, but they’re essential parts of good packaging design.
Know what temporary content you need
Some products—like foods or cosmetics—have additional information that needs to be added to different batches (expiration dates or batch numbers). You don’t want to print this directly onto your packaging as it will be changing regularly, but you’ll want to make sure you save space for a custom sticker or stamp to be placed at a later date with that information. This flexibility can help you scale and save costs in the long run.
Style likes and dislikes
It’s a good idea to have done some style research before you start the design process. Start collecting packaging that you like. Snap photos when you’re at the store. Create a Pinterest board. Browse other small businesses to see what’s trending—inspiration for packaging ideas can come from anywhere.
Remember, style inspiration isn’t always a one-to-one transaction. Maybe you love the color of a specific shirt, the print of your aunt’s curtains or the font on a sandwich shop sign. One thing to remember, though, is that you’re not necessarily curating packaging design ideas for yourself, but for that ideal customer. You may love shabby, vintage chic, but if you’re selling baby motorcycle jackets to badass biker moms, that’s probably not the best style for your packaging.
Another thing to start thinking about when you’re on your style journey is materials. You don’t have to make any decisions right now, but you’ll want to start noticing the different options. Matte, glossy, kraft, metallic—your choice of materials plays a big role in the feel and function of your product casing design.
Budget
Packaging design budgets break down into two categories:
One-time costs
These include things like paying for the original design work, purchasing a stamp (if you’re going the DIY route) and print plate setup (for large, offset print runs). You pay for this upfront, and usually only once (unless you change your design).
Per-item costs
These are generally for materials and labor. Each box will cost a certain amount, as will the tissue paper you stuff it with and the tape you use to seal it. And you either have to pay someone to put your product into the box—or do it yourself.
For a more in-depth breakdown of pricing, check out our article on packaging design costs.
You’ll want to have a ballpark idea of how much you’d like to spend before you start the design process. This will guide decisions like custom vs. stock boxes, label printing methods and packaging quantities. Keep in mind that cheaper isn’t always better; paying a little bit more for your materials could up your presentation (and your selling price) by making your business stand out from the competition. After all, good packaging design can help justify a higher product price.
How to create packaging for a product
Once you’ve gathered all the information you need about your audience and branding prerequisites, it’s finally time for the fun part: the design process. Remember how you want your packaging design to tell a story? Now you get to bring it to life. From choosing materials to building your layout, designing packaging for products is where function meets creativity. Get to grips with packaging layers to know how to best do this while protecting your product along the way.
1. Understand packaging layers (outer, inner and product packaging)
There are three “layers” of product packaging: outer packaging, inner packaging and product packaging. Your product may need one or all three of these depending on how and where it’s sold. Use outer packaging for a bold logo, inner for a thank-you note, and product packaging to explain usage.
Source: Bag packaging design
- Outer packaging is the first thing a customer is going to see. It’s what protects your product from the elements. This could include the mailer box that the product is shipped in or the custom paper bag the item is placed in at the store. It also plays a big role in first impressions, especially if you’re focusing on a branded unboxing experience.
- Inner packaging keeps your product nestled safely in the outer layer. This might be packing peanuts, shredded paper or tissue that prevents damage. Or it might be a sealed bag that acts to preserve freshness.
Source: Simple product packaging design
- Product packaging is what most people picture when they think of packaging: it’s the box the toy comes in, the bottle with a label, the tag on a garment or the wrapper of a candy bar.
Each of these layers is an opportunity to reinforce your brand, tell a story and deliver value to your audience. From structure to graphics, the choices you make here help define what kind of experience your customer will have.
2. Choose the right packaging for your small business (product, competition, budgeting)
There are many different types of packaging available for your product. And the more thoughtful your choice, the stronger your packaging concept design will be. Choosing between a box and a bottle may sometimes be a no-brainer. But often, it’s not that simple.
The product
Everything always comes back to this! When designing packaging for products, your material needs to match both the form and function of what’s inside. If you’re selling something liquid, that’s going to limit your options. Though don’t let this stifle your creativity! Look at Capri Sun: they turned the juice-box industry on its head by creating a juice sachet. Or Go-Gurt, which took yogurt from a spoon-required snack to one you could suck out of a packet.
List the physical traits of your product—the size, shape, weight, fragility, shelf life—and use this as a checklist when considering your packaging options.
The competition
Does everyone else put their soup in a can? You’re going to want to think really hard about putting your soup in something else. On one hand, it will make you stand out, which could help set you apart. On the other hand, consumers are used to cans of soup and grocery stores are set up to stock cans in their soup section, which may mean your box of soup is fighting an uphill battle.
You might want to visit a store where your product will be sold and snap photos of 3–5 competitor packages. Make notes about what works and what could be improved then brainstorm how you can stand out while still fitting in on the same shelves.
The budget
You may have an awesome idea of how you’re going to sell your astrology charms in a star-shaped box. But if your budget is $0.50 per piece, that’s probably not going to be possible. When budgeting, think in terms of both presentation and practicality. A simple package design can still be elevated through thoughtful materials or finishes.
Remember to always keep the ideal customer in mind: if your charms are going to sell for $12 each, a simple, inexpensive box is probably your best bet. But if they’re hand-crafted, gold keepsakes that you are selling for $100, you may be better served to up your budget and go for that luxury star-shaped box. Balancing form, function and cost is at the heart of good packaging design.
Write down your price point and ideal profit margin, then work backward to calculate your maximum packaging cost per unit. Test 2-3 packaging versions within that range to see what offers the best value.
3. Line up your printer
Printing is not something you’re going to do until after the design is complete. But you should think about it long before you get to that stage! The earlier you bring in a printer, the smoother the process will be—especially when it comes to staying on budget and following correct packaging design guidelines.
Not only is connecting with a printer going to ensure you’re solid on the costs of printing, but they’ll also be able to give you specific information that can help you prepare the right files. You should contact your preferred printer early and ask for a print spec sheet, and use this to guide your file set-up from day one.
Here are a few things to ask about:
Dielines
If you’re going with a standard-sized box or packaging label, printers should be able to provide dieline templates that can be shared with a designer. These dielines show you where folds, cuts and bleed areas will be, so your packaging concept design aligns perfectly with the physical product.
Download a dieline from your printer and test-fit your artwork before finalizing your layout. Print it on paper and wrap it around a sample to check the alignment is right.
File-format requirements
Your printer will need a vector file. Does it need to be a layered file? Should you include cut lines or not? You (or the designer you work with) should supply a print-ready file, usually an Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Photoshop (.psd), PDF or EPS. Sometimes when working with a professional designer, they will also supply visual mockups in a PNG or JPG format to see your packaging design in action. Make sure you understand which file types are what so you can supply them to the right people.
These formats will mean your design stays sharp and color-accurate at any size. Sometimes when working with a professional designer, they’ll also provide visual mockups in a PNG or JPG format so you can preview how your packaging design for products will look in 3D. Understanding file types will help you collaborate more smoothly with designers, printers and manufacturers. You can even ask your printer for a sample file or template to see exactly how they want assets delivered. Include bleed, trim, and safe zones in your final design.
Color options
Some printers are going to be able to color-match to any Pantone color value. Others (especially less-expensive options) are going to have a limited color palette for you to work with. If you’re aiming for nice packaging design with bold or specific colors, check this early so there are no surprises. Request printed color swatches if possible as what you see on screen may not match what comes out of the printer.
Digital vs. offset printing
Which type of printing does your printer use? If they offer offset printing, ask about the minimum order quantity and how costs scale. It’s often more cost-effective for high-volume runs. Digital printing, on the other hand, is faster and better for small-batch or on-demand printing. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your timeline, quantity and finish preferences.
If you’re just starting out, use digital printing for flexibility then switch to offset once you’re confident in your design and volume.
Source: Decorative packaging design with logo on ribbon
4. Create information architecture
Think back to those three key questions, especially who’s buying your product and where they’re finding it. You’re going to use those answers to guide the information architecture of your package.
You might have beautiful photos of your product in action, a brilliant testimonial from a customer, a witty tagline that explains how you’re awesome and a great graphic showing how to use your product. But here’s the thing: when someone sees your packaging design, they’re likely only going to remember one thing. So the real question is: what do you want that one thing to be?
Pick the single most important thing you want customers to know about your product. That message should be the star of your layout: your visual hook, your headline or the focal point of your label. This could be your product’s key benefit, your unique value or a powerful tagline that sticks.
Once you’ve nailed that, layer in 2–3 additional pieces of supporting info. These should be details that help close the deal once someone has picked up your product (or clicked on your link).
- How to use it (especially important for new or niche items)
- Customer proof (a short review or testimonial)
- Extra benefits (organic, handmade, recyclable, etc.)
This approach keeps your layout clear, focused and persuasive. Everything a piece of good packaging design should be. By designing around how your customer shops and decides, you make it easy for them to say yes.
Source: By Mj.vass via 99designs by Vista
5. Evaluate your packaging design idea
You’ve got some great packaging design ideas! Now it’s time to evaluate them. This is a key part of designing packaging for products because the best designs aren’t just pretty, they’re effective. Here are a few things you’re going to want to think about:
Is it clear what your product is?
When you look at the package, is it clear what the product does and who it’s for? Buyers are only going to spend money on things they understand. If your design is clever but confusing, you could be losing customers before they even pick up your product.
Is the packaging an honest representation of your product?
One of the worst things you can do is misrepresent your product in your packaging. Make sure any photos on the packaging are actually photos of the product. Of course, you can and should put your best face forward, but if you show a picture of muffins filled with chocolates and there’s actually only 1 chocolate inside, you risk disappointing your customers, and a disappointed customer probably won’t buy from you again. Good package design builds trust, and trust leads to repeat buyers.
What will this package look like in 3D?
When you work with a good designer, they should provide a mockup of your design in print-ready (flat) and in 3-dimensions. You can also DIY this by printing your design and folding it into a box or sleeve to check for alignment issues, readability and overall flow. This will help you notice things you wouldn’t otherwise. Sometimes a layout will look great when flat, but doesn’t work when it’s constructed (or vice versa). So make sure you test early and often.
What will this package look like in stores?
Shelf impact is very important for products that are sold in stores. You’ll want to consider:
- How much of the packaging will be visible when stacked or shelved? When products are lined up next to each other, you can usually only see one side.
- Is your main message front and center?
- What will it look like when these products are stacked next to and on top of each other?
- What will your packaging look like next to competitors? Visit the type of store your product will be in and study the space. If everything’s pastel, maybe bold red helps you stand out. Or maybe simple design packaging makes your brand feel more premium in a cluttered aisle.
Is this design versatile?
You may only have one product now, but future-proofing your packaging matters. Can this design easily be tweaked to include other flavors, scents or variations? This kind of flexible layout makes scaling your product line easier and more affordable.
Source: Packaging design for multiple flavors of Louisville Vegan Jerky Co By Mj.vass via 99designs by Vista
Is your packaging reusable?
This may not be important for every product, but you may want to consider if your packaging can be reused (and if you want it to be)! Could your box double as storage? Could your label peel off cleanly so the container can be reused? Reusable packaging is not only sustainable, but it can become part of your brand’s identity.
6. Collect feedback
Before finalizing your packaging design, ensure you take a comprehensive approach to reviewing it. Step back and look at the big picture: what story is your packaging telling, and is it doing it well? Check out the most recent packaging design trends to see what’s resonating with customers right now. Run your design by both key stakeholders and individuals who have never heard of or used your product.
Why both? Because your team will catch details you care about internally, while outsiders will help you see your design through fresh eyes. Even if it’s just your neighbor across the street, people who are not closely associated with your product will notice things you never did.
Try asking:
- What does this product do?
- Who is supposed to buy this product?
- What is the one key message you get when you look at this packaging?
If their answers don’t match what you intended, that’s your sign to refine your packaging design. Designing packaging for products is as much about communication as it is about looking good. So go back to your design and figure out what to simplify, shift or clarify.
7. Get the right files
You’ve decided on your packaging design. High five! Now it’s time to prep everything for printing. This is where accuracy matters most, because no one wants to delay a launch over missing dielines or incorrect file formats.
Now go back to that information you got from your printer and double-check that you’ve got the right versions of everything. You probably need:
Packaging dielines in vector format. This will probably be an Adobe Illustrator (.ai), .pdf, or .eps file. Vector files are scalable and print-ready, which means your packaging will look sharp no matter the size. Make sure you have one dieline file for each variation of the packaging you are creating. (So, if you have 3 flavors, you need 3 separate files.)
Color codes. If your printer supports custom colors, make sure you have the exact Pantone or CMYK color codes so that everything turns out looking like you want. This is key for keeping your branding consistent across boxes, labels and inserts, especially if you’re printing in batches or with multiple suppliers.
Getting these files right the first time helps your printer hit the mark and keeps your timeline on track. And once you’ve done it once, you’ll be set up for smoother reorders and product expansions down the line.
Product packaging design tips
Whether you’re launching your first product or giving your packaging a refresh, these tips will help you get it right the first time. Designing packaging for products is about striking the perfect balance between form, function and brand personality. Here are five ways to make your design stand out for all the right reasons.
Check out more detailed tips and explanations in our article 6 ways to make your product packaging market itself.
Keep it simple and clear
Clarity beats cleverness every time. The most effective packaging designs tell you exactly what the product is and why you should care without overwhelming the eye. Stick to one core message and a few supporting details. Don’t feel like you need to fill every inch of space. A clean, simple design packaging layout is often the most memorable.
Align packaging with your brand personality
Your packaging should feel like an extension of your brand. If your tone is playful, let that show through in your colors, fonts and copy. If you’re luxury-focused, lean into minimalist layouts and premium finishes.
To improve brand recognition, use variations of your logo on personalized product packaging.
Consider sustainability and materials
More and more customers are making choices based on eco-friendliness. Recyclable boxes, compostable mailers and biodegradable fillers aren’t just good for the planet, they’re good for your brand, too. Think about material weight, texture and end-of-life use. A smart material choice can add value to your product and help your business stand out as a responsible choice.
Think about the unboxing experience
From custom tissue paper to thank-you inserts, the way your product is opened is a marketing moment. Especially for online sales, good packaging design creates excitement and reinforces brand loyalty. Even a small detail like a sticker seal or branded tape can make your unboxing feel more polished and intentional.
Avoid common packaging mistakes
Don’t let design errors derail your customer experience. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Using low-res images that print blurry
- Forgetting legal info like barcodes or batch codes
- Choosing colors that look great on screen but don’t translate to print
- Over-designing (e.g. too much copy, too many fonts or unclear messaging)
Packaging design ideas
If you’re looking for inspirational packaging that makes your product pop, there are endless ways to tell your story visually, and the best packaging feels both creative and on-brand. We’ve rounded up a few approaches that small businesses love.
Seasonal packaging
Holidays, seasons and cultural moments are a great excuse to mix things up. A limited-edition design for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or summer can create urgency, boost sales and keep your brand feeling fresh. Just remember to keep your print files handy as you might want to bring them back next year.
A candle brand might release a limited winter line in metallic gold boxes with snowflake patterns, or a bakery could wrap their Valentine’s cookies in pink heart-themed paper sleeves with handwritten-style fonts.
Minimalist and bold designs
Less really can be more. A simple package design with clean lines and bold contrast often feels high-end and modern. Think monochrome palettes, strong typography and thoughtful spacing. This approach works especially well for beauty, fashion and tech brands.
A small skincare company might use matte white jars with black sans-serif labels for a luxe, spa-like look, while an indie fashion boutique could ship products in all-black boxes sealed with custom logo tape in white.
Hand-drawn or illustrated design
Custom illustrations, doodles or painted textures can bring a human touch to your packaging. They add charm, personality and help you stand out from mass-produced products. This is especially effective for handmade, artisanal or locally sourced goods where uniqueness is a selling point.
A soapmaker could wrap bars in kraft paper printed with floral watercolors. A coffee roaster might feature a hand-sketched map of the bean’s origin on the bag. A children’s toy brand could use cartoon mascots drawn in a whimsical style.
Personalised packaging for small businesses
Whether it’s adding customer names, product variants or batch numbers, personalization can turn a generic package into something truly special. Labels, stickers, stamps and inserts are affordable ways to add a custom touch without blowing your budget.
A wedding favor shop might print the couple’s names on each package, or a small-batch skincare brand could include a handwritten thank-you note with each order. Even stamping your logo on kraft mailers adds a personal, handmade feel.
Trends in packaging design
From playful fonts to earth-tone palettes and tactile finishes, packaging design trends evolve every year. Keep an eye on what’s out there, but don’t chase trends for the sake of it. Your best bet is to always choose a packaging concept design that feels authentic and relevant to your audience.
Popular designs include embossed textures, frosted finishes and bold use of serif typography. But if your brand is rooted in rustic charm or local ingredients, leaning into natural materials and vintage prints may be more powerful than following the latest color trend.
Packaging design terms you should know
Here’s a quick guide to some common packaging design terms:
Adobe Illustrator (AI) file — Adobe Illustrator is a design program used to create vector images with an .ai extension. You need Adobe Illustrator to open these files.
Barcodes (UPC and EAN) — Barcodes are the groups of lines found on any package. They have machine-readable data on them that stores information about the product, including price.
Bleed — In printing, you use a bleed when your design goes to the edge of your paper (or box, or wrapper) so when the design is printed and cut to the right size there’s some room for error if the cuts are a few millimeters off.
CMYK — Stands for cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and key (black). These are the four colors used in printing. Each color has a CMYK code that a printer will use to help color-match your design and the finished package.
Dielines — The flattened pattern of your product packaging. Designers and printers use them to create the proper layout for a package.
EPS — Stands for encapsulated postscript. This is a file extension for vector-based images. They can generally only be opened in specialized graphic design programs.
Digital printing — A modern printing method where information about the file is sent to a printer digitally and each piece of packaging is run individually through that printer.
Offset printing — A printing technique where plates of your design are created in four colors (CMYK) and run through a large, industrial printer.
Pantone — Pantone is a company that created the Pantone Matching System (PMS). This system is a catalog of standardized printing colors.
PDF — Stands for portable document format, a versatile file format that is either a vector or raster and supports both images and text.
Raster file type — Raster images are made up of thousands of tiny dots (pixels) and can be difficult to resize.
RGB — Stands for red, green and blue—the three primary colors that can be combined to create all other colors in light and, therefore, on digital screens.
Vector file type — Vector images are made up of lines. As such, they are easy to resize.
Elevate your product with packaging design
Your packaging, whether it’s a box or a bag, is a powerful tool that tells customers what your brand stands for. From shipping handmade goods to stocking shelves in local shops, designing packaging for products with intention helps you boost sales and stand out in a crowded market. Remember to start small and stay focused on your customer, but don’t be afraid to evolve. With the right ideas and a little creativity, your packaging can be as impressive as what’s inside.
FAQs about packaging design
How do you create a product packaging that sells?
Start by identifying who your customer is and how they’ll interact with your product, whether that’s online, in-store, or as a gift. Then, design around one clear message that communicates your product’s key benefit. Use visuals and copy that speak directly to your audience.
Pro tip: Highlight your product’s value visually within three seconds. This is the average time it takes for someone to decide whether to engage or walk away.
How to design product packaging for free?
You can use free tools like VistaCreate or Canva to design packaging for free. VistaCreate has ready-made templates for boxes, labels and stickers. They’re both beginner-friendly and can create professional designs even if you don’t have a design background. Once you’re happy with your layout, VistaPrint can deliver your custom, professional-quality packaging.
Why is custom packaging necessary?
Custom packaging gives your business a professional, polished look. It reinforces your brand identity, protects your product and creates a more memorable customer experience. For small businesses, it can also be a powerful way to differentiate from competitors and build customer loyalty. When customers recognize your package, they’re more likely to trust your product and buy again.
What are the main components of custom packaging?
There are typically three layers to think about. Each layer offers a chance to reinforce your story and create a more memorable unboxing experience.
- Outer packaging: the shipping box or bag that protects your item in transit.
- Inner packaging: things like tissue paper, bubble wrap or pouches that add presentation and cushioning.
- Product-facing packaging: labels, wraps, boxes or tags that display your brand and key product info.
What are the benefits of custom packaging?
It makes your product stand out, protects it during shipping and strengthens your brand identity. Custom packaging also creates a positive first impression and encourages customers to share and return. If you’re a small business, custom packaging is one of the most affordable ways to look premium and build loyalty from the first delivery.
