Oct 13, 2026Help Center
What Is a Box Dieline? A Beginner's Guide for Packaging Buyers
A dieline is the flat blueprint your box is made from — cut lines, creases, glue flaps and bleed. Who makes it, what to check, and three mistakes to avoid.
Packaging guides
Buying guides, printing tips, and factory updates
Practical packaging knowledge from the CrateBee team - artwork preparation, material selection, finishing processes, and design checklists for small brands.
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Oct 13, 2026Help Center
CMYK vs Pantone: Choosing the Right Color System for Packaging
CMYK builds color from four inks, Pantone is one pre-matched spot ink. Where each system wins on quality, consistency and cost for custom packaging.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
Embossing vs Debossing: Which Tactile Effect Fits Your Packaging?
Embossing raises your logo above the surface, debossing presses it in. How each effect is made, when to use which, and what they cost. A two-minute guide.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
Corrugated Flutes Explained: E, B, C and BC for Custom Boxes
E, B, C, F and BC flute profiles change how a corrugated box stacks, cushions and prints. A plain-English guide to picking the right flute for your product.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
Plain Black vs. Rich Black: Which Black Should You Use in Packaging Printing?
Plain black (K only) and rich black (CMYK mix) behave very differently in print. Learn when to use each on your custom boxes - and the common mistakes to avoid.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
Paper Weight Explained: GSM, PT and LB (With Quick Conversions)
GSM, points and basis weight measure the same paper three different ways. A plain-English guide with quick conversions for common packaging boards.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
SBS Paperboard: What It Is and When to Use It for Custom Packaging
SBS paperboard is the default choice for premium printed boxes. What it is, how it compares with kraft and coated duplex, and when to use it.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
Packaging Artwork Files: DPI, Bleed, Color Modes and Fonts That Print Right
The artwork checklist printers wish every buyer knew: file formats, 300 DPI images, 3 mm bleed, CMYK vs Pantone and outlined fonts - so your first order prints right.
Oct 13, 2026Help Center
How to Measure a Box: Inside Dimensions, Outside Dimensions and the L x W x D Rule
Inside vs outside dimensions, the L x W x D convention and how to measure for a perfect-fitting custom box. A two-minute guide for packaging buyers.
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Packaging products featured in our guides - cartons, pouches, labels and gift boxes, all made to order.
Cosmetic Boxes
Custom Cosmetic Folding Carton Boxes
Premium folding cartons for serums, creams, and makeup, printed in full color on SBS paperboard with foil stamping, spot UV and soft-touch lamination options for indie beauty brands.
Food & Supplement Boxes
Custom Food & Supplement Boxes
Food-grade folding cartons for teas, supplements and baked goods, printed with food-safe inks and optional window patches for retail shelves.
Folding Cartons
Custom Straight Tuck End Boxes
Classic straight tuck end cartons for retail products, easy to assemble by hand and printed in full color inside and out on SBS board.