The 23 Best Packaging Software Tools For Small Business [2024]

Updated: February 25th, 2022

Packaging Tools Software is essential to running your business.

If you are a developer or a software enthusiast, you may have at some point gotten frustrated over limited software that didn't provide the solutions to your problems. This is where software packaging tools come in handy. It has made it easier for developers to create applications and the end-users can enjoy the apps with all the features intact.

After interviewing thousands of founders, we put together a list of the most popular package design software tools.

Here they are:

1. Boxshot 5

Product and packaging mockup software with 50+ customizable shapes, realistic rendering, animation, scripting, import, export, and more

More About Boxshot 5

Boxshot features a large selection of customizable shapes almost all the shapes are customizable so you can adjust them for your design.

  • Shapes library:- more than 50 customizable shapes: boxes, books, mugs, CDs, DVDs, cans, and much more;
  • Automatic resize:- shapes are automatically adjusted to fit the artwork;
  • Customization:- almost all the shapes are parametric, so you can configure them a lot;
  • Books:- many customizable book shapes included: hard-cover books, paperbacks, and magazines, open and closed, standing or lying down;
  • Composing tools:- Boxshot can stack, align, and distribute scene objects the way you need;

Pricing Details

  • Home Plan For $129
  • Professional Plan For $249
  • Ultimate Plan For $349

Additional details about Boxshot 5:

2. Capterra

Capterra helps millions of people find the best business software. With software reviews, ratings, infographics, and the most comprehensive list of the top software.

More About Capterra

Software solution for print and packaging manufacturers that helps to control costs and produce accurate estimates and quotes.

  • Compare top choices side‑by‑side
  • Get a snapshot of the software you're looking at and evaluate pros and cons with pricing info, features packages, and more. Check out a sample comparison below, or build your own!
  • Simplify your search with software help

Pricing Details

  • Pricing starts at $45.00 per user, per month.
  • They do not have a free version.
  • Price & Cost offers a free trial.

Additional details about Capterra:

Businesses using Capterra:

Mark Thompson
Asad Ali
Andrew Rogoff
Manuel Frigerio
Dan Uyemura
BlockSurvey

3. MARQ

MARQ is software that automatically records the product packaging process, sends recorded videos to customers, and expedites the return dispute process. Using MARQ, online retailers have reduced product returns by 95%, resolved each return dispute in 30 seconds, and tripled the number of repeat customers.

More About MARQ

MARQ Features

  • Barcoding/RFID
  • Email Marketing
  • In-Store Visualization
  • Inventory Management
  • Mobile Commerce
  • Order Management
  • Parcel Shipping
  • Returns Management

Pricing Details

  • MARQ pricing starts at $25.00 as a flat rate, per month.
  • However, they also offer a free version.

Additional details about MARQ:

4. MaxLoad Pro

MaxLoad Pro is a space optimization program for mixed SKU cargo load planning. Accurate container and truckloads are planned with intelligent loading algorithms utilizing extensive stacking rules, vehicle-specific characteristics, loading priorities, etc.

More About MaxLoad Pro

MaxLoad Pro supplies users with loading diagrams on how to build the pallets and cube out trucks and containers.

  • Determine the number of trucks or containers needed for the order or shipment.
  • 40′ or 40′ HC containers? Compare solutions to find the best mix of vehicles to optimize cube usage and minimize costs.
  • Load SKUs as floor loads, uniform pallets, or mixed pallets with other SKUs.
  • Loads cylindrical, L-shaped, trapezoidal, and bundled SKUs.
  • Import SKUs and order data from Excel, SAP, ordering, or other ERP systems.
  • Interface MaxLoad Pro with your TM, WM, or ERP systems to seamlessly transfer SKU and relevant order data.

Pricing Details

Offers a 21-day free trial

Additional details about MaxLoad Pro:

5. iC3D

iC3D is the first real-time all-in-one package design software that lets you generate live 3D virtual mockups on the fly.

More About iC3D

Operating and rendering at unparalleled speeds, iC3D offers a unique level of packaging design versatility that allows creatives to indulge their ingenuity while delivering faster turnaround and up to 80% reduction in the design life-cycle.

  • PACKAGING DESIGNERS:- Virtual mockups let us bring more ideas to life faster. We can deliver more designs and justify our expenses.
  • PACKAGING ENGINEERS & CONVERTERS:- 3D digital mockups let us see packages in multiple forms, troubleshoot problems, and differentiate our value to clients.

Pricing Details

  • They offer a 15 or 30-day free trial.
  • Paid Service starts at $1,000

Additional details about iC3D:

6. CHILI publisher

CHILI publisher converts your packaging artwork to smart templates. Allow users of any skill set to edit customizable documents in a browser, or fully automate artwork generation. CHILI publish' output files are ready to use for print and digital in virtually any application.

More About CHILI publisher

A powerful, scalable platform for the whole team

  • Graphic designers: Works with AI® and InDesign® Real-time preflight check Convert and upload in one step
  • Marketers: Full cross-regional brand control Self-serve marketing/sales/HR templates Get campaigns to market faster
  • Developers: Works with any Martech integration Open XML document format Server & client APIs

Pricing Details

  • Offer Separate Plans for Small & Big Businesses
  • Pricing will be available upon request.

Additional details about CHILI publisher:

7. Traverse

TRAVERSE Accounting and Business Software is a business accounting software suite for small- to medium-sized businesses using the Microsoft Windows operating system.

More About Traverse

  • Insight to capitalize on new opportunities
  • Adaptable applications customized to your specific needs
  • Maximized efficiency and productivity
  • Interactive dashboards for easier decision making
  • An affordable solution to deploy, adapt to changes and maintain your accounting systems
  • Powerful and customizable reporting

Pricing Details

  • Traverse pricing starts at $100.00 per month.
  • They do not have a free version.
  • Traverse does not offer a free trial.

Additional details about Traverse:

8. ManageArtworks

ManageArtworks is a cloud-based packaging and artwork lifecycle management system. It connects people and processes across internal departments, customers, suppliers, agencies, and vendors to get products faster to the market while meeting regulatory compliance.

More About ManageArtworks

  • Content: Label copy, Symbols, and Images - Get started with ManageArtworks by taking control of your Artwork Copy and Spec, including Packaging Specifications, Dielines, and Technical Drawings
  • Design: Combine Adobe tools with Copy, Dieline, and Graphics - Facilitate easier and more accurate artwork creation through Adobe Plugins that bring the artwork copy directly into the design tools
  • Review: Artwork projects with Workflows and Proofing
  • Release: Release Artwork to Print and eCommerce

Pricing Details

  • Artwork Proofing:- Free for 7 days.
  • Artwork Review Pro:- Free for 10 artworks.
  • Artwork Lifecycle:- You have absolute flexibility and control.

Additional details about ManageArtworks:

9. Strata Design 3D CX

Strata Design 3D CX designed for businesses of all sizes, it is a 3D designing tool that helps manage professional 3D projects and models through texturing, scene composition, animation, and more.

More About Strata Design 3D CX

  • Simplified 3D Learning Curve: Strata Design 3D eases the learning curve for 2D designers who are new to 3D. Quickstart templates, libraries, predefined effects, backgrounds, environments, and more allow designers to create complex scenes in minutes.
  • Model Anything – or Import Existing 3D Assets: For many, the thought of 3D modeling is a daunting task. Design 3D offers an extremely friendly modeling toolset and environment for manipulating your polygons, splines, and primitives into any 3D object or scene you can imagine.

Pricing Details

  • Strata Design 3D CX pricing starts at $595 as a flat rate, as a one-time payment.
  • They do not have a free version.
  • Strata Design 3D CX offers a free trial.

Additional details about Strata Design 3D CX:

10. SyncForce

The SyncForce Product Success Platform helps packaged goods manufacturers to accelerate product success, by addressing the entire product life cycle, from managing product & packaging development to providing best in class digital availability at every point of choice.

More About SyncForce

  • Digital Availability without delay: Providing your front & back-office systems and your business partners with complete and correct product data, with a single click of a button.
  • Centralizing product data: providing a trusted source for product data & digital assets, supporting internal operations (production, logistics, marketing & sales), and to fulfill the growing need for data by trade partners.
  • Grip on Product & Packaging development: Through end-2-end product & packaging development (planning, budget, resources, approvals). With integrated product content centralization.

Pricing Details

  • SyncForce pricing starts at €1250.00 per feature, per month.
  • SyncForce does not offer a free trial.

Additional details about SyncForce:

11. 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.

More About Box It Now

Box It Now is for anyone who needs a package designed quickly! Box It Now is an all-in-one solution.

  • Graphic Designers
  • Brand Managers
  • Package Designers
  • Small Businesses for any industry
  • Large Corporations
  • Manufactures

Pricing Details

  • Single User:- $10/Mo
  • Team:- $7User/Mo Min 3 Users
  • Enterprise:- Branded Version
  • Widget:- E-Commerce Plugin

Additional details about Box It Now:

12. Advantzware

Advantzware is flexible and comprehensive. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution designed to address the requirements of an independent packaging plant, full converting operation, or part of an integrated company.

More About Advantzware

  • Estimating: Robust and detailed enough for any size packaging plant. The Advantzware estimating module is intuitively designed to help both new and seasoned estimators work smarter and bid sharper.
  • Purchasing: Elevate your procurement team’s performance with an automated streamlined purchasing process that provides visibility into the business impact across a wide range of product types.
  • Order Processing: Eliminate costly manual touchpoints through our streamlined order processing system. Maximize productivity and reduce manual re-keying as data seamlessly migrates throughout the end-to-end production process.

Pricing Details

  • Pricing Model: Per Feature

Additional details about Advantzware:

13. BLUE Software

BLUE Software simplifies the complexity of Label and Artwork development for both small and large companies worldwide.

More About BLUE Software

  • Workflow Management: Reduce end-to-end artwork process time by up to 70%. BLUE Workflow Management empowers stakeholders in creative, brand, and regulatory to track and execute their tasks in the label and artwork process.
  • Online Proofing: Increase “right-first-time” artwork by up to 70%. With BLUE Online Proofing, multiple team members can simultaneously view, compare, and annotate on digital media (video, photo, graphics, layout, audio, labels) on any device, and from any location.
  • Business Intelligence: Continually improve your end-to-end label and artwork performance. BLUE Business Intelligence gives you easy access to the extensive data in your workflows with intuitive dashboards and web-based reports.

Pricing Details

  • BLUE Software pricing starts at $7500.00 per feature, per year.
  • They do not have a free version.
  • BLUE Software does not offer a free trial.

Additional details about BLUE Software:

14. BOXSOFT

BOXSOFT is an enterprise resource planning software for the manufacturing and processing of all common packaging products.

More About BOXSOFT

  • BoxSoft Corporation is a software development and consulting firm, we have created elegant, efficient, and intuitive solutions for a wide spectrum of customers. These range from small businesses to large government agencies and include many industries like the retail point of sale, membership tracking, transportation, casino operations, insurance, and banking.
  • We perform all levels of customized services for both end-users and other developers. This includes creation and support, specialized training, application design, debugging and optimization, etc.

Pricing Details

  • Pricing Model: Per Feature

Additional details about BOXSOFT:

15. Dieline Genius

Work online using AlphaCorr Dieline Genius 2D to customize packaging and point-of-purchase displays from our library of design on a pay-per-design basis.

More About Dieline Genius

  • CAD solution that offers a parametric design library for the creation of 2D and 3D packaging, POS display, and steel rule die design.
  • Best For Packaging engineers, graphic artists, die makers, operators, or estimators.
  • Dieline Genius 2D Online lets those with little or no packaging experience create great-looking corrugated and folding carton structures as often or as infrequently as they need them. No big investment in software, no subscription commitments. Just change the parameters on any design and output a functional decline including automatic adjustment for material allowance.

Pricing Details

  • Simple Regular Slotted Carton: US $1.50 per sized design
  • Medium Complex Package or Display: US $5.00 per sized design
  • Multi-piece Display: US $25.00 per sized design
  • Exact pricing is found by registering and exploring the library.

Additional details about Dieline Genius:

16. EngView Suite

EngView Packaging Suite is a CAD/CAM solution for structural design and preproduction of boxes and POP/POS displays. It provides a wide range of tools that speed up and automate the day-to-day jobs of structural designers, graphic designers, diemakers, and salespeople involved in the creation, communication, and production of packaging.

More About EngView Suite

  • The EngView software is integrated with Adobe® Illustrator®. It helps professionals visualize the 3D model of the packaging with the product inside and apply graphics to the structure. With the new Step and Repeat functionality that multiplies the one-up design over the layout directly in Illustrator® designers can generate production files with high-resolution images.
  • Longview Packaging Suite optimizes every aspect of the packaging design and preproduction workflows. It offers everyone the means to DREAM, CREATE and SUCCEED.

Pricing Details

  • Art:- 59 €/Mo
  • Standard:- 169 €/Mo
  • Professional:- 329 €/Mo

Additional details about EngView Suite:

17. Kadanza

Kadanza is designed for businesses of all sizes, brand owners, marketing managers, communication departments, product owners, and agencies, it helps create, manage, and distribute brand assets.

More About Kadanza

  • Kadanza guarantees your assets will always be created and used according to your brand guidelines.
  • No need to lose time doing tedious tasks. Get your creative juices flowing, and make your clients praise your name.
  • Through smart templating and continuous guidance for you and your clients, Kadanza helps deliver even more powerful work.
  • Kadanza bridges all departments in one platform to manage all brand and communication-related activities.
  • Adaptable. Scalable. Easy-to-use.

Pricing Details

  • Kadanza pricing starts at €899.00 as a flat rate, per month.
  • They do not have a free version.
  • Kadanza does not offer a free trial.

Additional details about Kadanza:

18. Packly

Packly is the complete packaging solution: create and download dielines immediately, view a 3D box model with your artwork in real time, and print high-quality personalized packages in 48Hrs

More About Packly

B2B and B2C clients interested in designing a custom package within minutes include but are not limited to Designers, Design Agencies, brands selling packaged products, cutting plotter manufacturers.

  • Packaging design online application, without any software installation
  • Automatic die-cut templates generator
  • 2D-3D box models visualizer with custom artwork and shareable link
  • Online printing service for the paper industry

Pricing Details

  • PACKLY pricing starts at $16.90 as a flat rate, as a one-time payment.
  • There is a free version.
  • PACKLY offers a free trial.

Additional details about Packly:

19. Picador

Picador is a fully-featured Printing & Packaging Industry Software designed to serve Agencies, SMEs. Picador provides end-to-end solutions designed for Windows. Picador offers 3D Modeling, Asset Library, Drafting, In-Store Visualization, Palletization in one place.

More About Picador

A wide range of Specialized Tools and Features adapted for Packaging and POS Structural Design:

  • Geometrical functions for packaging design ( Geometry, Construction, Quotation, Hatch, Text, Image);
  • Study and Production functions: Data Sheet, Calculation ( Surface, All out, Nets);
  • Several Standards Libraries you can resize at your own convenience (FEFCO, ECMA, POS, Packaging)
  • Additional Diemaker tool: Bridge, Cutting width nets (points), Wood format, Easy set;
  • Import/Export : PDF, EPS, Ai, CFF2, DDES, DXF, DWG, IGES, Hpgl, Diecad (.N).

Pricing Details

  • Pricing Model: Per Feature

Additional details about Picador:

20. Specright

Specright is digitized & manages all your specification data – from raw materials, ingredients, and formulas, to packaging and finished goods – and collaborates across teams and suppliers with Specright.

More About Specright

  • Specright is the first purpose-built platform for Specification Data Management. Specifications include packaging, raw materials, BOMs, quality documents, even machines.
  • It also seemed logical. Designers want to design, producers, want to produce, and that can’t happen efficiently unless there’s a standard way of doing things. With this realization, Specright’s Specification Management platform was born and has grown to serve multiple industries and stakeholders across the supply chain.

Pricing Details

  • Pricing Model: Flat Rate.
  • It has a free trial version.

Additional details about Specright:

21. WebCenter

WebCenter provides a web-based application platform specifically tailored for the packaging graphics industry which manages your internal process end-to-end, to help deliver right-first-time print, with advantageous reporting, metrics, and process optimization.

More About WebCenter

  • WebCenter is a powerful, secure, web-based packaging management and collaboration platform that allows companies of all sizes to digitize their processes and meet their challenges head-on.
  • WebCenter manages all aspects of the preproduction specification, approval, and project lifecycle to remove the bottlenecks that are most commonly associated with the packaging design to the production process.

Pricing Details

  • WebCenter does not offer a free trial.
  • Pricing Model: Per Feature

Additional details about WebCenter:

22. Alter Solution

Alter is an AI-powered content recommendation software that helps businesses increase website conversions by allowing them to show personalized content recommendations based on visitors’ interests and behaviors. Designed for small to large businesses within any industry.

More About Alter Solution

Alter Solution is a competent, experienced, and reliable partner. Alter Solution implements IT solutions for innovation and effectiveness of the business process in 'Sales & Marketing areas.

  • Business consulting
  • Software Products
  • Customization Projects
  • Support services

Pricing Details

  • Pricing is free for up to 1,000 unique visitors per month.
  • Then starts at $20 per month based on the number of visitors.

Additional details about Alter Solution:

23. Filestage

Filestage is the easy-to-use online proofing software that helps teams to get packaging designs reviewed and approved faster.

More About Filestage

  • Set up a consistent approval process in two minutes: Let’s take control of the chaos. With Filestage, all your files go through a structured and documented review process.
  • Bring your files and feedback together in one place: Imagine it: all your projects, file formats, versions, comments, and approval decisions, all in one platform.
  • Get files approved 3x faster and hit all your deadlines: Cue the confetti – it’s time to turn the finish line into a moment of celebration!

Pricing Details

  • Essential: Starting at $9/month
  • Advanced: Starting at $95/month
  • Professional: Starting at $195/month
  • Enterprise: Contact For Enterprise Plan

Additional details about Filestage:

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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