DielineKitCAD
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Honest Comparison

DielineKit vs ArtiosCAD

ArtiosCAD is professional structural design software used by packaging converters and engineers. DielineKit is not trying to be that. It is a fast way for brands and designers to get a correct dieline for a standard box without buying or learning a full CAD system. Here is how to tell which one you need.

Choose DielineKit if you…

  • need a standard tuck-end carton, snap-lock carton, mailer, shipping box or sleeve
  • want a die-ready file today, in the browser, with nothing to install
  • are a brand, designer or small shop without a CAD seat
  • prefer to pay per file instead of buying software

Choose ArtiosCAD if you…

  • design custom structures, displays or inserts from scratch
  • make die tooling: nesting, ejection rubber and counterplates
  • need to work with 3D product CAD such as STEP or SolidWorks
  • are a converter or packaging engineering team

Side-by-side

DielineKitArtiosCAD
What it isA browser-based parametric dieline generator for standard box stylesEsko’s structural packaging design software for 2D and 3D design, virtual prototyping and manufacturing operations
Built forBrands, designers and small packaging businesses that need a standard carton, mailer or shipping box dielineFolding carton converters, corrugated converters and brands
Design freedom6 standard structures, resized parametrically; no free-form drawingDesign from scratch or start from a library of folding carton and corrugated styles
Displays & insertsNot supportedPOP, POS and FSDU displays, plus internal fitments
3DReal-time 3D folding preview with your artwork3D design and presentation, folding sequences, animations and automatic assembly diagrams
CAD interoperabilityExports vector PDF, DXF and SVGWorks with Collada, ProE, STEP, SAT, IGES, SolidWorks 3D and Siemens NX; integrates with Adobe Illustrator and Cape Pack
Production toolingBlanks-per-sheet and board cost estimateNested sheet layouts, ejection rubber profiles, counterplates and ArtiosCAD Preflight checks
How you get itFree to preview in the browser; pay per export or $19.99/month for unlimited exportsThrough Esko’s online shop or its sales team

When you need ArtiosCAD

If packaging structure is your business, a full structural CAD system is the right tool. Esko positions ArtiosCAD for folding carton and corrugated converters and brand packaging teams: designing new structures, retail displays and fitments, importing 3D product models, preparing die tooling, and checking designs with Preflight before they reach the die-cutter.

When DielineKit is enough

Most product packaging uses a handful of proven structures. If you need a reverse tuck end carton for a serum bottle, a roll end tuck top mailer for a subscription box, or a FEFCO 0201 shipping box, you do not need to draw anything. Enter the inside dimensions and board caliper, check the fold in 3D, and export a layered PDF, DXF or SVG.

Using both in one workflow

A common split: the brand or designer generates a standard dieline in DielineKit to place artwork and get quotes, and the converter adapts it to their board, press and tooling in their own CAD system. Always get the converter’s approval on the dieline before artwork is finalised. The bleed and safe zone guide covers what to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DielineKit a replacement for ArtiosCAD?
Not for converters or packaging engineers who design custom structures, displays and die tooling. DielineKit covers a narrower job: quickly producing a correct dieline for a standard box style without a CAD seat.
Can my converter use a DielineKit file?
DielineKit exports 1:1 vector PDF, DXF and SVG with cut, crease and bleed on separate layers. Most converters accept DXF or PDF, but ask yours which format and layer conventions they prefer.
Can DielineKit design custom box structures?
No. It generates 6 standard structures from your dimensions and board caliper. If you need another style, request it on the feature request page.
How much does ArtiosCAD cost?
Esko sells ArtiosCAD through its online shop and sales team. Check esko.com for current options and pricing for your region.

Try DielineKit Free

Preview and fold any supported box in 3D without an account. Pay only when you export a production file.

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