Custom Packaging Design Tips: How to Create Boxes That Stand Out

Start with the Right Box Style

Before you think about colors or graphics, start with structure.

Different products call for different box styles. Custom mailer boxes, shipping boxes, retail boxes, and literature mailers all serve different purposes. Choosing the right structure ensures your packaging protects your product while presenting it in the best possible way.

At DIYpack, you can choose from a variety of box styles and customize the size so your packaging fits your product — not the other way around.

Choose the Right Size (Rightsizing Matters)

Oversized boxes can lead to damaged products, higher shipping costs, and wasted materials.

Rightsizing your packaging helps:

• Reduce shipping costs
• Minimize excess filler
• Improve product protection
• Create a cleaner unboxing experience

Custom sizing also gives your packaging a more professional, intentional feel — something customers notice right away.

Keep Your Branding Clear and Consistent

Your packaging should instantly feel like your brand.

Use consistent brand elements such as:

• Your logo
• Brand colors
• Fonts and typography
• Visual style or patterns

You don’t need to cover every inch of the box. Sometimes a clean, minimal design with strong branding makes a bigger impact than overly busy graphics.

4. Design with the Unboxing Experience in Mind

Packaging isn’t just about what it looks like on the outside.

Think about how your customer interacts with the box:

• How does it open?
• Is the product revealed intentionally?
• Does the inside feel finished or branded?

Interior printing, thoughtful placement of messaging, or a simple branded pattern inside the box can elevate the entire experience — without adding complexity.

5. Use Color Strategically

Color plays a huge role in how your packaging is perceived.

Bold colors can grab attention and feel playful, while neutral tones often feel premium and timeless. If you’re printing on kraft material, keep in mind that colors will appear more muted than on white or premium white substrates. Either material is eco-friendly so if you do send something extra colorful on white boxes, educate your customer that the box is made with up to 99% recycled content and 100% curbside recyclable when you order with DIYpack.

Always choose colors that align with your brand personality and reproduce well in print.

6. Design for Print (Not Just the Screen)

What looks great on a screen doesn’t always translate perfectly to print.

To avoid issues:

• Use high-resolution artwork
• Keep text legible and large enough
• Avoid placing important elements too close to folds or edges
• Follow dieline guidelines carefully

DIYpack’s Design Studio lets you preview your box in 3D before ordering, helping you catch potential issues early. Do use the artwork guidelines to ensure you are following best practices when designing you custom corrugated box.

7. Order a Sample Before Scaling

If you’re unsure about your design, ordering a sample is one of the smartest steps you can take.

A physical sample lets you:

• Check print quality and color accuracy
• Test product fit
• Experience the unboxing firsthand
• Make adjustments before placing a larger order

It’s a small step that can save time, money, and frustration later.

At DIYpack, your sample pays for itself. When you’re ready to place your full order of 100 boxes or more, we’ll give you a credit equal to your Sample Box cost.

Designing Custom Packaging Should Feel Easy

Great packaging design doesn’t require a big budget or a design team — just thoughtful choices and the right tools.

With DIYpack, you can:

• Design online or upload your own artwork
• Order with no minimums
• Get fast turnaround times
• Create packaging that grows with your business

Whether you’re shipping your first order or your thousandth, your packaging should work as hard as you do.