Artioscad Tutorial · Reliable

Mastering ArtiosCAD: A Comprehensive Tutorial for Packaging Design

Community / Third‑party

  • Packaging CAD forums – discussions on die‑lines
  • Lynda / LinkedIn Learning – sometimes has packaging CAD courses

Abstract

ArtiosCAD is the industry-standard software for structural packaging design, particularly for folding cartons, corrugated containers, and point-of-purchase displays. This paper provides a step-by-step tutorial covering the core functionalities: navigating the interface, creating 2D structural designs using the Design Center and Geometry tools, adding production information, converting to 3D, and generating output for cutting and creasing. By the end, the reader will be able to produce a fully annotated, 3D-ready box design.

3.2 Manual Drawing (to understand core tools)

If you prefer or need a custom design, draw from scratch: artioscad tutorial

  1. Draw a rectangle (the main panel): Click Draw > Rectangle. Click origin (0,0), then enter width = 200, height = 50.
  2. Add crease lines: Change the line type to Crease from the Palette (light green, dashed). Draw a line where the box bends – e.g., at x=0, y=50 for the back panel.
  3. Add tuck flaps: Use Draw > Polyline to draw a flap extending 40mm from the top edge. Switch line type to Cut for the outer profile.
  4. Use Geometry tools:
    • Offset: Select a line, go to Geometry > Offset, enter 150 mm to create the opposing panel.
    • Mirror: Select the tuck flap, then Geometry > Mirror, select the vertical centerline to duplicate it to the other side.
    • Trim/Extend: Use Geometry > Trim to remove overlapping lines at corners.

Part 4: Adding Graphics (The Illustrator Bridge)

ArtiosCAD is terrible for coloring and text. Illustrator is terrible for dielines. Here is the professional workflow. Packaging CAD forums – discussions on die‑lines Lynda

Step 5: Adding Glue Tabs (The "Flip" Trick)

To make the corners lock, we need tabs. Select one side of the outer rectangle. Use the Dynamic Navigator (a wheel that appears) to add a tab. In a full tutorial, we would use the "Flange" tool, but for now, manually draw a 20mm tab on one side using the Line tool (Snap to ends, type 20, rotate 90°). H. (2012). Packaging Technology: Fundamentals

Part 9: Common Mistakes in ArtiosCAD Tutorials (And How to Avoid Them)

Most online tutorials skip the "bad habits." Do not fall into these traps:

  • Mistake 1: Drawing without the "Dynamic Navigator." If you aren't using the polar grid that pops up when you draw, you are guessing angles.
  • Mistake 2: Forgetting "Board Compensation." Corrugated board stretches on the outside of a fold. ArtiosCAD has a "Fold Compensation" setting (usually 0.42mm for carton). Enable it before you design, not after.
  • Mistake 3: Using the wrong line style. A "Perforation" (dotted line with small cuts) is different from a "Crease" (dashed line with no cut). Using a crease where a perf is needed will make your tear-strip impossible to open.

4. Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating a Simple Folding Carton (e.g., Tuck-Top Box)

  • Step 1 – Starting a new design: Choosing a standard from the "Library" (e.g., 0203 style).
  • Step 2 – Setting board and caliper: Selecting paperboard type (e.g., SBS 18pt) and material thickness.
  • Step 3 – Drawing manually (or modifying a standard):
    • Using the Rectangle tool, then adding flaps with the "Flap" function.
    • Applying crease and cut line attributes.
  • Step 4 – Adding joints and glue tabs: Using the "Glue Tab" tool and setting overlap.
  • Step 5 – Adding relief notches and locks (if applicable).

9. References (Example entries)

  • Esko (2023). ArtiosCAD User Guide v22.0. Gent: Esko Software BVBA.
  • Soroka, W. (2014). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (5th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.
  • Emblem, A., & Emblem, H. (2012). Packaging Technology: Fundamentals, Materials and Processes. Woodhead Publishing.