No. 10 of 27 ·Packaging Design Software

Impact CAD

Windows · Mac

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.5

Free tierNo free tier on record
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely2 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Impact CAD is ranked #10 of 27 in packaging design software on Freedom251. It runs on macOS, Windows.

Impact CAD plans and pricing

All plans

Impact CAD Not published No public price listed; contact Arden or a local reseller for a demo or more information ardensoftware.com · 5 Oct 2026

Compared on packaging design software

Dieline editor: Yes
Dieline import: Yes
Preflight checks: Yes

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The record

Purpose: Impact is CAD software for packaging designers, with tools for structural packaging design, soft proofing and manufacturing workflows.
Design tools: It includes interactive drawing tools, reusable parametric packaging designs, drag-and-drop components, layout and nesting, and graphics handling.
3D proofing: Users can create virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes to share with customers.
Design Similarity: Impact 2026 uses machine learning to search an existing Impact database and rank similar designs and manufacturing layouts.
Automation: Impact 2026 adds native Python scripting support for automation and workflow development.
Standards library: Impact 2026 adds 629 standards and more than 1,000 design combinations to its V120 Standards Library.
Integrations: Impact supports industry standard databases; its 2026 system requirements specify SQL Server and Oracle, and state that MySQL is no longer supported.
Adobe Illustrator: Arden offers an Impact plug-in for Adobe Illustrator to handle Impact-produced PDFs; the current downloads page lists Windows and macOS versions.
Platform requirements: Impact CAD 2026 is intended and recommended for Windows 11 and requires a suitable database engine and client drivers.
Download access: Arden says most downloadable Impact CAD content is available to customers registered on its support site.
Trial and pricing: Arden invites visitors to request a free demo; the opened product page does not state a trial duration or a product price.
Support: Arden offers online technical support, 24/7 self-help resources, telephone support, remote troubleshooting and on-site visits.
Company history: Arden Software says it was founded in 1988.
2D and 3D design: The product supports packaging design from 2D drafting through 3D visualisation and animation.

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Packaging Design Software in 2026#10 of 27

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Sources

ardensoftware.com/products/impact-for-designers/· checked 4 Oct 2026
impact-support.ardensoftware.com/en/support/solutions/articles/101000540· checked 4 Oct 2026
ardensoftware.com/technical-support/downloads/· checked 4 Oct 2026
ardensoftware.com/technical-support/· checked 4 Oct 2026
ardensoftware.com/about-us/· checked 4 Oct 2026
ardensoftware.com/products/· checked 5 Oct 2026
impact-support.ardensoftware.com/en/support/solutions/articles/101000480· checked 5 Oct 2026
impact-support.ardensoftware.com/en/support/solutions/articles/101000540· checked 5 Oct 2026
impact-support.ardensoftware.com/en/support/solutions/articles/101000498· checked 5 Oct 2026
impact-support.ardensoftware.com/en/support/solutions/101000253536· checked 5 Oct 2026