open-dieline

What open-dieline is

Open Dieline is a rapid-prototyping tool for creating adjustable packaging dielines for trial folding. It runs in a browser and is also available for self-hosting. Its editor offers Design, Imposition, and Fold modes, with four box formats: Reverse Tuck End, a three-piece Telescope Box, Tuck-Top Snap-Lock Carton, and Triangular Tube Box. Finished dielines can be downloaded as SVG or DXF. For reference, you can import a production SVG, calibrate its scale, and overlay it on the generated layer. Calculations and file processing happen locally in the browser; imported dieline files are not uploaded to a server. The maker says the geometry is calibrated through reverse measurement of production dielines. Board-caliper compensation is calibrated using approximately 0.4 mm black card, so other materials may need trial folding and adjustment. Canvas dragging and calibration are designed for mouse input, and a desktop browser is recommended. Generated dielines are for prototyping and study, not production use without further checks: the maker advises verifying a physical sample and proof with a die maker before production. Open Dieline is an instrument by Konvolut, a Taipei-based practice concerned with books, paper, print, and collecting. Its project license is PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0; commercial-use inquiries and issue reports can be sent to [email protected].

Who it suits

Open Dieline suits packaging designers and makers who want to create adjustable dielines, inspect folds, or compare a generated design with a production SVG. It is aimed at prototyping and study, with desktop mouse input recommended for canvas work and calibration.

Limits

The project license is for noncommercial use under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0. Generated dielines are for prototyping and study; before production, verify a physical sample and proof with a die maker. Board-caliper compensation is calibrated using approximately 0.4 mm black card, so other stocks may need trial folding and adjustment.

Getting started

1. Open the Open Dieline website or use the self-hosted version.
2. Use a desktop browser for mouse-based canvas dragging and calibration.
3. Select Design, Imposition, or Fold mode.
4. Choose one of the four listed box styles and adjust the dieline.
5. Optionally import a production SVG, calibrate its scale, and overlay it for reference.
6. Download the result as SVG or DXF.

Verdict

Choose Open Dieline if you need to prototype packaging dielines, test folds, or reference a production SVG, with local browser processing. Its noncommercial license and prototyping scope make it a poor fit for direct commercial use or production without further verification; commercial-use inquiries go to [email protected].