Picador

What Picador is

Picador is CAD software for structural design of cardboard packaging and point-of-sale displays. Its 2D workspace includes geometry and construction tools alongside dimensioning, hatching, text, images, data sheets, calculations, imposition, nesting, and cutting. Resizable standards libraries cover FEFCO, ECMA, POS, and packaging models; PackLib also lets users create parametric models. Picador 2D lists import and export support for PDF, EPS, Ai, CFF2, DDES, DXF, DWG, IGES, HPGL, and Diecad (.N).

Picador 3D supports automatic conversion of 2D designs into folded 3D views, animated folding and unfolding, assembly views, and interactive animated 3D PDFs. Listed 3D object formats include STEP, IGES, STL, DAE, OBJ, and 3DS, with export options including STL, DAE, augmented reality, and WebGL. A cutting and prototyping module controls cutting tables and shaping lasers from named brands such as Zünd, Aristo, Kongsberg, Graphtec, and Mimaki. PLM or ERP connections are available through an SDK using ActiveX, .NET, and XML. Picador 11 setup installs both Picador 2D and Picador 3D. It runs on Windows and macOS, though Mac users need a second Windows environment to install TreeDiM software. Pricing is available on request.

Who it suits

Picador suits packaging and point-of-sale display designers who need 2D CAD tools, standards libraries, and 3D folding or assembly views. It may also fit teams connecting design work to cutting equipment or PLM and ERP systems.

Limits

Pricing is available on request, and installation requires a serial number and activation key for each computer. Mac users need a second Windows environment to install the software.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.treedim.com/en/products/picador.
2. Contact TreeDiM for a single-user or multi-user license price.
3. Install Picador 11, which sets up Picador 2D and Picador 3D.
4. Enter a serial number and activation key for each computer.
5. If installing on a Mac, set up a second Windows environment first.

Verdict

Choose Picador if your work involves structural cardboard packaging or point-of-sale displays and you need both 2D design tools and 3D folding features. It is also worth considering when cutting-machine control or PLM and ERP integration matters. Look elsewhere if you need pricing upfront or native Mac installation without a second Windows environment.