Artioscad Tutorial __full__ May 2026
ArtiosCAD is the industry standard for structural packaging design. This guide covers the essential workflow, from using pre-built templates to finalizing production-ready files. 1. Starting with Standards
The fastest way to create a design is by using the Standards Catalog. These are intelligent, resizable templates (US, ECMA, FEFCO) that parametrically rebuild based on your specific dimensions.
Run a Standard: Select a style from the catalog, input your length, width, and depth, and the software generates the geometry automatically.
Rebuild: If dimensions change, you can rebuild a design with new values without redrawing. 2. Manual Drafting Tools
When a standard doesn't fit, use the manual design tools to build from scratch.
Lines & Arcs: Use the toolbar to draw die-lines (cut), creases (fold), and bleed lines. artioscad tutorial
Join Segments: If you have fragmented lines, use the Merge Lines tool under Tools > Adjust Outline to join segments into a single path.
Auto-Repeat: For displays or complex layouts, use the Auto-Repeat tool on the View bar to clone changes across congruent areas automatically. 3. Adding Graphics and 3D Visualization
To see how a design looks when folded, you must convert the 2D workspace into a 3D model.
Fold Angles: Assign fold angles to crease lines (usually 90 or -90 degrees) to "fold" the box in the 3D window.
Graphics: Use the Add Graphics tool to import artwork onto specific panels. This helps in checking the orientation of logos and text relative to the folds. 4. Production Prep (Preflight) ArtiosCAD is the industry standard for structural packaging
Before sending a design to a die-cutter or a Kongsberg table, use CAD Preflight to check for errors.
Check for Anomalies: The tool identifies misalignments, intersecting rules, or panel differences that might ruin a production run.
Official Documentation: Detailed steps for technical validation can be found in the Esko User Guide. 5. Learning Resources
For a structured learning path, Esko provides specialized eLearning modules: Corrugated Design: Learning Module 835 Folding Carton: Learning Module 834
3. Creating a Basic Box: The Reverse Tuck End (RTE) Carton
We will design a common folding carton: a Reverse Tuck End box of dimensions 200mm (length) × 150mm (width) × 50mm (height). Select a line you have drawn
8. Learning Resources
Part 4: Assigning Layers (The Most Important Step)
In ArtiosCAD, lines aren't just lines; they have meaning. You must tell the machine how to process the line.
- Select a line you have drawn.
- Look at the Layer Drop-down menu (usually top left).
- Assign the appropriate layer:
- Cut: The blade will cut all the way through the material.
- Crease: The blade will compress the material to allow folding (often represented as a dashed line).
- Perforation: A series of cuts for easy tearing.
- Print: Areas intended for graphical artwork (won't be cut).
Tip: You can change the default colors of these layers in the preferences to make them easier to see.
4. Defining Line Types and Tooling
In packaging CAD, line type dictates the tool action:
- Cut (solid, red) : Blade cuts through material.
- Crease (dashed, green) : Scoring rule creates a hinge.
- Perforation (dotted, blue) : For easy tear.
- Double cut (two parallel reds) : For material removal.
How to assign:
- Select a line.
- In the Palette, click the desired line type.
- Alternatively, right-click line → Properties > Line Type.
Important: Always keep cut and crease on separate design layers (Layer menu). This prevents confusion during die-making.
The Folding Simulation
- Select all the panels of your dieline.
- Go to 3D > Define Properties. Tell ArtiosCAD which side is "Inside" and which is "Print."
- Click the Fold button.
- The software asks: "Which panel folds first?" You click the flap.
- Use the slider to fold 90°, then 180°.
Part 6: Real-World Tutorial – The "Crash Lock" Bottom
A common frustration for beginners is the Crash Lock Bottom (used in retail boxes). Let's do a micro-tutorial on fixing one.