Question 1

What is PackCAD Mockup?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup is a web-based packaging visualization tool that transforms dielines and artwork into high-fidelity 3D mockups. Import a dieline, fold your design, add front and back artwork, and export customized 3D assets — no download or installation required.

Question 2

Will PackCAD Mockup run on my computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PackCAD Mockup runs entirely in your web browser on any modern operating system or device — Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebooks, and tablets. There's nothing to download, install, or update.

Question 3

What's the difference between PackCAD and PackCAD Mockup?

Accepted Answer

Same technology, different scope. PackCAD is the broader vision: browser-based 3D CAD for parametrically designing folded geometry across packaging, engineering, and manufacturing. PackCAD Mockup is the focused product you can use today — upload a dieline, fold it, add artwork, and export an accurate 3D packaging mockup. It's built for anyone who works with packaging: packaging designers, graphic designers, brands, and print & packaging suppliers.

Question 4

How is PackCAD Mockup different from Pacdora and other 3D packaging tools?

Accepted Answer

Pacdora is best known for its large library of ready-made packaging templates. PackCAD Mockup is built for folding your own dieline into an accurate 3D mockup with a physics-based folding simulation, so what you see matches how the box really folds in production. See the full side-by-side breakdown on our PackCAD Mockup vs Pacdora page.

Question 5

Do I need CAD or 3D experience to use PackCAD Mockup?

Accepted Answer

No. PackCAD Mockup is built to be approachable — upload your dieline and it detects the folds and cuts automatically, then you fold, add artwork, and export. You don't need prior CAD or 3D modeling experience to get a production-ready mockup.

Question 6

Can I use PackCAD Mockup on an iPad or phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because it runs entirely in the browser, PackCAD Mockup works across all devices (including tablets and phones) with nothing to install. A larger screen is more comfortable for detailed folding work, but you can view and fold mockups from anywhere.

Question 7

Which file formats can I import?

Accepted Answer

Upload your 2D dieline and artwork and PackCAD automatically detects the folds and cuts. Dielines work best as clean vector files, and artwork can be added as high-resolution images aligned to the front and back of your design.

Question 8

How do I prepare dielines for best results?

Accepted Answer

Prepare dielines as SVG with cut lines in black and fold lines in red, blue, magenta, or yellow. Our built-in Dieline Inspector will walk you through the import process and flag any issues that arise. For general information on file preparation for PackCAD Mockup, read our Getting Started tutorial.We've created specific guides for prepping dielines and artwork in the following programs: Adobe Illustrator.

Question 9

How do I align artwork on my 3D dieline?

Accepted Answer

By exporting your design with "Use Artboards" selected, your artwork will have pixel-perfect alignment on your folded 3D model in PackCAD Mockup. See our Getting Started tutorial for more details.

Question 10

Does PackCAD Mockup support CMYK or spot colors?

Accepted Answer

Artwork is rendered in RGB for on-screen accuracy. For specific color-management needs like CMYK or spot-color accuracy, reach out at support@formfinding.studio and we'll point you in the right direction.

Question 11

What packaging types does PackCAD Mockup support?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup creates realistic 3D mockups of folded carton and paperboard packaging. It works with any flat dieline that can be folded into a 3D shape, including tuck-end boxes, mailer boxes, sleeves, trays, POP displays, and custom structures. If you can draw it as an SVG dieline, you can fold it in PackCAD Mockup. See our Getting Started tutorial for a walkthrough.

Question 12

Is there a template library?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup is focused on folding your own custom dielines rather than offering a large library of pre-made templates. If you need a starting template, design your dieline in your tool of choice, then import it into PackCAD Mockup to fold and visualize it in 3D.

Question 13

How do I make a 3D model of my packaging?

Accepted Answer

Upload your dieline, then fold it into a 3D model in PackCAD Mockup with the help of our physics-based folding simulation. Once it's folded, export it as glTF, GLB, or OBJ + MTL, or as a standalone HTML file you can open in any browser. See our Getting Started tutorial for a full walkthrough.

Question 14

What export options are available?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup can export 3D models in glTF, GLB, or OBJ + MTL formats, or embedded within a standalone HTML file for interactive viewing in any browser. You can find examples of these files in our Getting Started tutorial (in the "Export 3D Model" section). Also check out our Blender template and tutorial to learn how to create photorealistic renderings from your 3D models.PackCAD Mockup also supports exporting high-resolution 3D renderings in PNG format. You can find example renderings and additional information in our Getting Started tutorial (in the "Export High-Res PNG" section).

Question 15

Can I share or embed my 3D mockup?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Export to GLB or glTF for AR and 3D viewers, or export an HTML version you can embed and share so others can spin your packaging in 3D in their own browser. See our Getting Started tutorial for details.We're also planning to add a secure online viewer for sharing mockups privately — expected Fall 2026. Let us know if this is important to your workflow!

Question 16

How do I make a folding animation of my packaging?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup supports keyframe-based folding animations, letting you define keyframes with different fold angles and play back the full sequence. This is great for presentations, social media, or understanding how a complex design folds. See our Folding Simulation guide for a detailed walkthrough.

Question 17

How accurate is the folding simulation?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup runs a physics-based folding simulation instead of a preset animation, so gussets, complex closures, and even curved creases fold true-to-life. What you see on screen closely matches how the finished package folds in production.

Question 18

How is pricing and licensing structured?

Accepted Answer

PackCAD Mockup has a free tier to upload dielines, fold, and preview in 3D. Pro is $20/month billed yearly ($240/year) or $29 month-to-month, and unlocks watermark-free, high-resolution exports and commercial use. A Business plan for teams is coming soon. See full details on our pricing page.

Question 19

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel anytime. Your paid features stay active until the end of your current billing period, after which your account returns to the free tier. For full details, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Question 20

Can I use PackCAD Mockup for commercial projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes — commercial use of your renderings, animations, and 3D models is included with Pro. The free tier is intended for trying PackCAD out, with watermarked, non-commercial previews. For full details, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Question 21

Do you offer a free trial?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a trial — PackCAD Mockup has a free tier you can use for as long as you like. Upload dielines, fold, and preview in 3D for free, and upgrade to Pro only when you need watermark-free, high-resolution exports for commercial use.

Question 22

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer refunds, but there's a free tier to try PackCAD Mockup before you pay, so you can make sure it fits your workflow first. You can cancel anytime and keep your Pro features through the end of your current billing period. If you run into any issues, email support@formfinding.studio.

Question 23

Can I collaborate with my team and share mockups with clients?

Accepted Answer

Team collaboration — including sharing animated 3D mockups via a private link and an embeddable 3D viewer — is coming with our Business plan. It's not available yet; join our mailing list to be notified when it launches.

Question 24

What happens to the dielines and artwork I upload?

Accepted Answer

You retain full ownership of the dielines and artwork you upload. We don't permanently store your files, and we never use them to train artificial intelligence (AI). We may collect limited, anonymous metadata to improve the software. For full details, see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Question 25

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

Email us at support@formfinding.studio for product help, or hello@formfinding.studio for anything else. We're a small team and read every message.

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