Question 1

What's the main difference between PackCAD Mockup and Vectary?

Accepted Answer

Vectary is a general-purpose platform for interactive 3D and AR: you bring or build a 3D model, then publish it as an embed, product configurator, or AR experience. PackCAD Mockup starts from your 2D dieline instead. It automatically detects the cut and crease lines and lets you fold the dieline into an accurate 3D mockup with a physics-based simulation, and then create photorealistic renderings of your design.

Question 2

Can I fold a dieline into a 3D model in Vectary?

Accepted Answer

No. Vectary has no concept of a dieline, so its packaging mockups start from a 3D model that already exists, either a template from its Elements library or a file you import. PackCAD Mockup fills that gap. Upload the dieline you drew and it becomes a fold-ready 3D model, with the cut and crease lines detected automatically.

Question 3

How do I make a 3D packaging mockup in Vectary?

Accepted Answer

In Vectary you start from a 3D model: pick a packaging template from the Elements library or import your own, then apply artwork and materials and publish or render it. If your packaging only exists as a flat dieline, build the model in PackCAD Mockup first by uploading the dieline, folding it, and applying your artwork. You can then export it as a 3D model and import it into Vectary. See our Getting Started guide for a walkthrough.

Question 4

Can I use PackCAD Mockup and Vectary together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they cover different steps of the same workflow: PackCAD Mockup builds the accurate 3D model, and Vectary distributes it as interactive embeds and AR experiences. Fold your dieline in PackCAD Mockup, export it as a 3D model (glTF, GLB, or OBJ), and import that file into Vectary, which accepts all three formats.

Question 5

When should I use Vectary instead of PackCAD Mockup?

Accepted Answer

Vectary is a great pick when you already have a 3D model and want to present it well: interactive web embeds, product configurators, AR viewing, and Figma handoff. Reach for PackCAD Mockup when all you have is a flat dieline and you need an accurate 3D mockup of your own packaging to fold, render, or export.

Question 6

How does PackCAD Mockup's rendering compare to Vectary's?

Accepted Answer

Vectary renders with its real-time engine, the same one that powers its interactive editor, embeds, and configurators. PackCAD Mockup has a fast interactive 3D view too, but for final imagery it adds a dedicated Render tool: a path-tracer that physically simulates light to produce higher-quality, photorealistic still renderings of your packaging at up to 4K.

Question 7

Will Vectary export 3D models on the free plan?

Accepted Answer

No. 3D model exports (glTF, GLB, and USDZ) are part of Vectary's Pro AI plan, which runs $15–25/mo and also adds public link sharing; the free plan lets you build and share privately, but not download your model. PackCAD Mockup gates 3D exports the same way: they're part of PackCAD Mockup Pro, along with watermark-free 4K renderings and commercial use.

Question 8

Does PackCAD Mockup have a free plan like Vectary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PackCAD Mockup's free plan lets you upload dielines, fold, pose, apply artwork and materials, and preview watermarked renderings. PackCAD Mockup Pro unlocks photorealistic 4K renderings, 3D exports, and commercial use. Try PackCAD Mockup for free

PackCAD Mockup vs Vectary

PackCAD Mockup vs Vectary, side by side

Fold your own dieline

Folds like the real thing

Animations without rigging

Frequently asked questions

Ready to start folding?

Capability	PackCAD Mockup	Vectary
Runs in your browser — no install	Yes	Yes
Upload your own custom dielines	Yes	No
Turn a flat dieline into a 3D model	Yes	Requires an existing 3D model
Physics-based 3D folding simulation	Yes	No
Pose & keyframe folding animations	Yes	Manual rigging & animation
Apply your own artwork	Yes	Yes
Interactive 3D rendering	Yes	Yes
Path-traced photorealistic rendering	Yes	No
Export animations	Yes	After manual rigging
Export 3D models	Yes	Yes
Interactive web embeds & product configurators	No	Yes
AR viewing	Via 3D export (glTF, GLB)	Yes
Full 3D workflow pricing	$20–29/mo (Pro license)	$15–25/mo (Pro AI license)