Introduction
Overview of PrintNow's Print CAD — parametric CAD software for designing custom dielines and publishing web-to-pack packaging products.
Print CAD is PrintNow's parametric CAD tool for structural packaging design. It creates constraint-driven 2D geometry where dimensions, angles, and relationships are defined as parameters — change one value and the entire design updates automatically. Print CAD handles folding cartons, corrugated boxes, flexible packaging, labels, mailers, displays, and custom enclosures.
The workflow spans four stages: Create dieline standards in the browser-based CAD application using constraints, variables, and expressions. Publish those standards through the Unified Admin with configurable parameters, preset sizes, validation rules, and 3D panel definitions. Price with dynamic calculators that support standard sizes with volume discounts and fully custom dimensions. Launch on any PrintNow storefront where customers select sizes, preview 3D folding animations, design online in the Print Editor, and order with instant quoting.
Print CAD
Quick Start
Access Print CAD in your browser, create your first parametric dieline, and export a print-ready PDF.
User Interface
Tour of the graphics window, property browser, toolbar, menus, and keyboard shortcuts.
Constraints
Define geometric relationships — coincident, distance, tangent, parallel, perpendicular, symmetric, angle, and more.
Line Styles
Assign cut, crease, perforation, bleed, glue, and mask line types with custom spot colors.
Variables
Create named variables for length, width, depth, and allowance that drive parametric dimensions.
Expression System
Build formulas with arithmetic operators and functions like min, max, clamp, and step.
Base Point Indicator
Set the origin point that controls orientation and alignment for storefront rendering.
Custom Libraries
Quick Start
Overview of publishing Print CAD standards to your storefront as orderable packaging products.
User Interface
Navigate the Custom Libraries admin — list and grid views, bulk operations, import and export.
Upload File
Import .pcad files from Print CAD or .pn packages. Replace files without losing configuration.
Standard Information
Configure display name, category, units, editor source product, markup, and dieline cost.
Parameters
Expose Print CAD variables to storefront customers with min/max ranges, step values, and display order.
Standard Sizes
Define preset size options with names and optional discount tiers for volume pricing.
Options
Configure static options and bind product options for material, finish, and add-on selections.
Rules
Define validation formulas that restrict invalid parameter combinations with user-facing messages.
Auto Flute
Configure automatic flute calculations based on production material and size requirements.
Panels
Define selectable 3D panels with labels that map to editable surfaces in the Print Editor.
Animations
Set fold angles for each panel to create step-by-step 3D folding animations on the storefront.
Sandbox
Test parameter combinations with real-time SVG rendering and export print-ready PDF samples.
Dieline Colors
Manage line type colors with CMYK values, spot color names, and editor hex mappings.