Use this guide to make a clearer decision before you brief, order, or review a design project.
Whether you're launching a product for the first time or refreshing an existing line, you have more options than ever for getting packaging designed. Here's an honest look at the ten main routes, from free DIY tools to specialist agencies.
Free and Low-Cost DIY Tools
1. Canva
Best for: simple flat packaging, label mockups, social content to support a launch. Canva's drag-and-drop interface makes basic designs accessible, but the template library is generic and the output quality rarely matches what's needed for production-quality print files.
2. Placeit by Envato
Best for: mockups and presentations. Placeit lets you add your design to photorealistic product mockups — very useful for showing investors or clients what a final package will look like. Less useful for actual design work.
3. Adobe Express
A more capable version of Canva with better typography controls. The free tier is limited; the paid version gives access to Adobe Fonts. Still template-led and best for social media content rather than production packaging.
4. Vistaprint Design Studio
Best for: print-and-order in one step. If you just need basic labels or boxes printed quickly and cheaply, Vistaprint's in-house tool keeps everything in one workflow. Design quality is constrained by the template options available.
Mid-Range Platforms
5. 99designs
Contest-based platform where multiple designers submit concepts based on your brief. You only pay for the winner. Quality varies significantly — the best contest entries can be very strong, but you're relying on the market to deliver.
6. Fiverr
A marketplace of individual freelancers at every price point. The £30–£100 tier is almost always template-based. The £300–£600 tier from experienced sellers can produce solid results if you brief carefully and check portfolios thoroughly.
7. Upwork
Better for larger projects where you can vet a freelancer properly via their portfolio and client history. Upwork's billing and review system provides more accountability than Fiverr for longer engagements.
Professional Design Services
8. ideahits
ideahits is a specialist design studio offering packaging and label design as a core service. Projects are handled by dedicated designers who research your category before designing. You get unlimited revisions, full file deliverables including print-ready PDFs with bleeds, and direct communication with your designer throughout. Starting prices are on the price list page.
9. Local brand agencies
A local branding agency brings face-to-face relationships and deep market understanding if they're in your sector. The downside is typically higher cost and slower turnaround.
10. Packaging-specialist print houses
Some larger print suppliers offer in-house design as part of a print order. This can work well if your brief is straightforward and you're happy to use their template library. Less suitable for distinctive or category-disrupting packaging.
If you need production-ready packaging that stands out on shelf, a professional design service is the right choice. Start a packaging brief with ideahits and get first concepts within 2–4 business days.
