Software for Packaging Workshop

• A net is a 3D object flattened, e.g.:

• Lots of nets available online! Available as vector downloads to open in Illustrator.
• Nets can be lasercut, but make these yourself - don't rely on nets found online.

Making a Jack-in-the-box net:

• Make Layer 1 into a guides layer.
• Use the rectangle tool to draw a rectangle over the whole artboard.
• Object - path - split into grid

• Select preview, choose the number of columns
• Select add guides

• Double click the layer and make into a template. This will lock and dim the layer, and it will not print this layer.

• New layer called Net
• Rectangle tool - hold alt and this will help center it.
• Hold alt and select the square - this will copy the square and you can move it to start making the net.

• Using transform guarantees that the square moves to the exact right place.
• Make a cross from squares in the middle of the page.

• Make the tabs by making another rectangle the same height as the squares, but a smaller width.
• Use the direct selection tool to select the two outer corners of the tab.
• Use the circles inside to curve the edges.

• Select the two tabs you've made

• Find the rotate tool, hold it down to get the reflect tool.

• Alt + click on the axis where you want to reflect the shapes, i.e. on the middle guide (the blue point)

• Copy one of the tabs, rotate it and place it on the top box.

• Now we must make a clear outline! Otherwise the laser cutter would cut it out into a jigsaw.
• Select everything, then copy it.
• Create a new layer called Fold Guides 1
• Use edit - paste in place

• Lock and hide this new layer.
• Select original net layer
• Go to window - pathfider
• Select all the shapes
• Use the unite tool and your shapes should turn into one outline

• Lock the net layer
• Close pathfinder
• Select the folds layer
• Select all shapes
• You could reduce the opacity to differentiate between what needs to be cut and folded.

• OR a dotted line for folds
• Select all again
• Select stroke, and there will be an option for a dashed line

• Unlock net
• Select the circle button and that will select everything on the layer

• Get rid of any fill by using the box on the left

• Do the same for the folds layer
• Now group everything on the folds layer.

Now, to create a double sided image:

• Unlock all layers, including guides
• You can swap to view - outline mode, to check that all your lines line up
• Select artboard tool

• Rename artboard to 'inside of box'
• Hold down alt key
• Click and drag your artboard, and it will make a copy

• Rename it 'outside of box'

Alternative fold guides method

• Make a new layer called Fold Guides 2
• Lock all other layers
• Make some crop lines using the pen tool, holding down shift to get straight lines. they should snap to the guide lines.
• You'll need to score or fold the lines first before you cut with this method!

• Make a new layer called artwork.
• File - place and choose image
• Embed or linked file - embed means you don't need to have the image in the same folder as the AI file, as with InDesign
• There's a button at the top that says embed!

• Add artwork to the inside of the box too!

Printing!

• PDF retains vectors! More accessible than an AI file if you want to send it into the public domain.
• If you have a net that isn't symmetrical you'll have to reflect the shape horizontally, when printing.
• Print two-sided on long-edge binging
• Click use artboards when exporting

Voila! A box!