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SPECIFICTION
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Impact CAD

ardensoftware.com

WindowsmacOS
Visit ardensoftware.com
Spec score 7.9 #9 of 27 in Packaging Design Software

What it is

Impact CAD is Arden Software’s packaging design system for structural work, proofing and manufacturing workflows. It covers 2D drafting through 3D visualisation and animation, with interactive drawing, reusable parametric and resizable packaging designs, drag-and-drop components, layout and nesting, graphics handling, dieline editing and import, and preflight checks. Designers can create virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes for customer review, then produce physical samples through compatible plotters and sample makers. The software imports and exports formats including PDF, Adobe Illustrator, DWG and DXF. Impact 2026 adds machine-learning Design Similarity for ranking related designs and manufacturing layouts, native Python scripting, and 629 standards plus more than 1,000 combinations in its V120 Standards Library. It supports SQL Server and Oracle for 2026; MySQL is no longer supported. Windows 11 is recommended. Pricing is on request, and Arden offers a free demo request.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Impact is packaging design CAD software for structural design, soft proofing packaging and displays, and manufacturing workflows.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Integrations
Impact CAD 2026 is listed as compatible with WEBcnx, TOPS, Bobst PowerPack and the Adobe Illustrator plug-in, subject to specified version requirements.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
Support
Arden offers online technical support, 24/7 self-help resources, telephone support, remote troubleshooting and on-site visits.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Headquarters
Arden Software lists its UK head office in Marple, Stockport, United Kingdom.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Founded
1988Read 28 Sep 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Company
Arden Software says it was founded in 1988 and lists its UK head office in Marple, Stockport, United Kingdom.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
2026 AI feature
Design Similarity uses machine learning to search an existing Impact database and rank similar designs and manufacturing layouts.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
2D and 3D design
The product supports packaging design from 2D drafting through 3D visualisation and animation.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
3D proofing
Users can create virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes to share with customers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Adobe Illustrator
Arden offers an Impact plug-in for Adobe Illustrator to handle Impact-produced PDFs; the current downloads page lists Windows and macOS versions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Approvals and samples
Users can create shareable virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes, and the software is compatible with plotters and sample makers for physical samples.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Automation
Impact 2026 adds native Python scripting support for automation and workflow development.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Company history
Arden Software says it was founded in 1988.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Databases
The product page lists SQL, Oracle and MySQL database support, while the Impact 2026 system requirements state that MySQL is no longer supported from version 2026 onward.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
Design library
Impact includes resizable packaging designs that users can customise for their materials and projects.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Design Similarity
Impact 2026 uses machine learning to search an existing Impact database and rank similar designs and manufacturing layouts.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Design tools
Interactive drawing tools provide feedback on rule length, area, weight and waste calculations.Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Download access
Arden says most downloadable Impact CAD content is available to customers registered on its support site.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Downloads and support
Some Impact downloads are restricted to logged-in users with an active Software Maintenance Contract, and the support site provides ticket submission.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
File formats
Impact supports importing and exporting numerous formats, including PDF, Adobe Illustrator, DWG and DXF.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
Licensing and security
Impact uses HTTPS on TCP port 443 to activate, deactivate or extend a lease through the Nalpeiron licensing service; a floating licence server is also available for local networks.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
Platform requirements
Impact CAD is described as a highly graphical desktop CAD application, and its 2026 system requirements specify Windows environments.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
Plug-in limit
Selected plug-ins and automations are not included in the standard Impact CAD 2026 installer or download; customers are directed to contact support about availability and licensing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · impact-support.ardensoftware.com
Standards library
Impact 2026 adds 629 standards and more than 1,000 design combinations to its V120 Standards Library.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
Trial and pricing
Arden invites visitors to request a free demo; the opened product page does not state a trial duration or a product price.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com

Plans and prices

Impact CAD Priced on request No public price listed; contact Arden or a local reseller for a demo or more information Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com

Every Impact CAD plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports 2D drafting through 3D animation
  • Includes dieline editing, import and preflight checks
  • Creates shareable virtual samples and prototypes
  • Adds Python scripting in Impact 2026
  • Imports and exports PDF, DWG and DXF

Limits

  • 2026 requires Windows 11 and database drivers
  • MySQL is no longer supported from version 2026
  • Pricing is available only on request
  • Some plug-ins require separate availability and licensing

Who it suits

Packaging designers and manufacturing teams needing structural, proofing and production workflows on Windows or macOS. It also suits organizations requiring 3D approval samples, standards libraries or database-connected processes.

Verdict

Impact CAD combines packaging construction, visual approval and manufacturing preparation in one system. Its 2026 additions target similarity search, scripting and expanded standards, while deployment and plug-in requirements need checking before purchase.

Where Specifiction places it

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