EngView Packaging Suite vs Impact CAD

EngView Packaging Suite is CAD/CAM software for structural packaging design and production, including boxes and POP/POS displays. Its workflow runs from concept and dieline creation through 3D visualization and production output. The design library contains over 2,500 ready-to-use packaging standards, including the full ECMA and FEFCO codes. Adobe Illustrator integration supports artwork application, 3D viewing, and production-ready file generation. The 3D Presenter creates visualizations with artwork and finishing effects and can output 3D PDF and web3D files. Layout Optimizer arranges designs on sheets to minimize waste and can nest multiple one-ups or artworks. The CAM module supports cutting plotters, lasers, and waterjets, with tool paths intended to minimize cutting time. An API allows the parametric design technology to be integrated into web-to-print platforms, packaging e-shops, and custom applications. The suite includes dieline editing and import, preflight checks, and cloud collaboration. Lite costs €760 a year, Standard €2,080 a year, and Professional €3,620 a year. A 10-day free trial is available after registration and contact with a local representative.

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.