Impact CAD vs PACKZ
Impact CAD
ardensoftware.comPACKZ
hybridsoftware.comSide by side
| Figure | Impact CAD | PACKZ |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Packaging Design Software | 7.9 (#9) | 8.1 (#5) |
| Automation | Impact 2026 adds native Python scripting support for automation and workflow development. | Pactions records interactive editing steps as reusable action lists to reduce repetitive work. |
| Headquarters | Arden Software lists its UK head office in Marple, Stockport, United Kingdom. | Ghent, Belgium |
| Integrations | Impact CAD 2026 is listed as compatible with WEBcnx, TOPS, Bobst PowerPack and the Adobe Illustrator plug-in, subject to specified version requirements. | The features page lists links to GMG OpenColor and matchmycolor Colibri for color management, and Arden Software and EngView Systems CAD libraries for nested step-and-repeat work. |
| Purpose | Impact is packaging design CAD software for structural design, soft proofing packaging and displays, and manufacturing workflows. | PACKZ is an all-in-one native PDF editor for prepress work on labels and packaging. |
| Support | Arden offers online technical support, 24/7 self-help resources, telephone support, remote troubleshooting and on-site visits. | Hybrid Software recommends submitting support requests through its Service Center and provides regional hotlines for urgent issues. |
Plans
In their own words
Impact CAD
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.
PACKZ
PACKZ is a PDF editor for preparing label and packaging artwork for print prepress. It edits PDF content while retaining layer, group and page structure rather than converting the file to an internal format. Pactions records interactive editing steps as reusable action lists. The application combines one-up editing with step-and-repeat layouts, including tabular, grid, nested and Packzimizer options. Variable data can include text, numbers, barcodes, images and color. Color tools include DeviceLink profiles, PANTONE Digital Color support, links to GMG OpenColor and matchmycolor Colibri, as well as trapping, preflight and quality-control views. Artwork warping and real-time 3D inspection support applications such as shrink sleeves and metal cans. PACKZ Max includes a Harlequin RIP for screening and output. PACKZ connects with CLOUDFLOW and MyCLOUDFLOW workflows and with Arden Software and EngView Systems CAD libraries. It runs on macOS and 64-bit Windows, but Windows Server is not supported. PACKZ pricing is available by contacting Hybrid Software or booking a demo. PACKZVIEW is a separate free app for previewing and inspecting production PDFs.