VPack vs ZebraDesigner

VPack is ERPA Systeme GmbH’s 3D CAD/CAM software for designing product packaging, displays, folding boxes and related packaging. It links flat 2D dielines with folded 3D views in real time. A library contains 1,300 patterns for solid and corrugated board, including FEFCO, ECMA and PHARMA standards. Semi-automated construction and company-specific parameters support customized designs. Importing a product’s 3D model can generate a matching insert cross-section. Analysis covers material consumption, waste, line lengths and other production information. VPack exports interactive 3D PDF and HTML presentations with folding animation. It connects with common high-performance cutters for prototypes and digital short runs, and ERPA says it integrates with VKalk and EDB servers and can provide data to merchandise systems and online shops. Windows 10/11, Mac and Linux are listed; ERPA recommends a premium OpenGL Quadro graphics card for 3D. Pricing requires contacting ERPA.

ZebraDesigner provides Windows software for designing labels, tags, and receipts, from basic text layouts to designs using RFID or fixed and variable data. Essentials includes text, barcode, and graphic objects, keyboard, date, time, and counter data sources, plus a GS1-128 barcode wizard. Professional adds connections to Excel, Access, text files, and other databases through ODBC, and supports printing and encoding RFID labels. Developer tools create ZPL templates for integration with other applications; listed options include Enterprise Connector for Oracle apps, PrintConnect, Print Station, and Zebra's XML-enabled printing solution. ZebraDesigner 3 can open legacy label formats from ZebraDesigner 2, and its interface is available in 20 languages. Supported systems are Windows 10 and 11 desktop editions and Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025. Remote Desktop Services and virtual machines are not supported, except Hyper-V technologies. Essentials and Developer editions cost nothing. Professional costs $345, paid once as an activation license key, limited to one computer.