Packaging Dieline Types Explained – Tuck End, Mailer Box, Auto Lock & More

Packaging dieline templates come in dozens of styles and structures. Choosing the wrong box type is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes in custom packaging. This guide covers every major packaging dieline type, when to use each, and how to generate them free.

1. Straight Tuck End (STE) Box

The most common retail packaging box in the world. Both the top and bottom tucks open in the same direction (toward the front). Simple, cost-effective, and suitable for most lightweight retail products.

Best for: Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, small electronics, health products, toys

Material: 300–450gsm coated board

2. Reverse Tuck End (RTE) Box

Top tuck opens toward the front, bottom tuck opens toward the back. Stronger closure than STE — the opposite-direction tucks create a more secure lock. Slightly more material used.

Best for: Products that need more secure closure, heavier retail products

Material: 300–450gsm coated board

3. Auto Lock Bottom (Crash Lock) Box

The bottom of the box locks automatically when the box is erected — no glue tabs or hand assembly needed. Faster to assemble, stronger base. Ideal for heavier products.

Best for: Heavy or fragile products, food boxes, display packaging

Material: 350–500gsm board

4. Mailer Box / E-Commerce Box

The self-locking shipping box that dominates ecommerce packaging. No tape or glue needed — the box locks securely through interlocking flaps. Opens cleanly for unboxing experience.

Best for: Ecommerce shipments, subscription boxes, premium unboxing experiences

Material: 3–7 ply corrugated board or rigid board

5. Tray and Sleeve Box

A tray (open-top box) that slides inside a printed sleeve. The sleeve can be slid off to reveal the product in the tray. Premium look, popular in luxury packaging.

Best for: Premium retail, gift sets, electronics, luxury cosmetics

Material: 400–600gsm coated board

6. Four Corner Tray

An open-top tray with four corners glued or locked. Used for display purposes — shows the product while contained in a structured box.

Best for: Food display, retail display, bakery trays

Material: 300–400gsm board

7. Pillow Box

A curved, pillow-shaped box that creates from a single flat sheet without glue. Distinctive shape for gifts and small products.

Best for: Gift packaging, jewellery, small retail products

Material: 250–350gsm board

8. Gable Box

A box with a built-in handle formed from the top flaps. Commonly used for food, gifts and party favours.

Best for: Food takeaway, gift packaging, party favours

Material: 300–400gsm board

Packaging Dieline Type Quick Reference

Box Type	Closure	Best Use	Material GSM
Straight Tuck End	Tuck flap	General retail	300–450
Reverse Tuck End	Tuck flap	Secure retail	300–450
Auto Lock Bottom	Auto-locking base	Heavy products	350–500
Mailer Box	Interlocking flaps	Ecommerce	Corrugated/rigid
Tray and Sleeve	Sleeve over tray	Premium retail	400–600
Four Corner Tray	Open top	Display	300–400
Pillow Box	Glue-free lock	Gifts, jewellery	250–350
Gable Box	Tuck + handle	Food, gifts	300–400

Generate Any Box Dieline Free

Diegen by Aprints.pk generates dielines for all major box types — enter your dimensions and download your production-ready template in seconds. Free, no login, no software required.