There are many boxes, packaging, or folding carton styles to choose from and each one has a different purpose.

Whether you are looking to display your packaged products on your retail shelf, looking for the perfect packaging for your handmade products, or looking to box up a gift to give your customers, this blog will help you better understand which box type is best for you.

What are All the Box Types?

Product boxes, custom boxes, paper boxes, folding carton boxes, gift boxes, and more. There are so many different names for boxes, but there are also many different types of boxes, including the straight tuck-end box, the pillow box, the snap-lock bottom box, and more!

So, when it comes time to get started on finding the perfect packaging for your product or other items, you need to gain a good understanding of what all these types of boxes are used for so you can choose the best ones.

Here are the most popular types of folding carton boxes so you can get started on your custom packaging the right way.

Tuck-End Box

Tuck-end boxes—also known as tuck-top boxes or tuck-end paper boxes—are one of the most popular types of boxes and are what you typically see in any retail store as they are the most convenient for the user because they are extremely easy to assemble and use.

The top and the bottom of the tuck-end box have the same style of closure tabs which include two smaller tabs that close in and then one larger tab, or flap, in the middle that folds over and tucks in, to close the box.

Tuck-end boxes come in two styles, including the straight tuck-end box (STE box) and reverse tuck-end box (RTE box.)

Straight tuck-end boxes are considered straight because the top and bottom openings open and close in the same direction whereas for reverse tuck-end boxes, these openings open and close in the opposite direction.

These boxes are ideal for any light item you may want to package including soap, light bulbs, essential oils, packs of tea, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, organic products, and more.

Snap-Lock Box

Snap-lock boxes—also known as snap-lock bottom boxes or 1-2-3 bottom boxes—are also a very popular box type but unlike tuck-end boxes, these boxes can package heavier items. This is because the bottom of the snap-lock box has four flaps that interlock with each other creating a tight and more secure closure.

The way these boxes are made not only allow you to package heavier items, but they are also a few cents cheaper than the tuck-end box because of the way they are shaped allows for more boxes to be printed on one sheet of paper—less paper used means it’s cheaper to print.

Although snap-lock boxes are slightly cheaper and can hold heavier items than the popular tuck-end box, they take a little bit longer to assemble as they have an extra flap on the bottom and the bottom needs to be interlocked together for optimal performance.

These boxes are ideal for almost any item imaginable including candles, medical supplies, perfumes, food, apparel, household goods, pet supplies, and so much more.

 

Pillow Box

Pillow boxes, or pillow packaging boxes, get their name from their unique shape as they resemble a pillow when assembled.

These boxes are great for small and light items like candies, jewelry, cosmetics, etc., and are often used for packaging gifts, fast food items, party favors, and small retail items.

Unlike your typical box which has six sides, pillow boxes only have four with a front, back, and two opening sides.

These boxes are extremely easy to assemble as they pop into place and the two flaps on either end of the box fold over on top of each other and get pushed down to close the box.

These boxes are not ideal if you are looking to display them on a retail shelf as they do not have a flat edge for stacking or sitting level, so the front of the box displays during the point of purchase moment. However, these boxes are great for handing out as gifts, favors, packaging along with other items like promotional products for mailing, or for boxing up items like jewelry or cosmetics.

 

Hanging Box

A hanging box—also known as a five-panel hanging box and box with hang tab—is typically made using a tuck-end or snap-lock box style along with an extended back panel with a Euro or sombrero-style hole so that it can be hung on a hanging display system.

Because of their hanging capability, these types of boxes are perfect for point of purchase marketing and are what many items in retail stores are packaged in.

Ideal for electronic products, automotive items, health and wellness, beauty products and more, these boxes are perfect for items you would like showcased in your store.

For heavier items, choose a snap-lock box and include in the project overview that you are looking to include a hanging tab where if the items you are looking to package are lighter, you can opt for a tuck-end box.

 

Dispenser Box

Dispenser boxes can be made using either a tuck-end or snap-lock box style but has a perforated slit to easily tear so that you can package individual items that can be grabbed from the box without having to open the closure tabs.

These boxes are ideal for individually packaged items like supplements, tea and coffee bags, hand wipes, candies, disposable gloves, bandages, and more.

If you’re interested in creating custom dispenser boxes, simply choose whether you would like a snap-lock box or tuck-end box and mention you are looking for a dispenser embellishment in your project overview.

 

Custom Boxes With Windows

Window cut outs are an embellishment that can accompany virtually any type of box you would like, including pillow boxes, snap-lock boxes, and tuck-end boxes.

By adding a window cut out to your box, you allow your audience to see what is inside of the box before even opening it.

Custom boxes with windows are ideal for packaging apparel, candies, food, electronic accessories, jewelry, and more. To get started on a custom box with a window cut out, simply choose the type of box you are interested in and include the size and shape of window cut out you are looking for in the project overview.

At Conquest Graphics we have everything you need to create the perfect custom box for your packaging needs.

When you’re ready, simply click on the folding carton style you’re interested in below and request a free quote today!