How to Design on a Cardboard Tube Dieline

To get started with your cardboard tube dieline template, begin by making sure your document is in CMYK color mode, the color system used for printing. This can be done by going to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Mode.

When designing make sure to reference the Cardboard Tube Orientation Guide to ensure that you are placing elements in the correct location and orientation. Remember to account for bleeds when adding your designs.

All designs will remain in the same orientation. Do note that the top section will appear as the curled edge at the top of the tube and the section below that acts as the tube lid.

While the outer tube only has exterior print, the inner tube has both interior and exterior print which is visible since it forms a neck when assembled.

For designs on the inner tube exterior, designs stay in the same orientation. This will appear as the exterior of the neck. Since this tube will be glued against the outer tube, the overlapping sections will be hidden after the tube is assembled.

For designs on the inner tube interior, designs also stay in the same orientation. This will act as the interior walls of the tube.

For designs on the lid cap and base cap, designs also stay in the same orientation.

When you're done designing, double check it with the dieline orientation guide to make sure that everything is in the correct location and orientation.

To learn more about adding logos, vectorizing text or embedding images on dielines in Adobe Illustraor, head to our dieline design tips page.