Free tool · by Dharaksha
Lid and base box template: free two-piece rigid box dieline
Design a two-piece lid and base box, the classic rigid gift box. The generator draws the base and a lid sized to slide over it, side by side, and exports a true-scale PDF, SVG or DXF.
Lid and base box template
What is a lid and base box?
A lid and base box, also called a two-piece box or telescope box, is made of two trays: a base that holds the product and a slightly larger lid that slides down over it. In premium packaging both pieces are made from greyboard and wrapped in printed or textured paper, which is why the style is often called a rigid box.
The fit between the two pieces is what makes the box feel right. Too tight and the lid will not close; too loose and it rattles. This template sizes the lid from the outside of the base, so the two always match when you change the size or the board.
How the lid is sized to the base
The base is drawn like a tray: inside size plus one board thickness. The lid’s inside is the base’s outside plus 1 mm of clearance on each side. Unless you set it, the lid depth is about 35% of the box height. For a 90 × 90 × 160 mm box in 2 mm rigid board, the lid inside is 96 × 96 mm and the lid is 57 mm deep. You can set a full-depth lid or a shallow one under the advanced options.
Rigid boxes are wrapped after the board is cut, so ask your maker to confirm their wrap turn-in and the final greyboard sizes. The preview, the 3D fold-up and the approximate weight help you agree the design before sampling.
Good uses for a lid and base box
Perfume and attar gift boxes, watches and jewellery, premium cosmetics sets, festive hampers, apparel and shoe boxes. This page opens with a mycelium insert for a 50 ml glass perfume bottle switched on; edit the bottle size in the second tab to design a cavity for your own product. See our luxury packaging for finished examples.
Artwork tips
On a wrapped rigid box the printed paper is a separate wrap sheet, larger than the board, that turns over the edges and inside. Use this dieline to place the logo on the lid top and walls, then ask your maker for their wrap template to finish the artwork.
Example sizes to start from
Pick a size to load it into the generator above, then change it to fit your product. These are starting points, not standards.
| Example | Inside size (L × W × H) | Board | Generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfume gift box | 90 × 90 × 160 mm | 2 mm | Open this size |
| Watch box | 100 × 100 × 80 mm | 2 mm | Open this size |
| Jewellery box | 90 × 90 × 40 mm | 2 mm | Open this size |
| Shirt or apparel box | 330 × 250 × 60 mm | 2 mm | Open this size |
Need a different style? Go back to the box dieline generator to switch between all six, or open another template below.
FAQ
Lid and base box template: questions, answered
What is the difference between a rigid box and a folding carton?
A folding carton is printed board that folds flat and is assembled by the brand. A rigid box is thick greyboard wrapped in paper, set up at the factory and shipped assembled. Rigid boxes feel more premium and protect better.
How much bigger should the lid be than the base?
The generator uses 1 mm of clearance on each side, so the lid inside is the base outside plus 2 mm in length and width. Ask your maker if their wrap paper needs more.
Can the lid cover the whole base?
Yes. Set the lid depth to the full box height under the advanced options for a full telescope lid, or make it shallow for a shoulder look.
Can I add an insert to a lid and base box?
Yes. This page starts with a mycelium bottle insert. Change the product shape, size and weight in the second tab, then use it to size the box around the insert.
Which file should I send to a rigid box maker?
Send the PDF for sizes and the DXF for their cutting table, together with your artwork and the board thickness you chose.
Ready to move your packaging off plastic?
Send us your dieline spec and we will quote a mycelium insert or moulded pack to match, with samples to test on your own line.