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Base and lid, magnetic or drawer: which box should you choose?

The difference becomes clear when you open the box. Compare access to the product, presentation and how the packaging will be used.

3 min readScatole.com editorial teamUpdated on
Illustrated comparison of lift-off lid, magnetic opening and drawer box structures.

Start with how the customer will use it

Imagine the first action: lifting a lid, opening a cover or sliding out a drawer. Then consider where the box will be used, whether it will stay on a desk and whether the contents will be put back after each use. The right structure depends on that sequence as well as on the product.

Compare alternatives with the same contents and quantity. Visually similar boxes can involve different components and production steps; a price for one structure does not automatically apply to another.

Base and lid: access from above

A base and lid box has two separate parts. Once the lid is lifted away, the contents are visible from above. It is worth considering for a central product, accessories or a set arranged on one level. Think about where the customer will put the lid while the box is open.

Magnetic: the lid stays with the box

With a magnetic box, the lid remains attached to the structure and magnets form the closure. It can suit a presentation box that will be opened and closed repeatedly. The product must leave sufficient room for the closure: a tall or poorly positioned item can interfere with the lid.

Consider where the logo appears when the box is closed and what becomes visible as it opens. Check the available printing area in the configuration you select.

Drawer: the contents slide out

A drawer box combines an outer sleeve with a sliding tray. It needs space in front of the packaging to open. For small items, an orderly layout makes the contents easy to identify. Check grip and sliding movement together with the product and insert.

Three pieces: an inner collar defines the opening

A three-piece box has a base, an inner collar and a lid. The collar shapes the separation between the parts and the appearance of the open box. It is more than a base and lid box with different decoration: the proportions of the components need to be considered together.

Make the decision with a short checklist

  • One product or several items?
  • Access from above or a sliding opening?
  • Occasional use or repeated opening?
  • An insert needed for positioning, grip or separation?
  • Enough space on the counter and in the shipping carton?

For a collection of samples, consider the Discovery Set. If your priority is printed paperboard that arrives flat, compare folding cartons. Before choosing paper, complete the internal dimension check.

QUICK GUIDE

Your box, step by step

Choose a style, make it yours and check the result before you order.

  1. 01THE STYLE

    Choose your box

    Pick the structure that suits your product. Open a studio below to start configuring it.

  2. 02THE DETAILS

    Make it yours

    Enter the inside dimensions and quantity. Choose the materials and printing available for your style, then create or upload your artwork.

  3. 03OPTIONAL

    Add a fitted insert

    For a rigid box, you can add shaped foam or cardboard. Its size follows your box. For folding cartons, go straight to the final check.

  4. 04THE RESULT

    Review and finish

    Check the 3D preview and summary. If your box has an insert, check its pockets too. Add to cart or request a quote.

Choose your structure

What happens next?

  • Box or folding cartonBuy online

    Add your configured product to the cart and complete checkout. Shipping is calculated at checkout or marked as a separate quote.

  • Box + foamBuy online

    See the set price and add the box and insert to the cart together.

  • Box + cardboardBy quote

    Request a custom quote with the box and insert details already attached.