In 2024, artificial intelligence has impacted all industries in some way, and we recognize that AI design tools for packaging are becoming more readily available too. According to the Forbes Advisor survey, 53% of businesses are using AI to improve and perfect their operations across different functions. These design tools offer innovative solutions for creating eye-catching product boxes and custom labels. In this blog post, we’ll explore eight of the top AI design tools to use for your new packaging & label designs.
1. Canva
AI Tools:
Source: Canva
How it helps:
Magic Studio allows you to create and enhance your packaging and label designs with AI-driven tools that simplify complex tasks and add creative flair. Tools like, Magic Resize & Expand can help you adapt your packaging and label designs to different dimensions. Whereas, Magic Media can help turn your design ideas from text to images.
Things to consider:
Canva is a versatile, user-friendly design tool. Its AI-powered features simplify the design process, allowing users to create stunning packaging and labels online. While Canva is great for basic design needs, it may lack the advanced features required for more complex packaging designs. Additionally, the free version has limited resources, which might necessitate an upgrade to the Pro version.
Read our post on exporting print-ready artwork from Canva here.
Who it’s suited for:
Canva’s intuitive interface & range of design templates makes it ideal for beginners. The free version is sufficient for simple projects, but serious designers might consider the Pro version for a monthly fee.
2. Adobe Illustrator
AI Tools:
Source: Adobe Illustrator
How it helps:
Adobe Sensei uses AI to automate complex design tasks, such as auto-coloring and smart object selection.
Things to consider:
Adobe Illustrator is a professional-grade design tool that’s widely used by companies in the print industry. Illustrator supports vector graphics, ensuring high-quality prints. The complexity of Adobe Illustrator can be daunting for beginners. It requires a steep learning curve and a significant time investment to master. Additionally, it comes with a higher price tag compared to other tools.
Who it’s suited for:
Adobe Illustrator is best suited for experienced designers. We advise anyone who is new to the software, take time to view tutorials or courses.
3. Esko Studio
AI Tools:
Source: Esko
How it helps:
3D Packaging Design offers realistic 3D renderings of packaging designs, allowing you to see the final product before production.
Things to consider:
Esko Studio is another great tool for packaging design. Its AI capabilities allow for realistic 3D visualizations and mockups, providing a clear preview of the final product. The tool integrates well with Adobe Illustrator, enhancing its functionality. Like Adobe Illustrator, Esko Studio is a professional-grade tool that comes with a steep price and learning curve.
Who it’s suited for:
Esko Studio requires professional knowledge of packaging design. It’s not the best choice for small businesses or individual designers with limited budgets. The investment is significant both in terms of cost and the time needed to master the software. It’s best suited for large-scale operations with a dedicated design team.
4. AI-Powered Design Platforms (Tailor Brands, LogoAI)
AI Tools:
How they help:
Tailor Brands Logo Maker and LogoAI Design Generator use AI to automate the design process, creating logos quickly and efficiently that you can use on your product packaging. They offer a variety of templates and customization options to match your brand’s identity.
Things to consider:
These platforms are excellent for creating logos quickly to help you with your label or packaging design project. They offer a variety of templates and customization options to match your brand’s identity. While these platforms are convenient, they may not offer the depth of customization available in more advanced software. The designs might also lack the uniqueness that comes from fully custom projects.
Who it’s suited for:
These platforms are perfect for beginners and small businesses who need to solidify their brand image with a logo for their products. They offer cost-effective options for using the software. Additionally, minimal design skills are required to use them, making it accessible to a wide audience.
5. DALL-E 3
AI Tools:
Source: Openai.com
How it helps:
DALL-E 3 generates realistic images and art from text descriptions using its powerful AI model. This can be incredibly useful for creating unique and visually appealing packaging and label designs based on specific descriptions or concepts.
Things to consider:
DALL-E 3 allows for the creation of highly creative and unique designs without requiring advanced design skills. Its ability to generate visuals from textual descriptions can streamline the design process and inspire new ideas. As DALL-E 3 is still in development, there may be limitations in the quality and consistency of the generated images. It might also require a certain level of iteration to achieve the desired results.
Who it’s suited for:
DALL-E 3 is user-friendly, making it accessible to designers of all skill levels. However, access to advanced features may come with a subscription fee, which varies based on usage and access level.
6. Adobe Firefly
AI Tools:
Source: Adobe Firefly
How it helps:
Adobe Firefly assists users in creating and refining designs for images, videos, and 3D objects through generative design techniques. This can be particularly helpful for packaging design by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing creativity.
Things to consider:
Adobe Firefly can significantly speed up the design process and enhance creativity by offering innovative design suggestions and automating repetitive tasks. It integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, providing a cohesive workflow for designers. Being a new tool, Adobe Firefly may have some initial limitations and bugs. Its advanced features might also require a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, adding to the overall cost.
Who it’s suited for:
Adobe Firefly is suitable for designers with some experience in Adobe products. You’ll need a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, to use Firefly for your projects. Investing in training or tutorials may be beneficial to fully leverage its capabilities.
7. Jasper Art
AI Tools:
Source: Jasper Art
How it helps:
Jasper Art produces various art styles, such as realistic images, abstract art, and cartoons. This flexibility makes it an excellent tool for creating diverse and creative packaging and label designs that stand out on the shelves.
Things to consider:
Jasper Art is highly versatile, allowing designers to experiment with different styles and techniques. Its ease of use makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers looking to enhance their creativity. The generated art may sometimes require additional refinement to meet professional standards. Additionally, relying solely on AI-generated art could lead to less originality in some cases.
Who it’s suited for:
Jasper Art is user-friendly and accessible via a web browser, making it easy for designers of all levels to use. Pricing varies, but it is generally affordable, with plans that cater to different needs and budgets.
8. Deep Art Effects
AI Tools:
How it helps:
Deep Art Effects uses AI to transform your packaging designs into artistic styles, ranging from classic art styles to modern digital art. This can add a unique and artistic touch to your product packaging, making it stand out on the shelves.
Things to consider:
Deep Art Effects offers a vast range of artistic styles, allowing for highly creative and visually appealing packaging designs. The tool is easy to use and provides instant results, which can be a great source of inspiration. While the artistic styles can be visually striking, they may not always be suitable for all types of products. Additionally, the free version has limited features, and advanced capabilities require a subscription.
Who it’s suited for:
Deep Art Effects is user-friendly and suitable for designers of all skill levels. The free version is adequate for basic use, but a premium subscription, starting at $9.99 per month, unlocks more features and higher resolution outputs.
9. Freepik AI Hub
AI Tools:
- AI-Powered Sketch to Image Tool
- Image Enhancement Tools
Source: Freepik
How It Helps:
Freepik AI Hub offers AI-powered design templates and tools to help you significantly enhance your packaging and label designs. These tools provide a wide array of templates and resources that can be customized to create unique and professional-looking designs.
Things to Consider:
Freepik AI Hub makes it easy to quickly access and utilize high-quality design elements. While it offers vast resources, some advanced features and premium content may require a subscription to Freepik. Additionally, while the AI tools are user-friendly, they may not provide the same level of customization as more advanced design software.
Who It’s Suited For:
Freepik AI Hub is ideal for designers of all skill levels, particularly those looking for quick and easy access to high-quality design elements.
Choosing Your AI Design Tool
The rise of AI design tools for packaging in 2024 offers numerous options for designers at all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner using Canva or a professional leveraging the power of ArtiosCAD, there’s a tool to fit your needs. By understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and investment required for each tool, you can make an informed decision to elevate your packaging and label designs.
Incorporating these AI tools into your workflow can streamline the design process, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of your packaging, ultimately contributing to a more successful product launch.
