ProductInformationBlogAboutContactOpen App

Documentation & Resources

Start with your parts. Compare packing options. Carry the results into costing and purchasing with the right inputs at every step.

Last updated: September 2026
User Guide

A checklist for your first packing project

Read Guide
API Guide

Connect your order and fulfillment workflow

Read API Guide
Support

Get help from our team

Contact Us

User Guides

Use these checklists to prepare your inputs and review each configuration.

Getting Started

Learn the basics of Optipacker and create your first project.

  • Creating a new project
  • Uploading part information
  • Selecting containers
  • Running optimization
Part Management

How to add and manage parts for optimization.

  • Importing STL files
  • Manual dimension entry
  • Material assignment
  • Weight specifications
Container Configuration

Understanding container options and customization.

  • Standard container library
  • Custom container creation
  • Internal vs external dimensions
  • Material properties
Optimization Settings

Configure how the optimization algorithm works.

  • Algorithm selection
  • Rotation constraints
  • Gap and clearance settings
  • Space and handling requirements

Key Concepts

Core definitions to help you understand packaging optimization terminology

3D Packing Optimization

A way to compare item arrangements inside a container using dimensions, quantities, allowed orientations and spacing. Optipacker lets you inspect the resulting layout in 3D before choosing a configuration.

Void Space

The share of internal container volume left unoccupied by the packed products. Compare it alongside protection, handling and transport requirements when assessing a configuration.

Cartonization

Selecting a container for an order from the box sizes you supply. The result depends on item dimensions, quantities and packing constraints.

Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)

A carrier pricing measure based on package dimensions. The divisor, units and billing rules depend on the carrier and service. A smaller package can affect the charge when dimensional weight applies.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

A structured list of the packaging components and quantities needed for a configuration. It connects the packing design with material costs and purchasing requirements.

Inserts from an Arrangement

An insert generated from a calculated packing layout. Review the part positions first, then generate the insert and inspect its cavities, material and fit.

Packing Efficiency

Volume utilization is packed product volume divided by internal container volume. It is a different measure from the share of requested items that fit. Review both to understand the result.

Returnable Transit Packaging (RTP)

Containers, pallets or inserts intended for repeated use. Their economics depend on purchase cost, circulation time, return transport, losses and replacement needs.

Wall Clearance and Inter-Part Gap

Wall clearance reserves space around the container interior. Inter-part gaps reserve space between adjacent items. Set both to reflect the handling and protection requirements of your parts.

Insert Cavities

The spaces in an insert that accommodate the parts. When generating an insert from an arrangement, review the cavities against the part positions and the intended loading and handling process.

Container Utilization Rate

The proportion of internal container volume occupied by packed products. Compare configurations on the same volume basis and review the remaining space in the 3D layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Optipacker

General

Import a supported 3D model or create a part from dimensions. Review the dimensions, units, weight and material before packing. Start with the upload options shown in the part editor.

Choose your parts and containers, set quantities, orientations and spacing, then calculate packing options. Compare capacity and volume utilization, inspect the 3D layout and save the configuration you want to carry forward.

Optipacker evaluates configuration settings and calculated results, including available space. Use those checks as inputs to your packaging review. Applicable regulatory requirements depend on the packaging and its use.

Yes. Define containers with your own dimensions and material details, then use them in your packaging configurations. Keep internal dimensions separate from external dimensions so the packing space reflects the real container.

Use the available environmental indicators to compare scenarios under consistent material and transport assumptions. Review the inputs and calculation scope alongside the cost analysis.

Accounts use Firebase authentication. Organization membership, roles and project permissions control access to working data. Administrators manage membership and permissions for their teams.

Use it to review packing results, build the packaging bill of materials and carry quantities and costs into ROI and purchasing workflows. Available export actions appear in the relevant view.

Bring part dimensions or a 3D model, container dimensions and the quantities you need to pack. Add weights, materials and cost inputs as you develop the configuration. Contact us if you would like to walk through your use case.

Packing & Inserts

Choose an approach that reflects how the parts will be handled: regular arrangements, layered packing or bulk capacity estimates. Review the calculated placements and quantities for your scenario.

Calculate and review the part arrangement first. Use Generate from Arrangement to create an insert from those positions, then inspect its cavities, material and fit with the container.

Allowed orientations determine which dimensional arrangements the engine can evaluate. Restrict them when a part needs a particular handling orientation, then inspect the calculated layout.

Use values that reflect the space required between parts and container walls. Check the selected packing mode and review the output against your protection and handling requirements.

ROI & Purchasing

Model the investment in a packaging pool, its operating costs and the amortization income entered for the project. Review the cash flow and any projected payback point over the selected planning period.

ROI analysis connects the required packaging pool and bill of materials with investment, operating costs, amortization income and projected cash flow. Review the assumptions behind each result before comparing scenarios.

Build packaging demand from production requirements and the selected configuration. Review component quantities, supply availability and purchase requirements before creating or updating orders.

Materials & Containers

Use pallet templates or enter custom dimensions and load information. Review the selected pallet with the container arrangement and your handling requirements.

Material records bring properties, costs and supplier information into packaging work. Keep those inputs current so configuration comparisons and purchasing calculations use the relevant data.

It describes the components within a packaging assembly, including containers, inserts and other assigned materials. Quantities connect the assembly with cost analysis and purchasing.

Integration & API

Send available containers and order items to POST /api/v1/optimal-container. Arranged single-SKU requests return placements, with capacity data where supported by the selected mode. Mixed-SKU requests use an estimate and do not return placements. Review the response for the requested mode.

Use the Merchant API to connect container selection with your own storefront or fulfillment system. Review the API guide for request fields, constraints and response handling, then test with representative orders.

Space & Environmental Review

Review the configured threshold and the calculated volume basis. A space warning highlights a configuration to examine alongside product protection, handling and applicable packaging requirements.

Compare the indicators available for each scenario using consistent material, transport and reuse assumptions. Check their scope and inputs before using them in external reporting.

Start with packed quantity, volume utilization, material quantities and projected costs. Review available environmental indicators alongside these measures to understand the tradeoffs between scenarios.

Data & Access

Projects and working records belong to organizations, with access managed through membership and permissions. Catalog resources can have a different scope from organization-owned work.

Organization administrators manage members and roles. Project permissions provide additional control over who can access and work on a project. Review those assignments when your team changes.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help. Get in touch and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Contact Support
Last updated: