Product Details

Overview & Specifications

What Is a Custom Drawer Box?

A custom drawer box is a rigid packaging box made of two parts: a fixed outer sleeve and an inner tray that slides out of it, the same way a matchbox opens. Both parts are built from rigid greyboard wrapped in printed or specialty paper. Unlike a Two Piece, Hinged or Flip Top rigid box, the product is reached by sliding the tray through the sleeve rather than lifting a lid, so the act of opening becomes part of the presentation.

How the Sliding Drawer Works

The format depends on two rigid parts that fit each other closely.

01

Rigid Outer Sleeve

An open-ended tube of wrapped greyboard that encloses the tray and carries the main exterior branding.

Rigid outer sleeve of a custom drawer box showing the open-ended wrapped greyboard shell that encloses the tray.

02

Sliding Inner Tray

An open-topped rigid tray that holds the product and slides out of the sleeve, usually pulled by a ribbon, notch or finger cut-out.

Sliding inner tray of a custom drawer box showing the open-topped tray that pulls out of the sleeve.

03

Controlled Clearance

The gap between the finished tray and sleeve controls how the drawer moves. Too little clearance causes friction or binding; too much makes the tray feel loose or misaligned. Clearance is developed around board thickness, wrap paper, lamination, dimensions and the opening feel required, then confirmed on a sample.

Custom drawer box showing the sleeve-to-tray fit that controls smooth drawer movement and alignment.

Anatomy of a Custom Drawer Box

  • 01

    Outer Sleeve

    Main exterior surface for brand identity; open at one or both ends.

    Rigid outer sleeve of a custom drawer box showing the open-ended structure that encloses the sliding tray.
  • 02

    Inner Tray

    Holds the product and inserts; can carry a contrasting wrap or color.

    Inner tray of a custom drawer box showing the rigid open-topped compartment that holds the product or fitted insert.
  • 03

    Pull Feature

    Ribbon, thumb notch or die-cut finger access for opening the drawer.

    Custom drawer box showing the ribbon pull feature used to open the sliding tray.
  • 04

    Insert

    Optional fitted insert or compartments that hold items in place.

    Custom drawer box with a fitted insert showing the internal cavity used to position the product.
  • 05

    Wrap Paper

    Printed art paper, kraft or specialty paper wrapped over the greyboard.

    Close-up of a custom drawer box showing the wrap paper covering the rigid greyboard structure.
  • 06

    Tray Stop or Retention

    Optional, project-specific feature that limits how far the tray travels.

    Custom drawer box showing the optional tray stop or retention detail that limits how far the tray travels.
Artwork note

Wrap paper folds over board edges and into corners, so artwork needs turn-in allowance; keep key copy away from sleeve edges and the tray's pull area.

Application guide

When Is a Custom Drawer Box the Right Choice?

A custom drawer box works well when the opening itself should feel deliberate and the product benefits from an organized tray, such as jewelry, watches, cosmetic sets, small electronics and confectionery assortments.

  • 01

    Sliding

    Sliding Reveal

    The pull-out motion creates a different opening experience from lift-off, hinged and flip top rigid boxes, with the tray itself becoming part of the reveal.
  • 02

    Insert-Friendly

    Insert-Friendly Tray

    The inner tray gives a stable platform for fitted inserts, compartments and arranged sets, so items stay organized as the drawer opens.
  • 03

    Two-Layer

    Two-Layer Branding

    The sleeve carries the primary exterior identity, while the tray can introduce a second color, message or finish as it slides out.
  • 04

    Alternative

    When Another Format May Fit Better

    If the full contents need to be accessible at once, a Two Piece Rigid Box with a lift-off lid may suit better, and a Shoulder Neck Rigid Box adds a raised collar to that lift-off reveal. For an attached lid, choose a Flip Top Rigid Box for inside-lid messaging or a Hinged Rigid Box for compact case-style opening. Where flat shipping and storage matter most, a Collapsible Rigid Box folds flat before assembly.
Customization

Customize Your Drawer Boxes

Develop the sleeve, tray, pull feature and insert around the opening feel and the product.

01

Tray Clearance and Opening Feel

The sleeve-to-tray relationship is set around the desired movement and confirmed from the selected board, wrap and finish, rather than assuming one universal slide. Reference allowances are in the size guide.

02

Board Thickness

Choose 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 mm greyboard around box size, product weight and the feel required. Larger panels and heavier contents often call for thicker board to help maintain shape and rigidity.

03

Wrap Paper and Finishes

Printed art paper gives the sharpest color, kraft gives a natural look, and specialty texture papers add tactile character. Wrap paper is usually about 120–157 gsm; heavier wrap papers can become harder to turn cleanly around tight corners, so paper weight is matched to the board, box size and wrapping process. Finishes include matte or gloss lamination, soft-touch film, foil stamping, emboss/deboss and Spot UV.

04

Pull Feature

PullHow It WorksTypically Suited To
Ribbon pullA fixed ribbon gives a grip for drawing the tray from the sleeveDeeper trays and heavier contents
Thumb notchA semicircular cut in the sleeve edge exposes the traySlim boxes and clean minimal designs
Die-cut finger accessA cut-out in the tray end for a finger gripSmaller trays and frequent opening
05

Sleeve and Tray Styling

Use coordinated or contrasting wraps, colors and finishes so the sliding reveal is visually intentional; the sleeve and tray can be specified independently while keeping the dimensional fit.

06

Interior Lining

Satin or other compatible linings can be added where they suit the product and stay compatible with the insert geometry and sleeve-to-tray clearance. Lined formats are also covered under Satin Lined Boxes.

07

Inserts and Compartments

Configure the tray around the product with fitted paperboard, foam or molded inserts and compartments, so items stay organized and the opening sequence is clear.

08

Sustainability Options

Greyboard is commonly made from recycled pulp, and kraft or uncoated wraps with paper-based inserts keep the box mostly paper. FSC-certified board and paper are available through the selected material where applicable; claims depend on the final materials. Material-led options are covered under Eco-Friendly Rigid Boxes.

Ordering

How to Order Custom Drawer Boxes

Ordering custom drawer boxes takes five steps: share the product and requirements, confirm the size and dieline, approve the artwork proof, move into production, and ship. Orders start at 500 units, with standard production in 7 days from approved proof after the final specification is confirmed.

  1. 01

    Request a Quote

    Share the product, its dimensions and weight, quantity, board, pull feature, insert and finish preferences. Packaging Dock typically responds to quote requests within 24 hours.

  2. 02

    Confirm the Size and Dieline

    Interior size, board, sleeve-to-tray clearance and insert are developed around the product. Packaging Dock then provides a custom dieline for the sleeve, tray and wraps, including turn-in allowances.

  3. 03

    Approve the Artwork and Proof

    Artwork is prepared on the dieline with free design support available. The proof is reviewed for panel layout, wrap turn-ins, pull position, finishes and other specified features before approval.

  4. 04

    Production

    Production begins after the artwork proof and final specification are approved. Standard production is 7 days from approved proof, with rush production available on request.

  5. 05

    Shipping

    Finished drawer boxes ship across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

Sample note: A pre-production sample can be arranged to confirm the drawer slide and fit before the full production run.

Uses

What Are Custom Drawer Boxes Used For?

Custom drawer boxes are commonly used for jewelry and watches, cosmetic and beauty sets, small electronics, fragrance sets, and confectionery and gifts, where a sliding reveal and an organized tray support the product.

  1. 01

    Jewelry, Watches and Accessories

    The tray holds fitted inserts for rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches while the sleeve keeps the presentation contained. More formats are covered under Jewelry Packaging.

  2. 02

    Cosmetics and Beauty Sets

    Multi-item kits benefit from compartments and a staged reveal. More formats are covered under Cosmetics & Skincare Packaging.

  3. 03

    Electronics and Accessories

    Compact devices, cables and components can sit in organized cavities inside a presentation drawer.

  4. 04

    Fragrance and Discovery Sets

    Fragrance bottles, discovery sets and coordinated accessories can sit in fitted trays, with the sleeve carrying the exterior presentation and the tray revealing the product as it opens. More formats are covered under Fragrance Packaging.

  5. 05

    Confectionery and Gifting

    Chocolate and candy assortments can be arranged in tray compartments so the slide-out becomes part of the gift. More formats are covered under Candy & Sweets Packaging.

Structures

Explore Other Rigid Box Structures

Custom drawer boxes are one of six core rigid box structures. Compare the other formats below, or explore the complete Rigid Boxes range.

FAQ

Custom Drawer Box FAQs

What is a custom drawer box?

A custom drawer box is a rigid box made of a fixed outer sleeve and an inner tray that slides out of it, like a matchbox. Both parts are wrapped greyboard, and the tray holds the product and any insert.

How is a drawer box different from a slipcase box?

A drawer box combines an outer sleeve with a functional inner tray that slides in and out. A Slipcase Box is an outer case built around another finished item or package, so the two structures serve different opening functions.

What board thickness should I choose for a drawer box?

As a guide, boxes up to about 150 mm on the longest side typically use 1.5–2.0 mm board, about 150–250 mm use 2.5 mm, and larger boxes or contents over about 1 kg use 3.0 mm. Product weight and the feel required also matter.

How do you make sure the drawer slides well?

Sleeve-to-tray clearance is set around the board, wrap and finish. On suitable constructions, critical fits are commonly tuned to around ±0.5 mm, then confirmed on a sample because wraps and laminations can change the final slide.

Can the tray slide from either direction?

The opening direction can be developed around the design, but the sleeve, tray, pull feature and any retention detail are coordinated with that direction.

Can the tray be retained so it does not pull completely out?

A retention feature may be possible where the design needs controlled travel. It is developed as part of the tray-and-sleeve construction rather than assumed as a standard feature.

Can drawer boxes be satin lined?

Yes, where the lining is compatible with the insert geometry, tray clearance and product.

Can a ribbon pull be added?

Yes, where suitable. A ribbon pull, thumb notch or die-cut finger access can be specified; ribbon is optional rather than inherent to the structure.

Can the sleeve and tray use different colors or finishes?

Yes. They can be specified independently while keeping the required dimensional fit.

What is the minimum order for custom drawer boxes?

The minimum order is 500 units, with larger quantities quoted to the final specification.

How long does drawer box production take?

Standard production is 7 days from approved proof once the final specification is confirmed, and rush production is available on request. Complex inserts or specialty finishes may need more time.

How much do custom drawer boxes cost?

Pricing starts from $2.85 per unit. The final unit price depends on size, board thickness, wrap paper, pull feature, inserts, finishes and quantity. Quote requests typically receive a response within 24 hours.

What size drawer box do I need?

Start from the product: add about 2–3 mm to length and width and 2–5 mm to height for the tray interior, then allow for wall and wrap thickness outside. The size guide lists the full allowances.

What shipping protection do drawer boxes need?

Transit performance depends on packed weight, board, insert, distribution conditions and outer protection. Drawer boxes are commonly packed inside an appropriate outer shipper for transport.

Are drawer boxes recyclable?

Greyboard and paper wraps are paper-based, and kraft or uncoated wraps with paper inserts keep the box mostly paper. Laminations, foils, magnets or foam inserts can affect recyclability depending on local programs.

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes. Complimentary sample kits ship within two business days; the customer covers shipping. Pre-production samples can also be produced to confirm the drawer fit before the full run.

Where do you ship custom drawer boxes?

Orders ship across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

What artwork file formats can I submit?

The quote form accepts PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, AI, EPS and PSD files, up to 3 files at 8 MB each, and a custom dieline with free design support is provided for the final box.