Box shot or boxshot is a 3D image of a box. Originally, this was photography of real boxes. Today boxshot often is an art picture of a virtual 3D box that usually even doesn't exist in real. Nowadays, box shots are widely used by software vendors for presenting their digital products in media.

Types of software boxes

Modern software development industry distinguishes three general types of box shapes:

• Classic box is a traditional six-side box with direct folding angles. It's easy to make and is commonly used by many software vendors.
• Vista-style box or Office-style box is pack with a bent front side and rounded corners.
• Custom box is a custom designed package which shape may vary and actually depends upon the designer or vendor fantasy.

Even if your software is delivered electronically (ESD) you definitely need to make a 3D boxshot for your program. Box shot images are usually required for ...

• Software listings on download sites and archives, like CNet.com.
• Presenting your software products on your own web site.
• Featuring your software on topical blogs or promotional sites like BitsDuJour.
• Press publications. Magazine editors usually ask for high resolution boxshots, starting from 300 dpi. So you must have hi-res box images also in your press kit.
• Banners and promotional graphics. A boxshot will add a visual accent to your banner or splash screens.
• Illustration for print documents or e-books: white papers, booklets, flyers, postcards, and brochures.

Creating virtual 3D boxes is not a rocket science indeed. There are three methods:

• Hire a professional 3D boxshot designer. This is the easiest way to make a box for your software.
  The pros:
  • no efforts or 3D design skills are required from you;
  • no need to order, download and learn graphical editors, 3D rendering packages, or specialized 3D box making tools;
  • you will save your time.
  The cons:
  • you have to explain your ideas to another person;
  • you have to control the designer;
  • the final result and quality may fail to meet your expectations;
  • the cost of professional 3D box design services usually starts from $70-$100 per single box shot image;
  • you will have to pay again and again each time you need to update the image.
  If you decide to rely on a professional 3D designer (i.e. Cover Pro 3D) you may start your searches from Design Outpost.
  
  
• Create 3D boxshot yourself in Photoshop, 3D Max, AutoCAD, Maya or another professional design tool. If you know any of these programs very well then this may be your way. There are only two obvious disadvantages: you must be an experienced designer and you must have hundreds of dollars to order these packages. If you have no skills in creating 3D box models but have much free time for passing the learning curve then check out the wonderful collection of tutorials at Tutorialized.
  
  
• Use specialized 3D box shot software This is likely the most cost-effective way to make boxshots. There are many programs for making 3D box shots. If you go to Google then you will be overwhelming with a number of tools and on-line services that wish to help you with box shot design. The pros of using specialized boxshot tools:
  • there are plenty of freeware solutions;
  • you control the process from design idea to finally rendered 3D image;
  • the boxshot software will automatically render 3D model and apply various visual effects like reflection or shadows;
  • you may continuously update and improve your graphics not paying extra fees for every iteration.
  The cons:
  • a good 3D box shot program still costs some money, but this is usually one-time payment of about $50-$100 no matter how many boxshots you're going to make;
  • you will need some time for getting started;
  • you won't learn 3D Max. :)
  
  If you have no time to download and test dozens of software box shot makers then we have a hands-down solution for you.
  
  TBS Cover Editor - a professional tool for creating high quality 3D box shots and ebook covers, with huge collection of free design templates and shapes, and with built-in image editor
  
  If you want to know more about creating professional looking 3D art then please read how-to choose the tool to create a photo realistic 3D box shot.
  
  

Have a free time? Just a few of points of interest:

• Vista and Office 2007 boxeshots revealed
• Discussion about if virtual software boxes are good or evil
• Extensive tutorial of creating a fake software box in Photoshop
• A long discussion thread devoted to 3D box shot making tools
• Blank box and covers images for sale