Add-ons
Handles for boxes and bags
Carry handles let customers walk out of your bakery, store, pop-up or event holding your branded packaging comfortably in one hand, without needing an extra outer shopping bag.
Custom dielines · Free 3D mockup before you pay · Free US shipping
- AI-to-print studio includedAI concepts rebuilt onto exact dielines + 3D mockup
- 4–5 day rush specialistsPriority press lanes built for tight launch deadlines
- No die or plate chargesZero setup fees + 10% off your first custom order
- Free US shippingTo all 50 states · worldwide DDP shipping available
What is handles?
Packaging handles are either die-cut directly out of interlocking top flaps (as on gable boxes), fitted into the top spine of a carton or corrugated carrier (as on briefcase-style boxes), or attached to the upper gusset hem of printed paper shopping bags. Built into your structural dieline before printing, handles turn product boxes and gift sets into self-carrying retail billboards.
How it works
How does handles work?
- 01
Matched to your product weight
Tell us what goes inside and how much it weighs so we pick the right board thickness, bottom lock and handle style.
- 02
Built into your custom dieline
We draw the gable arch or top handle slots onto your template, keeping logos and text clear of grip cutouts.
- 03
Proofed in 3D, shipped flat
You approve a digital proof and 3D mockup before payment; gable boxes, briefcase boxes and paper bags ship flat to save storage space.
Is it for you?
When to choose it, and when to skip it
Choose it when
- Bakery takeout, catering, meal kits, macarons, cupcakes and specialty food gifts carried from the counter
- Trade show swag kits, event welcome boxes, party favors and holiday gift bundles
- Boutique apparel, footwear, beauty and retail checkouts using custom paper shopping bags
- Hardware, tool kits, beverage multipacks and presentation sets in sturdy briefcase-style boxes
Skip it when
- Boxes mailed solo through parcel couriers with no outer carton: protruding handles can catch on sorting equipment unless folded flat or over-packed
- Heavy glass bottles or jars in a standard tuck-bottom box without upgrading to an auto-lock bottom or corrugated board
How it works
Request a quote with handles
Tell us what you’re packing and how many. The form opens with handles ticked. Your dedicated account manager prepares pricing for each quantity.
- 01
Tell us what you’re packing
Pick your box, bag or label, enter a rough size and up to 3 quantities — or drop in an AI design.
- 02
Compare custom pricing
Your dedicated account manager prepares tailored pricing for each quantity tier you picked.
- 03
Dieline & 3D mockup, free
Our studio prepares print-ready artwork on your exact dieline and sends a 3D mockup. Nothing prints until you approve.
- 04
Printed & shipped free
Produced in 10–14 business days (4–5 day rush available) and delivered free to all 50 US states.
Prefer to talk? or see how ordering works.
Compare
Handles vs window patching vs ribbons
| Add-on | What it does | Works on | Common use | Die charges | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handles | Makes the box or bag easy to carry | Gable boxes, briefcase boxes, paper bags | Takeout bakery, events and retail | None | Get a quote |
| Window patching | Lets shoppers see inside without opening | Card boxes, rigid boxes, bakery boxes | Food, toys, soap and cosmetics | None | Get a quote |
| Ribbons | Adds a drawer pull tab or a gift tie | Rigid boxes, drawer boxes, paper bags | Jewelry, candles, weddings and gifts | None | Get a quote |
Where it works
Which packaging can have handles?
Pick any of these in the quote form. Each button switches the form to that packaging, with the option ticked where the form has it.
Ready to order? See custom gable boxes, custom briefcase boxes and custom paper bags with handles.
Ready to add handles?
Send a rough idea: a product, a size and a quantity, and we’ll tailor your quote across up to 3 volume tiers.
Artwork
How to set up your artwork for handles
Not sure? Our free artwork check sets it up for you.
- Share the total weight of the items going inside so we pair the handle with a strong enough board and an auto-lock or crash-lock bottom
- Keep headlines and logos out of the upper handle cutout and locking tabs on gable box templates
- Want shoppers to see the pastry or gift set inside too? Gable boxes can combine a built-in top handle with a clear front window
- For paper shopping bags, ask your account manager with your quote about the handle styles suited to your bag size
Popular on
Packaging often ordered with handles
Get a quote for any of these right here.
Products 4
Custom Lotion Boxes
Custom lotion boxes from 1,000 units for 2 oz to 16 oz pump bottles and squeeze tubes.
From 1,000Custom Kraft Paper Bags
Custom printed brown and white kraft paper bags with twisted handles, flat handles or SOS open tops.
Custom Gift Bags
Custom printed gift bags with ribbon, rope or twisted handles, foil stamping and soft-touch finish.
Cost
Do handles cost more?
Die-cut handles built into gable boxes add no tooling or die charges; attached handles on briefcase boxes and paper shopping bags are included directly in your unit price. Common searches we quote include custom gable boxes with handles, briefcase boxes with handle, carry handle packaging, takeout boxes with handle, built in die cut box handles, rope and ribbon handle gift boxes, plastic clip handle heavy duty boxes, twisted and flat handle paper bags, side hand hole cutout shipping boxes, beverage and bakery carry handle cartons, auto lock bottom gable handle boxes, weight capacity for box handles, portable event and favor handle boxes and when to add handles to packaging.
Every quote is free, with tailored pricing for each quantity tier you compare.
Get a quote with handlesWays to pay less
- 10% off your first order
- We beat a written US competitor quote for the same specs
- No die or plate charges
- A lower unit price at bigger quantities
Why CubitPack
One account manager, from first question to delivery.
- 1-on-1
Dedicated account manager
Work with one packaging specialist from sizing and dielines through proof approval and delivery.
- Free
AI & custom design studio
Bring print-ready files, a rough logo, or an AI-generated box idea — we rebuild every element onto your exact dieline for free.
- 3D
Approve before you pay
Review a high-detail 3D mockup and flat digital proof of every panel, flap and finish before paying a cent.
- 10–14
Business days to deliver
Counted from proof approval and payment, with free shipping across all 50 states. Rush orders ship in 4–5 days.
Our promises, in writing
- Reprint or refund. If we get it wrong, tell us within 14 days with photos and you choose.
- Pantone guaranteed. If a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint it.
- Damaged in transit. We reprint the damaged units free and handle the carrier claim.
- Cancel free. Any time before you approve your proof, with a full refund.
At a glance
Handles at a glance
- Works on
- Gable boxes, briefcase boxes, corrugated carry packs and custom paper shopping bags with handles.
- Best for
- Bakery and café carry-out, retail shopping bags, event swag kits and gift bundles.
- Cost
- Die-cut handles built into gable boxes add no tooling or die charges; attached handles on briefcase boxes and paper shopping bags are included directly in your unit price.
- Before you pay
- A digital proof and a 3D mockup
- Account support
- One dedicated account manager from quote to delivery
FAQ
Handles: questions
Which box styles come with a handle built in?
Gable boxes fold together at the top into a pitched roof with a die-cut carry handle, and briefcase-style boxes feature a carry handle along the top spine.
How do I keep heavy jars or pastries from pushing through the bottom when carried by the handle?
Tell us your product weight in the quote form. For heavier items, we pair the handle with corrugated board or an auto-lock bottom so the base locks securely under load.
Do you make custom printed paper shopping bags with handles?
Yes. Custom paper bags with handles are part of our Bags & Pouches range in kraft or white paper; ask with your quote and your account manager confirms handle options for your size.
Can a gable box have both a carry handle and a clear window?
Yes. Combining a built-in gable handle with a front window is one of the most popular setups for bakeries, cafés, gift sets and seasonal treats.
Is there an extra die fee for a die-cut handle?
No. CubitPack charges no die or plate fees on custom boxes.
Can I request a free digital proof and 3D mockup showing handles on my box?
Yes. Every order with handles includes free design help, a custom dieline, a 2D digital proof, and a 3D mockup before you pay so you can check placement and finishes.
Are there any die or plate charges when adding handles to my custom packaging order?
No. CubitPack charges zero die or printing plate fees on handles, and standard US shipping to all 50 states is included in your written quote.
How fast can I get a custom quote comparing unit prices with and without handles?
Send your product dimensions and up to three quantity tiers in the quote form, and your dedicated account manager replies in 5–7 minutes, 24/7, with side-by-side pricing.
Can I see handles in person inside the CubitPack sample kit or on a physical prototype?
Yes. You can order our physical sample kit (credited to your first order) to feel board and finish swatches, or request a custom pre-production prototype before a full run.
Guides
Guides about handles
2-cup and 4-cup handle carriers vs pulp trays and gable boxes: which holds up best?
Read the guide
How do you size briefcase box dimensions, flat-top headroom, and handle carry loads?
Read the guide
How do briefcase box handle slots, front flap locks, and CAD dielines work?
Read the guideSources
Sources for this page
- Wikipedia: Paper bag: gusseted retail paper shopping bags and carry-handle construction
- Fibre Box Association (FBA) — Die-Cut Hand Holes & Carry Handle Design: gable peak locking handles, reinforced shipping carton hand holes, and load-bearing handle selection
Add-ons
More add-ons
Window patching
A die-cut opening backed with clear film (or left open) to show the product.
Card / product boxes, bakery and food boxes, rigid boxes with a lid window, gable boxes, pillow boxes and sleeve packaging.Get a quoteDetails about window patchingMagnetic closures
Magnets hidden inside the rigid board that click the hinged lid shut.
Book-style magnetic rigid boxes and collapsible (fold-flat) magnetic rigid boxes, with optional custom EVA foam, EPE foam, molded pulp or paperboard inserts.Get a quoteDetails about magnetic closuresRibbons
Fabric pulls on drawer boxes, bow ties on gift lids, or hinged lid ribbons.
Rigid drawer boxes, book-style and magnetic closure rigid boxes, two-piece gift boxes and custom gift packaging.Get a quoteDetails about ribbonsCustom shapes
Custom die-cut outlines, shaped windows, stickers and product-fitted inserts.
Card / product boxes, corrugated die-cut mailers, box inserts (card, corrugated, EVA and EPE foam), die-cut stickers and custom-shape labels.Get a quoteDetails about custom shapes
Get started
Get a price with handles.
Bring a rough size, a logo, or an AI concept. One dedicated account manager guides your custom packaging from dieline and 3D proof to delivery.