How to Design a Custom Paper Bag

How to Design a Custom Paper Bag

Read Time: 3 Minutes

instantprint

07 Jul 2025

Custom paper bags are one of the most effective ways to showcase your brand in the real world.

Whether you’re running a retail shop, an event, or packaging up products for delivery, a well-designed paper bag can help you stand out, make a great first impression and keep your branding consistent from start to finish.

 

Choose How You’ll Design Your Bag

Before you start thinking about colours and logos, you’ll need to decide how you’re going to design your paper bag. We offer a few different routes depending on your experience level and what tools you’re most comfortable using.

 

Use Our Free Design Online Tool

This is the simplest way to get started (especially if you’re not a designer). Our Design Online tool lets you create your artwork directly in your browser, with no software needed. You can:

  • Upload your logo
  • Add text, shapes and icons
  • Choose your colours and layout
  • Preview your design in real time

It’s free, beginner-friendly and a great option if you want to keep things quick and easy.

To start, order your quantity and specifications using this link and you will be able to start design your own bag!

 

Design with Canva

Canva is a popular online design tool that many businesses already use for social posts and marketing assets.

It’s also great for designing your paper bags.

Just head to our product page, download the correct size template, and upload it into Canva to start customising. You can drag in your brand elements, use your brand colours and export a print-ready file when you’re done.

 

Use Adobe Illustrator (or another design program)

If you or your designer prefers full control, Adobe Illustrator gives you the flexibility to create a high-quality design with exact placement.

Just like with Canva, you’ll want to start by downloading the correct template from our site, so everything lines up perfectly when printed.

This is the best option if you’re working with vector graphics, need exact CMYK control, or plan to match existing brand materials.

 

2. Choose the Right Size and Style for Your Brand

We offer a wide range of paper bag sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your products. Whether you’re packaging up coffee cups, bottles, clothing, cosmetics or brochures, there’s a size to suit.

Once you’ve picked your size, think about how your branding will come across. A larger bag gives you more space to play with, while smaller bags are ideal for a clean, minimalist design. Either way, make sure your logo is sharp, your colours are on-brand and your message is clear.

You can choose from:

  • White paper bags: great for colourful, high-impact designs
  • Brown kraft bags: ideal for a natural, eco-friendly feel

Both are fully recyclable and work well with bold logos, simple patterns or slogan-led designs.

If you want to keep things sleek and subtle, black on kraft paper is a timeless combo. Or, if you're going for something vibrant, white paper stock lets your colours really pop.

 

Ready to Create Yours?

Designing your own custom paper bags is easier than you think and with a fast 3–4 working day turnaround, affordable prices and a range of size and design options, you can get your brand out there in no time.

Explore our full range of custom paper bag printing options and start your design today.

Jonny

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jonny, instantprint’s PPC Manager. I specialise in Google Ads and SEO, but also have a deep understanding in print and B2B businesses!