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Impact CAD
Arden Software lists its UK head office in Marple, Stockport, United Kingdom.
What it is
Impact CAD is packaging design software from Arden Software for structural packaging, proofing and manufacturing workflows. It covers work from 2D drafting through 3D visualisation and animation. Interactive drawing tools, reusable parametric designs, drag-and-drop components, layout and nesting, graphics handling, dieline editing and import, and preflight checks support production design. Resizable packaging designs can be adapted to materials and projects. Users can prepare virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes for customer review, while compatible plotters and sample makers support physical samples. The software imports and exports formats including PDF, Adobe Illustrator, DWG and DXF. Impact 2026 adds machine-learning Design Similarity for ranking related designs and manufacturing layouts, native Python scripting, and 629 standards plus more than 1,000 combinations in its V120 Standards Library. It runs on macOS and Windows; the 2026 release is intended for Windows 11 and no longer supports MySQL. Pricing is on request.
For and against
For
- Supports 2D drafting through 3D visualisation
- Includes dieline editing, import and preflight checks
- Creates shareable 3D samples and animations
- Adds Python scripting and Design Similarity
- Imports and exports PDF, DWG and DXF
Against
- Pricing is available only on request
- Impact 2026 is intended for Windows 11
- MySQL support ends from version 2026
- Some plug-ins require separate availability or licensing
The verdict
Impact CAD combines packaging construction, visual proofing and manufacturing preparation in one system. Its 2026 additions expand automation, similarity search and standards coverage, but deployment requires suitable Windows and database infrastructure.
Who it suits
Impact CAD suits packaging designers and manufacturing teams needing structural design, proofing and production workflows. It also fits organizations using 3D samples, plotters or sample makers, and database-connected processes.
Plans and prices
Impact CAD
No public price listed; contact Arden or a local reseller for a demo or more information
Read 5 Oct 2026 · ardensoftware.com
On the record
- 2026 AI feature
- Design Similarity uses machine learning to search an existing Impact database and rank similar designs and manufacturing layouts.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- 2D and 3D design
- The product supports packaging design from 2D drafting through 3D visualisation and animation.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- 3D proofing
- Users can create virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes to share with customers.ardensoftware.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Adobe Illustrator
- Arden offers an Impact plug-in for Adobe Illustrator to handle Impact-produced PDFs; the current downloads page lists Windows and macOS versions.ardensoftware.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Approvals and samples
- Users can create shareable virtual 3D samples and animated prototypes, and the software is compatible with plotters and sample makers for physical samples.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Impact 2026 adds native Python scripting support for automation and workflow development.ardensoftware.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company
- Arden Software says it was founded in 1988 and lists its UK head office in Marple, Stockport, United Kingdom.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Company history
- Arden Software says it was founded in 1988.ardensoftware.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Databases
- The product page lists SQL, Oracle and MySQL database support, while the Impact 2026 system requirements state that MySQL is no longer supported from version 2026 onward.impact-support.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Design library
- Impact includes resizable packaging designs that users can customise for their materials and projects.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Design Similarity
- Impact 2026 uses machine learning to search an existing Impact database and rank similar designs and manufacturing layouts.ardensoftware.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Design tools
- Interactive drawing tools provide feedback on rule length, area, weight and waste calculations.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Download access
- Arden says most downloadable Impact CAD content is available to customers registered on its support site.ardensoftware.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads and support
- Some Impact downloads are restricted to logged-in users with an active Software Maintenance Contract, and the support site provides ticket submission.impact-support.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- File formats
- Impact supports importing and exporting numerous formats, including PDF, Adobe Illustrator, DWG and DXF.impact-support.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Impact CAD 2026 is listed as compatible with WEBcnx, TOPS, Bobst PowerPack and the Adobe Illustrator plug-in, subject to specified version requirements.impact-support.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Licensing and security
- Impact uses HTTPS on TCP port 443 to activate, deactivate or extend a lease through the Nalpeiron licensing service; a floating licence server is also available for local networks.impact-support.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- Impact CAD is described as a highly graphical desktop CAD application, and its 2026 system requirements specify Windows environments.impact-support.ardensoftware.com · read 5 Oct 2026
