Build a Tube: Design Your Printed Cardboard Tube Online

Design a printed cardboard tube online with Big Tubes' Build a Tube tool. Choose diameter, height, colour and finish, add artwork, preview in 3D and request a quote.

By Big Tubes editorial team · Published 17 October 2026 · Product news

Quick answer

Build a Tube is our free online tool for designing a printed cardboard tube. Choose a stocked diameter, enter your height, pick a colour, print and finish, upload your logo and see the result on a 3D tube. When you are happy, send it to us and we will email your quote, including delivery.

Why we built it

Most tube projects start with the same questions: what size, what will it look like and how much will it cost? Answering those over email can take days. Build a Tube puts the main choices in one place, so you can see your idea straight away and we receive a clear specification to price.

How it works

1. Find your size

Choose from our 18 stocked diameters, then pick a suggested height or type your own between 40mm and 400mm. Tubes are specified as diameter × height, and we confirm the usable internal size and board thickness with your quote. Need a different diameter? Add it to your notes.

2. Make it yours

Pick a tube colour from our palette or set your own, then choose full colour CMYK or one or two Pantone colours, plus a matt or gloss finish. You can add a Pantone reference if you already have brand colours.

3. Add your artwork

Upload a PNG, JPEG or WebP logo up to 2MB, then adjust its size and position on the tube. Switch between the 3D preview and the flat artwork view, rotate the tube and save a copy of your concept to share with your team.

4. Get your quote

Choose your quantity, add your delivery country, postcode, any deadline and notes, then send your request. Your design is saved as you go.

What the preview is (and isn't)

The preview is a visual concept. Screen colours are approximate, and it is not a production proof. Before printing, we request print-ready files and prepare a full body and lid proof for your approval. No payment is needed to request a quote.

Good to know

• Minimum order is 500 tubes.
• Lead time is typically 3-4 weeks from artwork approval.
• Special finishes such as foil, spot UV or emboss, and inserts can be requested in the notes.

Try it now

Open Build a Tube to start your design, or request a quote if you would rather send us your brief directly.

See stocked tube diameters, compare tube styles and materials, explore print finishes, or request a specification-led quote.