Laser Cut Flap-Lid Box Generator
The lid is one or two flaps that swing open on a pivot cut into the walls, so there is no metal hardware to buy. The pivot is placed so the flap clears the walls as it opens. Engrave the flaps with a name or design.
Presets
Size
Left to right, along the hinge.
Front to back.
From the floor to the underside of the closed flaps.
Flaps
A half-round notch to get a fingertip under the flap.
The circle the pivot tab turns in. At least 1.42 x the material thickness; bigger is stronger.
Play at the pivots and around the flaps. Too little binds, too much wobbles.
Joints
0 = automatic (about twice the material thickness).
Material
Enter your real sheet thickness; 3 mm plywood is often 2.8 to 3.2. Cut a test corner before the full box.
Personalize
Engrave a name, monogram, message or your own logo on any face. Preview it here for free.
Your first flap-lid box download is free, engraving included.
Fits on 296mm x 287mm sheet (11.7" x 11.3")
- Assemble the flap with the side walls: push its pivot tabs into the round holes, then join the side walls to the front, back and bottom.
- Glue the wall and bottom joints only. Keep glue away from the pivot tabs and holes.
- Cut one side wall and a flap first and try the pivot: raise the clearance if it binds, lower it if it rattles.
Drag an engraving in the preview to move it.
Good for
- Treasure and keepsake boxes
- Recipe, card and photo boxes
- Gift boxes that open like a book or a chest
How it works
- Set the size. Pick a preset or type your own measurements. Every box is drawn to your real material thickness.
- Personalize it. Add a name, a message or an image, drag it into place, and see it on the box before you download.
- Download and cut. The SVG imports at true size in LightBurn, xTool Creative Space and Glowforge. Cut a test corner first if you are unsure of your kerf.
FAQ
How does it open without a hinge?
Tabs on the lid fit into holes in the side walls and form the pivot. Assemble the flap with the walls, because the tabs cannot be inserted afterwards.
One flap or two?
One flap is a simple lid. Two flaps meet in the middle and each opens on its own side.
Do I need a test cut?
Yes, for the pivot. Plywood thickness varies, so test the fit of the tab in its hole before cutting the whole box.
How much does it cost?
Your first download of each box type is free, engraving included. After that, 10 exports are $5, or $19 unlocks unlimited downloads for life. An export covers both the SVG and the DXF of the same design, and downloading it again is free.
Does it work with LightBurn, xTool, Glowforge and OMTech?
Yes. The SVG is in millimetres and imports at true size. Cut lines are red and engraving is filled black. The DXF is R12 for RDWorks and CAD software.
What kerf should I use?
Start with 0.15 mm for a CO2 laser or 0.08 mm for a diode, and cut a test corner. Every part is drawn half a kerf oversize so the joints press-fit.
Are my designs and logos uploaded?
No. The boxes, the engraving and any image you add are all handled in your browser. A saved draft stays on your device so your work survives signing in and checking out.
More box types
- Wine box
- Wine bottle sleeve
- Tray
- Organizer box
- Round box
- Birdhouse
- Toolbox
- Carrier box
- Tissue box cover
- Pin-hinge box
Just need a plain box? The free box generator makes finger-joint boxes with five lid types.
