7+ of the Best Tech Pack Software in 2022.

Last updated:

January 9, 2023

Welcome to this list of the best tech pack software available. A tech pack is a vital step in taking your clothing designs from concept to production. It already contains all the specifications needed by the factory, including fabric types and other materials, construction methods, sizes (including length), and exact measurements.

The right tech pack therefore is key to ensuring that your styles are produced to the highest possible standards. We've scoured the web for the best tech packs available today. Whether you're a fashion designer, clothing manufacturer, or student in need of tech pack software for your coursework, we're confident that there's a software package here to suit your needs!

What are the Best Tech Pack Software?

Below is a list of the best tech pack software in 2022:

1. SupplyCompass.

Image of SupplyCompass Tech Pack Software

SupplyCompass is a B2B SaaS tool (a software as a service platform) that helps brands, designers and retailers create, manage and communicate product specifications with technical and production teams worldwide, including factories, suppliers and manufacturers. With SupplyCompass, you have the benefits of a secure cloud based solution that improves collaboration between different teams, empowering designers and developers to work together more effectively. Speed up your team's communication process by using our online platform to manage key information such as style names, quality specifications and supplier details. You can even add comments directly onto a technical pack - just like you would on Adobe Photoshop!

Key Features of SupplyCompass:

Instead of relying on static documents, which can be bulky and difficult to navigate, users can give real-time access to critical technical information through the secure platform.
Securely send sensitive information or sign NDAs with their folder-sharing system
The quote builder allows you to securely build quotes based on your technical packs and layouts for factories to share prices for each stage of production.
The quote builder allows you to securely build quotes based on your technical packs and layouts for factories to share prices for each stage of production.
Shared pack viewers allow brands and their suppliers to work together on product details in real time instead of sending files back and forth.

Pricing For SupplyCompass:

The pricing for SupplyCompass starts around $350.00 /month, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.

Try it out

2. Centric Software.

Image of Centric Software Tech Pack Software

Centric Software is a company that provides software to the fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury and consumer goods industries. Their flagship product is software called Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). It's a suite of modular software designed for companies to manage their products from ideation through to delivery. Centric PIP is an award-winning cloud solution that delivers easy-to-use features to manage product creation and development across the entire value chain. It’s suited for companies of any size, across all industries. Plus it’s a full scope PLM solution so it handles every aspect of new product development including Design, Sourcing & Supply Chain, Sampling, Technical Design and Production. And because it’s a cloud solution you can access Centric PIP anywhere anytime – no more waiting on IT!

Key Features of Centric Software:

Centric PIP (PLM) is an easy-to-use, web-based PLM solution that enables you to share information and collaborate across the entire value chain. It's secure, scalable and simple to use.
The Centric SMB division delivers PLM as a subscription service to smaller fashion and consumer goods companies.
One of the main benefits of PDM is that it provides a single source of truth for all product information. This means everyone has access to the most recent and accurate data, which can be difficult when relying on spreadsheets or other file-based sharing methods.
One of the main benefits of PDM is that it provides a single source of truth for all product information. This means everyone has access to the most recent and accurate data, which can be difficult when relying on spreadsheets or other file-based sharing methods.
You can collect data using questionnaires and forms in CentricSoftware, as well as automatically sync the relevant data from your other systems. You may also use any device (mobile, desktop, etc.) to enter the information directly into CentricSoftware.

Pricing For Centric Software:

The pricing for Centric Software varies greatly depending on your needs.

Try it out

3. Techpacker.

Techpacker streamlines the process of creating tech packs, an important element in the design and manufacturing process. Tech packs are used by designers and manufacturers to communicate a design's specifications throughout the production process, from initial idea to final product. They contain information such as sketches, material specifications, measurements and cost breakdowns. Techpacker makes it easy to create these digital documents, collaborate with colleagues and potential clients, manage feedback on each version of your tech pack and archive your tech packs for future reference or iteration.

Key Features of Techpacker:

Designers can save time by organizing their work and collaborating with their team. They can easily create accurate and organized tech packs, track, manage and share their progress.
Tech Packers will be able to have all the information in one place for each product. They will not need to go back and forth between emails or check files on the computer. All necessary information will be available in Techpacker.
You will save a lot of time when creating, sharing and updating your tech packs. Time is money, and if you want to advance in the fashion industry, it's best to use your time as effectively as possible.
You will save a lot of time when creating, sharing and updating your tech packs. Time is money, and if you want to advance in the fashion industry, it's best to use your time as effectively as possible.
Techpacker is a powerful tool that will help you create accurate and organized tech packs with it’s easy to use, fast and intuitive interface. You can prepare everything from a basic sketch or even a photo.

Pricing For Techpacker:

The pricing for Techpacker starts around $49.00 /month, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.

Try it out

4. Backbone.

Backbone tech pack software, a digital tool for creating and managing technical design specifications, gives you the power to create your tech pack with ease. It features a simple drag-and-drop interface, requiring no complicated software or hardware downloads. Everything is all in one place, so there's no need to worry about compatibility issues--or losing data if your computer crashes. Even better: Backbone tech pack software supports real-time collaboration among your colleagues and team members, so it's easier than ever to create and manage a technical design specification together in a single environment.

Key Features of Backbone:

It features a simple drag-and-drop interface, requiring no complicated software or hardware downloads.
Backbone's Tech Pack App automatically checks your tech packs for errors, such as missing measurements or inconsistent notations.
Instead of relying on hand-written notes jotted on index cards that eventually get tossed away and forgotten about, Backbone speeds up the process by allowing you to create shareable documentation.
Instead of relying on hand-written notes jotted on index cards that eventually get tossed away and forgotten about, Backbone speeds up the process by allowing you to create shareable documentation.
It seamlessly integrates with Sage Intacct and Quickbooks so you can flow information and data more easily between software.

Pricing For Backbone:

The pricing for Backbone starts around $99.00 /month, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.

Try it out

5. Adobe Illustrator.

Image of Adobe Illustrator Tech Pack Software

Although you will likely be using multiple software programs and apps to design your tech pack, Adobe Illustrator is a great tool for designing tech packs because it allows you to draw at actual size. This is important because sizing can be tricky when designing since some of the measurements are in inches, centimeters, and pixels. When you draw your designs at actual size using Adobe Illustrator, then there will be no confusion between the sizes. Adobe Illustrator also allows you to easily save your files into a format that most manufacturers will accept (such as PDF or AI). It's easy to accidentally save your file in a format that is unusable by manufacturers if you're using Adobe Photoshop or another program, so make sure you're saving as an Adobe Illustrator file before submitting it.

Key Features of Adobe Illustrator:

It allows you to design things at their actual size and often includes different units of measurement.
Adobe Illustrator is available in a variety of formats and can be used on many different operating systems and graphic tablets.
The app has a color palette where you can change the color for every shape in your drawing. This makes it easy to find the right shade of color for each element within your design.
The app has a color palette where you can change the color for every shape in your drawing. This makes it easy to find the right shade of color for each element within your design.
Adobe has released seven tech packs, which are collections of features and design assets that can help you get started with drawing in Illustrator more efficiently.

Pricing For Adobe Illustrator:

The pricing for Adobe Illustrator starts around $20.99 /month, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.

Try it out

6. Upwork.

If you’ve decided that you no longer want to take the software route, you can hire designers on Upwork that will design all of your tech packs needed for your product designs. If you do plan to use Upwork, make sure the designer has experience in building the kind of tech pack you need, whether it's for clothing or shoes or something else. They may not be very good if they've only worked with one type of product before. You can check their portfolio for past work and contact them about any questions you might have before hiring them.

Key Features of Upwork:

It offers the convenience of working with freelancers from all over the world, which means you have access to a huge pool of talent.
You can also benefit from cost-effectiveness because you can find freelancers who are willing to work with your budget.
You’re able to request unlimited revisions for your tech pack designs.
You’re able to request unlimited revisions for your tech pack designs.
Upwork also makes it easier to hold your freelancers accountable.

Pricing For Upwork:

The pricing for Upwork varies greatly depending on your needs.

Try it out

7. Fiverr.

Fiverr, the online marketplace where you can hire freelancers for just about anything, is a great platform for you use to build out your tech packs needed for your designs.

Key Features of Fiverr:

The massive community of freelancers on Fiverr means you have a huge pool to choose from—not just in terms of skills and experience, but also cost and time frame.
Because there are so many people on Fiverr (millions!), you can choose a person based on their specific skillset.
Fiverr is a relatively cheaper option for those who want to test the waters with learning about tech packs. Jobs can start as low as $10, but we recommend choosing an experienced designer with a great reputation for a higher cost.
Fiverr is a relatively cheaper option for those who want to test the waters with learning about tech packs. Jobs can start as low as $10, but we recommend choosing an experienced designer with a great reputation for a higher cost.
Fiverr can have very fast turnaround times with the deliverables needed for your tech pack project.

Pricing For Fiverr:

The pricing for Fiverr varies greatly depending on your needs.

Try it out

How much should a tech pack cost?

So you’re just starting out and the question of how much to spend on a tech pack has come up, but your budget is tight. There are a few options that can help you save money.

The first thing to consider is if you even need a tech pack at all. If you are making something super simple like a t-shirt or tank top, it might be as easy as making a sketch with measurements on it and emailing that to the factory. This won’t work for most garments, but if they are simple enough, it can work.

Another option that will cost less than getting a tech pack is to get samples from multiple factories and see which one produces the best quality garment. This can take longer because factories need time to make samples, but it will help you find the lowest cost factory for your product.

Pricing for tech packs varies by designer and the complexity of the garment. For example, the more details and components in your garment, the more time it takes to produce a tech pack. The more complicated your design is, expect to pay in the $300-$500 range but this price could go up depending on how many revisions you request from your designer.

If you're looking to invest in a tech pack software, be sure to review all of the different software review directories out there. This will help you gather real user feedback and make a more informed purchasing decision.

How do I create a tech pack in Excel?

Click on File → New and then choose the option Blank workbook.
Enter the name of your tech pack in cell A1.
Enter your company name in cell B2, and your contact information in cell B3 (address, phone number, and email address).
In row 5 enter the following column headers: Item Name, Item Number, Quantity, Weight, Dimensions (Length x Width x Height), Materials, Care Instructions, and Additional Notes.
Add the data for each item in a separate row under each column header; for example, you would add the quantity for one order in cell D6 and then add another row below it to enter another quantity for another order underneath it in cell D7, etc.
Sizing chart — measure body sizes correctly to avoid sizing issues later on;
Materials chart — list the materials you need for each style, including color swatches and details about finishings; and
Bill of materials (BOM) — itemize all parts of your product with specific measurements.

What does a tech pack include?

A tech pack includes the following information, but not limited to:

Flat sketch or simple illustration
Fabric and trim descriptions, including colors and widths
Dimensions of each pattern piece
Number of pieces per garment
Type of stitching required — top-stitching, gathering, etc.
Labeling information
Lead time
Branding information, including logos and care label info
Special details, such as buttons, belt loops, zippers and pockets

We break down each individual piece of information needed below:

Flat sketch or simple illustration:

A flat sketch or simple illustration is a technical drawing of the product. It’s a quick, front and back illustration used to demonstrate all the design details of what you are creating. There are many technical drawing software options available to create them, or they can be drawn by hand. Flat sketches should include important details like lines or seams, pockets, any trims or embellishments that need to be included on the garment, and notations for colors if needed. The more detailed your sketch is the better!

Fabric and trim descriptions, including colors and widths:

Fabric details are often the most important part of a tech pack, as they are crucial for both the manufacturer and the designer. In this section, you must include information about all fabrics used in your designs. This includes:

Name of fabric and/or colorway name (you should have this info ready after completing step 1)
Composition (e.g., 100% cotton)
Construction (e.g., jersey knit, single knit)
Weight (in ounces per square yard or grams per square meter)
Width (in inches or centimeters). Note that some fabrics may vary in width depending on the construction type and weight; if this is the case, include measurements for all construction types and weights
Shrinkage - include percentages in both directions if appropriate
Stretch percentage
Drape measurement
Hand assessment from soft to stiff
Cost per unit (For example $5/yard.) For production purposes you will need to provide fabric sourcing information for each country where your product will be manufactured. Sourcing can be done by you or your vendor, but each vendor has their own preference so make sure to coordinate with them during Step 4. You do not need to find the sources yourself at this stage, just document that it will be done at a later time with whom will take care of it.

Lead Time

This is how long it takes before you can receive after placing an order with a mill or supplier. Typically lead times can range anywhere from four weeks to a few months depending on how popular they are and also where they are located in relation to your factory.

Dimensions of each pattern piece

The dimensions of each pattern piece should also be included in your tech pack. This will help your factory determine if your design is within the capabilities of their equipment. The smaller, more intricate the pieces are, the more likely it is that they’ll require additional resources to produce. If this turns out to be the case, you can either change your design or find another manufacturer who’s better equipped to handle it.

There are a few ways you could go about compiling these measurements for your tech pack. You can either write or draw them down on a separate sheet from each pattern piece or include them as notes directly on top of each one. How you present this information is up to you; just make sure it’s clear and concise so everyone who reads it gets an accurate representation of what they should be cutting with their laser cutter or scissors. For example:

A small label for each piece (for example: “Pattern Piece #1-Left Sleeve”) that identifies which size(s) correspond with that particular cut (for example: “Sizes XS/S/M/L/XL/2XL”).
Detailed measurements (for example: “Length = 34in Width = 25in”).
The placement and grainline of each cut (for example: “Pattern Piece #2 Right Sleeve Place on Fold Cut 2x Along Grainline”).

Number of pieces per garment

Once you’ve decided the measurements for your garment and have determined the fabric width(s) you’d like to use, it is time to determine how many pieces per garment there will be. This is an important step, because it makes sure we are not forgetting anything! The number of pieces will vary depending on the garment style and design. For example, a t-shirt typically has just two pieces (front and back), while a dress may have 12 or more! Once you know how many pieces per garment there are, here is how to calculate out how many total patterns will be needed:

Type of stitching required — top-stitching, gathering, etc.

Top-stitching is decorative stitching that can be applied to a garment for a variety of reasons.
Gathering is used to add fullness to a garment. For example, gathered bell sleeves would have more fabric than straight sleeves and fit loosely on the arm.
Seams are the construction technique used to join two pieces of fabric together. There are many different types of seams, but some common seam types are French seams, flat-felled seams, and serged seams.

Labeling information

Care Labels. They are used to inform the consumer about how to care for the garment and are a legal requirement in most countries.
The information required for the labels vary from country to country (e.g. language, fiber content), but generally include: (1) Country of origin, (2) Wash instructions (wash at x degrees, dry clean only, etc.), (3) Ironing instructions (iron at low temperature only, iron at high temperature only, etc.).

Where will you place your labels? Will it be attached directly on your garments or on a separate label? We recommend you include this information in your tech pack.

Branding information, including logos and care label info

You’ll need to provide the manufacturer with all of your branding information, including logos and care label info so they can ensure proper quality.

Special details, such as buttons, belt loops, zippers and pockets

The buttons are the most important detail for a sweater: what material do you want to use? What color will go best with the fabric and where will it be located? How big does it need to be? Are there different sizes that go on your product in different quantities (e.g., one button on cuffs, three buttons on the side)?

Zippers: what material is used, what color is your preferred choice, how many zippers are needed and where they should be placed (not all zippers are created equal!). The style of the zipper needs to be explained and thought through. If the zipper is exposed or otherwise visible, it's important to get the right one!

Pockets: what material do you want them made from? What color will you choose for their placement (where are they located?) and their quantity?

Belt loops: this detail can make a big difference in versatility - consider its material (buttons often work well here), color, quantity and placement.

A tech pack is an essential part of the production process.

A tech pack includes all the key information needed to produce a product. The style, measurements, and specifications of a design are laid out in one document for patternmakers, sample makers, and factories to utilize. This means that anyone who utilizes the tech pack will make the same product each time.

Who creates a tech pack?

Designers or Merchandisers

Designers or merchandisers often create tech packs if they are working for an in-house design team at a company. If they are running their own brand, they usually create their own tech packs as well.

In this scenario, they would most likely be working with an apparel manufacturer already and have a solid understanding of what needs to be included in the tech pack based on their previous experience. They may also have templates from other projects that they can use for reference.

Technical Designers or Pattern Makers

Technical designers or pattern makers may also create a tech pack if there is no one else who has that expertise at the company, such as if someone is just starting out with their own brand and doesn’t yet have the resources to hire a designer or merchandiser.