You didn’t get into fashion to spend your days managing outdated tech pack documents or untangling email chains. But too often, that’s exactly what happens. Excel sheets cause headaches, PDFs get lost in inboxes, and suddenly your whole production schedule is behind.

Legacy Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM) are notoriously hard to escape. Teams get locked into clunky tools and outdated workflows because switching feels too painful.

If you’re tired of chasing down files and ready for a simpler way to create and share tech packs, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through what to consider when choosing tech pack software for modern fashion teams.

What Is Tech Pack Software?

A tech pack (short for technical package) is a set of instructions that tells your factory how to make your product. It usually includes flat sketches, measurements, materials, colors, trims, construction details, and fit notes. 

In short, it’s the technical documentation you use to create professional tech packs for your design.

In the past, designers built tech packs using Google Sheets, Excel, or Illustrator, then saved them as PDFs and emailed them to factories. Every time something changed, they had to send a new version. This created long email threads, version mix-ups, and sometimes costly mistakes during production.

A smart tech pack wizard helps your team create tech packs faster with fewer errors. It gives your team a shared space to build, update, and share tech packs in real time.

Everyone can easily create and work from the same file, staying on the same page whether they’re in the office, remote, or at the factory. It’s clearer, faster, and a lot easier to manage.

Why Tech Pack Software Matters for Fashion Brands

Tech pack software helps fashion teams stay organized, reduce errors, and move faster.

When you rely on spreadsheets or PDFs, it’s easy to miss changes or send outdated files. One small mistake in your detailed tech packs can lead to production delays or costly rework. 

Tech pack software prevents that by keeping technical sketches and product details in one shared, up-to-date workspace.

Here’s why it matters:

• Reduces errors - Everyone works from the same live file with all the information in one place, so you don’t have to worry about version mix-ups or missed updates.

• Saves time - Teams can edit, review, and approve changes without waiting for emails or tracking multiple documents.

• Improves collaboration - Fashion designers, developers, and vendors can leave comments, tag teammates, and respond directly in the tech pack.

• Keeps things moving - Built-in approvals and task tracking help teams hit deadlines and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

• Supports remote work - Whether your team is in the office, working from home, or at the factory, everyone stays aligned.

In short, tech pack software helps you spend less time managing files and more time designing great products.

8 Best Tech Pack Software in 2025

Fashion teams need tools that move as quickly as they do. Below are some of the best fashion tech pack software options today, starting with the one built specifically for fast-paced fashion brands.

1. Onbrand

Onbrand is a modern PLM built for fast-moving fashion teams. It replaces static files with live, web-based tech packs that update in real time, so your team and vendors always work from the latest version.

Unlike legacy PLMs that cost tens of thousands per year and require upgrade fees, Onbrand offers transparent pricing as low as $89 per user per month with support included. As a true SaaS platform, it always includes the latest features with no version delays.

Onbrand is fully configurable out of the box. Brands can adjust workflows, fields, and views without coding or professional services. Your team brings its process with you; Onbrand adapts to how you work, not the other way around.

Built-in project management helps you manage tasks, approvals, and timelines in one place. Vendors can collaborate directly on tech packs, replacing messy email threads, WhatsApp chats, and PDF confusion.

The platform’s visual, designer-friendly interface was built for creatives, not IT teams. Most brands are fully onboarded in just two weeks. AI-powered tools and expert support streamline data migration, so your team starts fresh with a fully configured system.

Every customer gets a dedicated account rep, and we don’t charge extra for support, training, or upgrades.  

Onbrand is a powerful tool that simplifies product development. Book a demo today!

2. Backbone PLM

Source: BackbonePLM.com

Backbone PLM was built to help smaller fashion brands digitize their tech packs and manage product development. It offers a modern interface and basic tools to build, store, and share product information.

The platform works well for early-stage teams that need a central place to organize product specs. Designers can create tech packs, track revisions, and collaborate across departments.

However, Backbone’s feature set is limited compared to more flexible platforms. Key functions like costing, collection planning, and advanced approvals are either missing or require workarounds.

After being acquired by Bamboo Rose in 2023, Backbone has shifted focus. Many users have reported slower support response times and reduced product updates.

Some teams have also seen major price increases. Contracts that were once affordable have jumped significantly year over year. As brands grow, many find they’ve outpaced what Backbone can handle and look for a more scalable solution.

3. Centric Software

Source: Centricsoftware.com

Centric Software is a well-known PLM built for large enterprise brands. It includes a full suite of features for tech pack creation, seasonal planning, material libraries, and vendor collaboration.

Many global companies use Centric to manage high-volume production across multiple teams. It supports complex workflows and can be tailored with professional services.

Customization comes at a cost. Centric follows a professional-services model, with some teams paying thousands per day for configuration. 

The platform runs on versioned software, and upgrades can be costly, which means many users stay on older versions without access to new features.

For brands with the time, budget, and team to support it, Centric offers scale. For smaller teams, it may feel too rigid and resource-heavy.

4. WFX PLM

Source: Worldfashionexchange.com

WFX PLM is a cloud-based apparel tech pack software designed for fashion and apparel teams. It includes standard product lifecycle management features like tech pack creation, line sheets, sample tracking, and vendor communication.

The platform offers a clean interface and serves as an upgrade from spreadsheets for teams ready to digitize their workflow. It’s a flexible option for brands that want a modular system.

That said, WFX can take some time to fully configure. While it’s cloud-based, some teams still rely on support services to customize parts of the workflow.

Users have also noted limitations with how flexible the platform is out of the box. If your brand needs a more tailored setup, it may require additional work to get things running smoothly.

WFX is a good step forward from manual tools. For brands that need deep customization or faster onboarding, other options may be easier to adopt.

5. DeSL

Source: DeSL.net

DeSL offers a wide range of PLM and supply chain tools for fashion, footwear, and accessories brands. Their PLM software includes features for tech pack creation, material tracking, sample management, and vendor collaboration.

The platform is built to support larger teams with multiple departments involved in product development. It offers modular tools that can be added over time based on business needs.

However, DeSL often requires a more involved setup. Customization typically depends on professional services, and some teams report a steep learning curve during onboarding.

The interface leans more technical, which may feel overwhelming for design teams that prefer a visually intuitive experience.

DeSL works well for companies managing a broad supply chain. But as a supply-chain-heavy system, it leans more operational than creative. For design teams that prioritize speed, simplicity, and flexibility, it may feel like more system than they need.

6. Apparel Magic

Source: ApparelMagic.com

Apparel Magic started as an ERP system and later added PLM features to support fashion brands. It offers tools for inventory, order management, and basic product development tasks like tech pack creation.

For smaller teams looking to combine backend operations with product data, it can be a convenient all-in-one option.

That said, its PLM capabilities are fairly limited. Teams often find the product development tools don’t go deep enough, especially when it comes to collaboration, real-time updates, or managing design feedback.

Because the system was built around ERP, the user experience tends to reflect that. Designers may find the interface more focused on logistics than exploring or organizing garment ideas.

Apparel Magic may work for brands with simpler needs or those just getting started. However, teams that need flexible, design-first tools often look elsewhere as they grow.

7. Aptean

Source: Aptean.com

Aptean offers enterprise software solutions across industries, including PLM tools for fashion and apparel. Their platform supports core functions like tech pack creation, workflow management, and compliance tracking.

It’s designed for large organizations with complex supply chains. Aptean integrates with other business systems and focuses on helping brands centralize data across departments.

While the tool covers key PLM features, it often feels geared more toward operations than design. The platform leans more toward ERP than PLM, which may feel limiting for creative teams focused on design and collaboration. The interface is more technical, and creative users may find it less intuitive for day-to-day product development work.

Aptean may be a fit for enterprise teams prioritizing backend control. Still, brands that want a flexible, creative-first solution may find that its ERP-heavy design may not deliver the visual experience or speed they need.

8. ReChain

Source: ReChain.com

ReChain is a supply chain platform that includes PLM features for fashion and consumer goods brands. It focuses on visibility and traceability across the production process, with tools for managing materials, vendors, and compliance.

The platform supports tech pack creation and offers collaboration features that help teams stay connected across different stages of development.

However, ReChain is primarily built for managing supply chain logistics. Its PLM tools are secondary, which means the design and development experience may not be as deep or flexible as other platforms.

For brands looking to track raw materials or improve supply chain transparency, ReChain can be helpful. But teams who need rich, design-focused PLM functionality may find it lacking in creative support.

Why Onbrand Is the Best Tech Pack Software for Fashion Teams

Most PLM tools were built decades ago and don’t reflect how modern fashion teams work. They're outdated, complex to set up, and frustrating for creative teams who need visually intuitive solutions. 

Onbrand is specifically built to solve these issues, making product development easier, faster, and more collaborative.

• Live tech packs - Onbrand uses web-based tech packs that update instantly for everyone involved—designers, developers, and factories. This means your entire team always has access to the most current information, with built-in version control that replaces PDFs and outdated files.

• Built-in project management - Manage tasks, approvals, and timelines right inside the Onbrand platform. You can streamline workflows, reduce unnecessary meetings, and prevent tasks from getting lost between different tools or spreadsheets.

• Fast onboarding - Unlike legacy PLMs that take months or even years to implement, Onbrand onboarding averages just two weeks. The Onbrand team handles data migration, custom configuration, and full team training, so you don’t need external hires or expensive consultants.

• Transparent pricing - Legacy PLMs often cost over $50,000 per year and charge extra fees for support and updates. Onbrand’s Core plan starts as low as $89 per user per month for up to 10 users and includes live tech packs, vendor collaboration, onboarding, and ongoing support at no additional cost.

• Designed specifically for fashion teams - Onbrand isn’t repurposed ERP software or generic supply-chain technology. It was built from the ground up with fashion design teams in mind. Its flexible, visual interface helps your designers spend more time creating new products instead of managing outdated tools or confusing software.

Make the Switch to Onbrand for Better Tech Pack Management!

You shouldn’t have to fight with clunky software just to keep your team aligned. If you’re still managing tech packs in spreadsheets or juggling file versions over email, it’s time for a better option.

Onbrand was built for fast-moving fashion teams who need clear communication, real-time updates, and tools that actually support how they work. 

With live tech packs, built-in project management, quick onboarding, and fair pricing, it’s everything your team needs, without the extra hassle.

Spend less time managing files and more time creating great products that deliver results. Book your personalized demo today and see how simple tech pack management can be!

FAQs About Best Tech Pack Software

What is the best tech pack?

The best tech pack is one that’s easy to update, easy to share, and always accurate. The right tech pack software should include graphic styles, sketches, measurements, materials, garment details, construction details, and fit notes. Tools like Onbrand let you build live, web-based tech packs with accurate design details based on your own designs that update in real time.

How much does Techpacker cost?

Techpacker’s pricing starts at $70 per user per month for solo designers and freelancers on a monthly plan. Higher-tier plans range from $198 to $240 per user per month, billed annually. Keep in mind, Techpacker is often used by individuals, while Onbrand offers advanced features for brands managing larger teams and workflows.

Which software is best for clothing design?

For actual garment design, tools like Adobe Illustrator are standard. But when it comes to turning those designs into production-ready products, a PLM or tech pack platform like Onbrand is essential. It bridges the gap between design and development, helping teams manage specs, approvals, vendors, and timelines in one place.

How much should I pay for a tech pack?

While some freelancers offer free tech packs, most paid software solutions cost anywhere from $100 to $500+ per project. However, for brands creating multiple products each season, software like Onbrand offers better long-term benefits and solutions. It gives your team the tools to build, manage, and share tech packs internally, without starting from scratch each time.

What should a digital tech pack include for manufacturers?

A digital tech pack typically includes design sketches, spec sheets, detailed technical drawings, and clear care instructions. It should also add measurements, materials, trims, and construction notes, along with reference images to guide manufacturers. While some teams use tools like Google Drive to organize these files, platforms like Onbrand provide built-in support for real-time collaboration and help ensure everyone works from the same up-to-date version.