3D Model to Paper Model With Pepakura

For those that want a paper model of something random...

A tutorial on how to use pepakura designer to make a papercraft template from a 3D model.

• Pepakura Designer
• Pepakura Viewer
• Paper and Printer
• Scissors or X-Acto Knife
• Glue(Glue Stick Works Best)

Before starting the design we need a papercraft unfolding software called Pepakura.

You can download Pepakura Designer and Viewer Here: Pepakura

Before we can start on making a papercraft model, we need a model to make! Thingiverse is a great website for finding free 3D models. For papercraft we need a low-poly model. Otherwise we will be cutting and gluing for years. Just search low poly or use this link Thingiverse. I chose a low-poly cat model for this tutorial(Low Poly Cat).

1. Open Pepakura Designer after installing it.
2. Click the open file button in the top right.
3. Select your 3D model(STL, OBJ, 3DF, DXF) and Click "Open File".
4. A small window will open up, click "Auto Detection" then click "Ok".
5. Next another window will pop up labeled "Adjust Model Coordinates". Click "No Flip".
6. Arrange your model in the correct position using the next 2 tabs.
7. The last tab will ask if you want to invert the model. Click "No Invert(Finish)".
8. Another window will open saying your model had merged a bunch of tabs. Click "Ok".
9. A window labeled "Scale of the Model" will pop up. You are able to adjust the size to you liking. I don't want a giant cat so I set my height to 2 inches and hit "Ok".

• Use the scroll wheels to zoom in and out.
• Use the right mouse button to orbit around the model.
• Use the scroll wheel button to pan around the model.

1. First I like to turn of the texture ability. It makes it easier for me to see the lines. To do this click the cube and sphere button in the top right or go to the "Other" menu and click "Texture On/Off".
2. Next I click the "Unfold" button around the top middle.
3. You might be a little startled by the mess of lines. To fix this you can go to the "2D Menu" and click "Show Flaps".

1. Using the "Join/Disjoin Faces" tool start separating the model up into sections.
2. Most low-poly models have layers of the model that you can easily split it by.
3. Once you have the model separated into sections you can then remove extra lines that are not needed. To do this use the "Set Edge Color" tool near the top right. To hide lines click the eraser button and select the lines you want to hide. You can also color lines to make it easier to assemble later. To do this select the paint brush button and select the lines you want to color.
4. Next, go back to the 2D Menu and activate the flaps again.
5. Use the "Edit Flaps" tool to make sure all of the flaps are in a easy and accessible place for later when you assemble the model.
6. Once you are done editing click the file menu in the top right corner. Then select "Print to PDF". You can save the file to your computer to save it for printing.

1. Print out the PDF you exported from Pepakura designer.
2. Cut out the template with scissors or and X-Acto knife(Using a X-Acto Knife is easier).
3. Then fold where all of the dotted lines are. I recommend folding by using a ruler or the edge of a table to get straight folds.
4. Review the Pepakura model to check where all of the flaps and tabs go.
5. Now you can start to glue together the model. I recommend using a glue stick as they tend to dry faster.
6. All Done! You now have you own custom papercraft model.