Fold-Up Paper 3d Models

I recently came across this way of making 3d shapes called a net, which was really cool because it was an affordable way of making 3d stuff, but I never knew how to make my own, until I came across this app called Pepakura Designer, which allows you to import a 3d model and output a flat print-out net of your shape. Some sad news came when I realized that higher resolution models are a LOT harder to fold together. For instance, I got this low-poly model of a dog to make, and it was so complex that I couldn't bring myself to even try. These models were made by me and ar super low poly so that it isn't a hassle to put together.

All that you need is a computer (optional), a printer, standard printer paper (best if 8.5" by 11"), and glue or tape.

this step can be tricky if your model has many faces, so I would use my models first. carefully cut along every SOLID BORDER LINE. Any dotted lines are to stay intact. It is important to cut along every single border line because they are crucial to the design. Again, don't cut any dotted lines.

On certain parts of your model, you may have lines that vary in the way that they dot:

line 1: · -- · -- · -- · -- · --

Line 2: - - - - - - - - - - - -

these lines correspond to the direction you fold them, in or out. It is up to you which line is in or out, depending on if you want the printed side facing out.

If you want the printed side to face out, then the "- - - - - -" line has to fold in on itself, and the "· -- · -- · --" line has to fold away from itself, as the thumbnail shows.

You can tape edges on the inside or the outside. Taping on the inside is neater, but harder, while taping on the outside is uglier, but easier. I used tape for my models, as it worked better for me, and I don't have glue. the first model of the 2 that i provided, is obviously a ghost, while the other one is a Tesla Cybertruck, as the model is easier to work with than a normal car.

After this, you can put the model anywhere you want, where it wont get damaged. Again, the software for turning 3d models into nets is called Pepakura Designer, which has many versions, the one I used being Pepakura Designer 6.

Have fun!