How to Make a Low-Poly Papercraft Model (Free Template)

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How to Make a Low-Poly Papercraft Model (Free Template)

A low-poly paper model looks like a sculpture made of flat faces: a fox, a bear, a rocket. You print the parts on card, cut them out, fold them and glue the edges together. You don't need any special software: everything runs in your browser.

Papercraft Studio: the model in 3D and its parts on the sheets

Step 1. Pick a model

Open Papercraft Studio. There are ready low-poly examples (fox, cat, bunny, bear, penguin, heart, rocket, Christmas tree and more), or press Your 3D file and open an OBJ, STL, GLB, 3MF or PLY file.

For your own file, a preparation window opens: set the real size and choose low poly — 200–400 faces are enough. Fewer faces mean bigger parts that are easier to glue. Simplifying keeps the surface closed, without holes.

Step 2. Check the parts

The model is already unfolded on the sheets. Every part has a big number (#1, #2 …), and every edge that is glued has the same small number on both parts. Press Fold / Unfold to watch the paper fold into the model, or Step by step to see the parts go on one at a time.

You can drag and turn parts on the sheets. With the scissors tool, click a fold to cut it there, or click a cut edge to join it.

Step 3. Print

In the Print step choose the paper size (A4 or Letter), optionally give each part a light colour for a colour printer, and press Download PDF. The first page of the PDF shows the model from the front and back with the part numbers.

Print at 100 % / Actual size, not “Fit to page”, and measure the 5 × 5 cm test square.

Step 4. Cut, fold, glue

  1. Cut out the parts along the solid lines.
  2. Score the fold lines with an empty ballpoint pen and a ruler. Dash-dot is a mountain fold (away from you), dashed is a valley fold (towards you).
  3. Glue the parts in the order of their numbers: put glue on the grey tab and press it under the edge with the same number.

Tips

  • Thin card of 160–220 g/m² holds its shape best.
  • Use PVA or a glue stick in small amounts and hold each joint for a few seconds.
  • Leave the part with the last number for the end: it closes the model.
  • Want a box instead? Try Gift Box Maker — 29 box styles with your own design.

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