Elka Yang

How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft

How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft

May 28, 2023

1. Tools and Materials

paper craft materials and tools

·Ruler

·Score tool

·Scissors/utility knife

·Tweezers

·White glue

·Toothpick or small brush

·Cutting mat

·Colored cardstock paper

·Recommended size: A4

·Recommended thickness: 160-230gsm

·Recommended Color: Feel free to choose any color you like or refer to the sample

You can refer to a detailed guide:
Papercraft essential materials and tools

2. Get the Physical Template

Download Digital template and make it physical

Option 1: Print the PDF file using a printer How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft print template A home printer will do and just print in black and white. You can print the template directly on the colored cardboard, or print it on regular A4 paper and paste it on the colored cardboard.

Option 2: Cut the SVG/DXF file using a cutting machine

For Cameo machines:

How to use DXF files in Silhouette Studio

For Cricut machines:

How to use SVG files in Design Space

3. Cut and Score

How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft cut

Cut out all the parts along solid cutting lines. Be careful not to cut into any dotted lines.

Skip this step if you are using a cutting machine.

How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft score fold lines

Score along all the dotted folding lines with a pointed score tool such as an awl or a pen without ink. This will ensure precise and sharp folds.

Skip this step if you are using a cutting machine to score.

4. Fold

How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft fold

Fold along dotted folding lines. Make sure to keep the printed side inside the model to get a clean finished piece.

5. Assembly

Before you start crafting, check out the step-by-step instructional video link provided in your Template PDF:)

How to Use a Digital Template to Make a 3D Papercraft assembly

Tips

Apply glue thinly with a toothpick or small brush.

Use tweezers to hold the glued parts until it dries.

Remember

The key to papercraft is patience and accuracy.

Don't worry if you make a mistake, simply reprint that specific part and start again.

Caution

Keep items such as glue, scissors, utility knives, and any other potentially dangerous objects away from small children.

Be careful not to injure yourself when using scissors, utility knives, and any other sharp or pointed objects.