Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PaperMaker VS FreeCAD

Compare PaperMaker VS FreeCAD and see what are their differences

PaperMaker logo PaperMaker

PaperMaker is a free tool for creating paper craft from 3D model.

FreeCAD logo FreeCAD

An open-source parametric 3D modeler
  • PaperMaker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-06-08
  • PaperMaker Public Gallery
    Public Gallery //
    2025-06-08
  • PaperMaker Model page
    Model page //
    2025-06-08

Web-based tool that work across platforms (Windows, MAC OS, Linux) and also on mobile browser. Have free Gallery where everyone can share and download papercraft models. The tool features rich import options including PDO from Pepakura, with auto cutting, auto 2D piece arranging make it a breeze making papercraft!

  • FreeCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23

PaperMaker

$ Details
freemium
Platforms
Browser
Release Date
2020 August

FreeCAD

$ Details
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

PaperMaker features and specs

  • Export to PDF
  • Export to PNG
  • Export to SVG
  • Import from PDO
  • Free Gallery, Cloud Storage
  • Auto unfolding
  • Auto arrange piece
  • Support models with texture, color
  • Edge number, line/lineless export, glue tab
  • Miter joint angle
  • Manual unfold by cutting lines or unfold faces

FreeCAD features and specs

  • Open Source
    FreeCAD is free to use and its source code is open to the public, allowing for customization and extension by the community.
  • Cross-Platform
    FreeCAD is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Parametric Modeling
    Users can create models with parameters that can be adjusted on-the-fly, offering a high degree of flexibility and ease of use.
  • Modular Architecture
    FreeCAD's modular design allows users to add or remove functionality through modules and extensions, catering to specific needs.
  • Community Support
    An active community of users and developers offers a wealth of tutorials, documentation, and forums for support.
  • Multi-Domain
    FreeCAD supports a wide range of engineering domains, including architecture, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Possible disadvantages of FreeCAD

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The software can be challenging for new users due to its complex interface and extensive features.
  • Performance Issues
    FreeCAD can be slower in terms of performance, especially when handling large or complex models.
  • Limited Documentation
    While community support is strong, official documentation can sometimes be lacking or incomplete.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users may encounter bugs and stability issues, especially when using less stable versions or experimental features.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Although FreeCAD covers many basics, it may not offer all the advanced features available in commercial CAD software.
  • Not Industry Standard
    FreeCAD might not be accepted as an industry standard in many professional environments, which could limit its use for certain projects.

Analysis of FreeCAD

Overall verdict

  • FreeCAD is considered a good choice for users who want a versatile and cost-effective tool for 3D modeling and design, particularly where open-source flexibility and community support are valued. However, it may not be on par with professional, high-end CAD software in terms of specific advanced features and intuitive interface, which could lead to a steeper learning curve for some users.

Why this product is good

  • FreeCAD is a popular open-source parametric 3D modeler that is highly valued for its flexibility and wide range of applications in engineering and product design. Being open-source, it benefits from a community-driven development approach that continually adds new features and improvements. It supports a wide range of file formats and is compatible with many operating systems, enhancing its accessibility. It's particularly appreciated among hobbyists, makers, and those working in engineering fields who need a cost-effective CAD solution.

Recommended for

  • Hobbyists
  • Small business owners
  • Engineering students
  • Freelancers in design and engineering fields
  • Anyone looking for a cost-effective, open-source CAD solution

PaperMaker videos

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FreeCAD videos

Is FreeCAD any good?

More videos:

  • Review - FreeCAD vs Fusion360 - What is the Best FREE CAD Program?
  • Review - FREECAD review | the best free cad software to download for free ! | mechanical modeling program

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PaperMaker and FreeCAD)
CAD
7 7%
93% 93
3D
3 3%
97% 97
Architecture
4 4%
96% 96
3D Modeling
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare PaperMaker and FreeCAD

PaperMaker Reviews

  1. Norman
    ยท owner at nonitt paper sculptures ยท
    nice online tool

    A recent update have improved this online software and now it's much more enjoyable to use. It can also open Pepakura format from any where for free.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Pepakura Designer, Unfolder
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Auto unfold|Nesting|Pdo|Gallery|Advanced features|Free online tools
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Requires internet connection

FreeCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
From the description โ€œFreeCADโ€ you can decipher that this software is free to use. Hence, you can use it on Windows, Mac, and Linux amongst other operating systems.
9 Free CAD Software to Download
Although it is open source and free, FreeCAD is on par with other popular CAD programs due to its capability in creating real 3D solids, support for meshes, 2D drafting, right hand coordinate system plus many more features.
10 Free AutoCAD Alternatives
Its tools and concepts are quite similar to those of AutoCAD. So those who are already familiar with CAD will feel very comfortable using it. The FreeCAD source code can be downloaded, used and transformed as the user wants, because it is free. One of its most striking features is that by having a free source code, FreeCAD users have constantly changing software available...
Source: solidface.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, PaperMaker should be more popular than FreeCAD. It has been mentiond 10 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

PaperMaker mentions (10)

  • How should I go about this? (Newbie)
    2- go to https://papercraft-maker.com/, click on File -> Open -> Folder and import one of the folders extracted on step 1. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • PEPAKURA ALTERNATIVE FOR MAC?
    Https://papercraft-maker.com which is freemium, soft options are under subscriptions but the soft is currently under development and often updated. Works from any device, mobile, tablet, pc. Source: about 2 years ago
  • What app is used for this model?
    If you want to 3d model for free go with Blender then to unfold you can try https://papercraft-maker.com it's also free. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Need numbered pdf from PDO
    Go on papercraft maker you can open pdo and edit file + export for free. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Me and a friend are trying to make plans for Oola, the prototype for the main character for the game Tearaway. Any papercraft makers have advice on what to do.
    You can use this online app to turn your 3D model into 2d template freely ๐Ÿ‘ papercraft maker. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

FreeCAD mentions (2)

  • SOLIDWORKS for Linux
    Important note[0] from author: > With the help of my script, You get a way to install Solidworks on your Linux system. > Certain packages and programs that are required will be set up for You, but it's important to know, that my script only helps You to get the program to run and nothing more! Personally I may recommend try & use SolveSpace[1,2] and FreeCAD[3] โ€” free & open-source 2D/3D... - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago
  • STL to Gcode for CNC Router?
    Also FreeCAD has a gcode workbench for full 3D. I've used it a little and would describe it as "usable once you work out the quirks". Https://freecadweb.org/. Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing PaperMaker and FreeCAD, you can also consider the following products

Ultimate Unwrap 3D - Ultimate Unwrap 3D is a standalone UV mapping software for unfolding and unwrapping 3D models.

SolidWorks - Dassault Systรจmes SolidWorks Corp. develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. SolidWorks is the leading supplier of 3D CAD product design engineering software.

Unfolder - Unfolder is a 3D model unfolding tool to help you create papercraft easily and quickly.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Ultimate Papercraft 3D - Ultimate Papercraft 3D is a standalone software for creating papercraft from 3D models.

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.