Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PaperMaker VS SketchUp

Compare PaperMaker VS SketchUp and see what are their differences

PaperMaker logo PaperMaker

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

SketchUp logo SketchUp

3D for Everyone
  • 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!

  • SketchUp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-18

PaperMaker

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
freemium
Platforms
Browser
Release Date
2020 August

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

SketchUp features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SketchUp has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible to beginners as well as professionals. Its simplicity helps users quickly learn the software without extensive training.
  • Extensive Library
    The 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-made models and components, enabling users to enhance their designs without having to create everything from scratch.
  • Versatility
    SketchUp is suitable for a wide range of applications, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering, making it a versatile tool for various professionals.
  • Affordability
    SketchUp offers a free version that provides sufficient features for hobbyists and small projects. Paid versions are also relatively affordable compared to other professional CAD software.
  • Third-Party Extensions
    There are numerous plugins and extensions available that enhance SketchUp's functionality, allowing users to customize the tool to better fit their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of SketchUp

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While SketchUp is powerful for basic and intermediate designs, it lacks some advanced features found in other high-end CAD software, which may be necessary for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    SketchUp can experience performance issues and slow down when handling very large or highly detailed models, which can be a limitation for projects requiring high detail.
  • Rendering Quality
    The built-in rendering capabilities of SketchUp are relatively basic. For high-quality, photo-realistic rendering, users often need to rely on third-party plugins like V-Ray or Lumion.
  • 2D Drawing Limitations
    SketchUp is primarily a 3D modeling tool and its 2D drawing capabilities are not as robust as specialized 2D drafting software, making it less ideal for creating detailed 2D technical drawings.
  • Interoperability
    Although SketchUp supports various file formats, there can be compatibility issues when integrating models with other CAD software, which may require additional conversion steps.

Analysis of SketchUp

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SketchUp is a robust and versatile software for 3D modeling, especially in fields like architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Its ease of use combined with advanced features makes it a valuable tool for both hobbyists and professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SketchUp is considered a good tool for various reasons. It offers an intuitive interface that is accessible to beginners while still providing powerful tools suitable for professional designers. The software supports a wide range of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize and enhance its functionality. Additionally, SketchUp has a large, active community that shares models, tips, and tutorials, making it easier for new users to learn and for experienced users to discover new techniques.

Recommended for

  • Architects
  • Interior designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Product designers
  • Educators and students
  • Hobbyists interested in 3D modeling

PaperMaker videos

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SketchUp videos

SketchUp 2019 | My HONEST Review

More videos:

  • Review - Watch This Before You Get Started With SketchUp (2019 Update)
  • Review - SKETCHUP 2019 - REVIEW. REACTION. RANT.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PaperMaker and SketchUp)
CAD
7 7%
93% 93
3D
2 2%
98% 98
Architecture
4 4%
96% 96
3D Modeling
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using PaperMaker and SketchUp. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

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

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

SketchUp Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
SketchUp offers a free web-based application, SketchUp Free, and three paid subscription plans: SketchUp Shop, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio โ€“ each tailored to provide increased functionality.
Source: aircada.com
10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
SketchUp is a user-friendly 3-D model software program that specializes in creating architectural and interior layout models. SketchUp is popular for its intuitive interface, speedy modelling gear, and massive library of extensions.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
2) Wide array of plugins: SketchUp's core functionalities can be vastly expanded through its rich ecosystem of plugins. Whether it's advanced Rendering, simulation, or specialised Modelling tools, there's likely a plugin available to cater to users' specific needs, ensuring that SketchUp remains versatile across diverse projects.
Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
Sketchup is another popular interior design program. Sketchup is a professional and useful 3D design program. Even for specialists, the interface is rather sophisticated and takes some time to get used to. For a powerful 3D modeling experience, professionals use Sketchup.
Source: www.reddit.com
15 Best Maya Alternatives
One of the advantages of using SketchUp is access to hundreds of expertly-developed extensions. These extensions are available in the SketchUp Warehouse and will save you the considerable time you would spend creating the products and models yourself.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, PaperMaker should be more popular than SketchUp. 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

SketchUp mentions (5)

  • Google needs to create a product called Google Gone!
    What! It just switched owners, that's all. Go to sketchup.com. Source: over 2 years ago
  • design build programs
    Not exactly sure what you're asking for but maybe.... SketchUp? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Help for Mom's Condo
    I know sketchup.com a little and searched earlier for something, found https://www.closetfactory.com/entertainment-centers/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Basement remodel.
    I've heard good things about sketchup.com but it costs. If you are going to buy materials (cabinets, fixtures, etc) primarily form a single source I would check with them. I thought that Home Depot had a virtual design center, but it seems you need to physically go in. IKEA has a good design tool that I've used in the past - very advance and free. Source: about 3 years ago
  • product dissapearing?
    There is no "license" for SU Pro. You use your email address and password that you used when you bought it. Have you installed the program? Log into sketchup.com with your user name and password. Then start SU on your computer. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing PaperMaker and SketchUp, 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.

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

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

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

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