How to Make Real 3D Cardboard Sculptures With iPhone 123D

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Make real 3D cardboard sculptures with iPhone 123D

How to Make Real 3D Cardboard Sculptures With iPhone 123D

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Step 1 of 27

I found this cool app and while I'm working on making my first sculpture with it I figured I'd share it with you all.

Step 2 of 27
The app is called 123D Make and it's free in iTunes. With it you can actually design 3D cardboard sculptures. Let's get started. Tap "Create".

The app is called 123D Make and it's free in iTunes. With it you can actually design 3D cardboard sculptures. Let's get started. Tap "Create".

Step 3 of 27
Here you draw your sculpture. Basically you draw an outline of half the shape you want. Keep reading, this will become clear in a moment.

Here you draw your sculpture. Basically you draw an outline of half the shape you want. Keep reading, this will become clear in a moment.

Step 4 of 27
So drew this shape. When you're done tap "Next" in the upper right corner.

So drew this shape. When you're done tap "Next" in the upper right corner.

Step 5 of 27
As you can see. The app has rendered my shape into a circular 3D sculpture.

As you can see. The app has rendered my shape into a circular 3D sculpture.

Step 6 of 27
Use you single finger to adjust the angle of the rendered sculpture.

Use you single finger to adjust the angle of the rendered sculpture.

Step 7 of 27
Glide two fingers on the screen to adjust its position and angle.

Glide two fingers on the screen to adjust its position and angle.

Step 8 of 27
By default it'll render a Radial design. But if you tap the setting icon at the lower left corner you have the option to render it in a different stacked design.

By default it'll render a Radial design. But if you tap the setting icon at the lower left corner you have the option to render it in a different stacked design.

Step 9 of 27
Here's my design in a stacked render.

Here's my design in a stacked render.

Step 10 of 27
Click the play icon and it'll show you the step by step process to put your cardboard sculpture together.

Click the play icon and it'll show you the step by step process to put your cardboard sculpture together.

Step 11 of 27
Here's a few steps past the last image.

Here's a few steps past the last image.

Step 12 of 27
Now here's the really cool part. It'll render your blue prints for all the pieces you'll need.

Now here's the really cool part. It'll render your blue prints for all the pieces you'll need.

Step 13 of 27
So you can print them all out on paper and use them as stencils to cut out your cardboard shapes.

So you can print them all out on paper and use them as stencils to cut out your cardboard shapes.

Step 14 of 27
You can save your designs in the app.

You can save your designs in the app.

Step 15 of 27
It also comes with some pre made designs.

It also comes with some pre made designs.

Step 16 of 27
Here's an example of the human head design.

Here's an example of the human head design.

Step 17 of 27
How about a T-Rex.

How about a T-Rex.

Step 18 of 27
Each pre made design can also be printed out.

Each pre made design can also be printed out.

Step 19 of 27
Be sure to watch the video.

Be sure to watch the video.

Step 20 of 27
To see some examples of sculptures made with both the app and the 123D Make program for Mac or PC. The computer program is also free so be sure to check that out.

To see some examples of sculptures made with both the app and the 123D Make program for Mac or PC. The computer program is also free so be sure to check that out.

Step 21 of 27
If you hit the send icon toward the button you'll find a couple of ways to get parts made. Email it to yourself or actually order parts made for you by mail.

If you hit the send icon toward the button you'll find a couple of ways to get parts made. Email it to yourself or actually order parts made for you by mail.

Step 22 of 27
I haven't ordered any parts yet. But here's the message you get when you select the order laser cut parts link.

I haven't ordered any parts yet. But here's the message you get when you select the order laser cut parts link.

Step 23 of 27
A screen shot of the video. Cool Rhino!

A screen shot of the video. Cool Rhino!

Step 24 of 27
Another video screen shot.

Another video screen shot.

Step 25 of 27
Here's a couple of screen shots of the PC/Mac program.

Here's a couple of screen shots of the PC/Mac program.

Step 26 of 27
Another program screen shot.

Another program screen shot.

Step 27 of 27

Well that's about all there is to it. Right now I'm printing my first trial out and I'll go pick up the card board to make my first one sometime this week. Just thought I'd pass along this cool find.

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michigan
I'm a semi professional magician. Graphic designer. I've been deaf almost 20 years but i can hear now thanks to the cochlear implant I got almost 2 years ago.

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10 Comments
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Ron Jaxon

I still haven't gotten around to building mine. Got it printed but I'll get around to cutting someday.

(author) 10 months ago

Heather W

Started on my first one! I'm doing the donut. I borrowed a friends scroll saw to cut the pieces out. MUCH easier than a knife or scissors. Thanks for showing off this awesome app!

Heather W 10 months ago

Felicia Gustin

Wow! This is amazing! Going to download the ap right now.

Felicia Gustin 10 months ago

Kirsty K

Which app is it ? I found many on search

Kirsty K 10 months ago

Shayne 🎨

Amazing!

Shayne 🎨 10 months ago

Claire Bear

Saw your guide and had to download, its always one of those things that I've wanted to try and now the options are apparently limitless... Can't wait to see your sculpture :) thanks for sharing your genius ;)

Claire Bear 10 months ago

Hussain Kadhim

Wooooohoooo, thats one rare author and a rare App!, thanks ron!

Hussain Kadhim 10 months ago

Kylie Owen

This is so cool I have always wanted to get cardboard sculptures like they sell on skreened but it seemed like such a waste of money :)

Kylie Owen 10 months ago

Darcy Bastin

Thank you. This is great.

Darcy Bastin 10 months ago

Laura Atwood

Very cool!

Laura Atwood 10 months ago

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