Creating physical models from 3D designs is a crucial workflow for architects, designers, and hobbyists. is a legendary, specialized SketchUp plugin designed to take your 3D components and "unfold" them into flat, 2D patterns (nets) ready for cutting, folding, and gluing.
Click the red Install Extension button located at the bottom left of the Extension Manager window.
plugin is a popular tool for SketchUp used to "unfold" 3D models into flat patterns, primarily for papercraft, origami, or laser cutting. Because the original developer (Pumpkin Pirate) stopped updating it, downloading the correct version is critical for compatibility with modern SketchUp versions. Where to Download Flattery The Best Source (SketchUcation) : You should download the updated Flattery version from the SketchUcation PluginStore
Switch to a in SketchUp and change your camera setting to Parallel Projection . This removes 3D perspective distortion. You can now use Flattery's built-in SVG export tool, or use SketchUp’s native File > Export > 2D Graphic to save the layout as a DXF, DWG, or PDF file. Troubleshooting Common Flattery Issues The Toolbar is Missing After Installation
Flattery is a specialized workflow extension designed for digital fabrication and paper modeling. Unlike complex CNC unfolding software, Flattery integrates seamlessly into your existing SketchUp workspace. It allows you to select faces on a 3D object and "unroll" them onto a flat, two-dimensional plane. Key Features Flattery Sketchup Plugin Download
Because Flattery was written in older versions of the Ruby programming language, it may occasionally throw errors in newer editions of SketchUp Pro. If you encounter crashes, ensure your SketchUp installation is running the latest patch, or consider running the script in SketchUp 2017 Make, which maintains high compatibility with legacy plugins. Alternative Plugins for Unfolding in SketchUp
Download the file. It will typically be in the format (the standard format for SketchUp extensions). If you happen to find an older version in a compressed .zip format containing an .rb file and a folder, change the extension from .zip to .rbz . Step 2: Install via SketchUp Extension Manager Open your version of SketchUp.
While not a plugin, this standalone windows software is the gold standard for papercraft. You can export a standard .obj or .3ds file from SketchUp and import it into Pepakura for advanced automatic unfolding.
: A tool to quickly pull separated flat pieces back together if they were unfolded incorrectly. SVG Export : Direct export to Creating physical models from 3D designs is a
Navigate to the top menu and select (or Window > Extension Manager depending on your version).
Browse to your downloads folder, select the downloaded Flattery .rbz file, and click .
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. Flattery - SketchUp Plugins | PluginStore | SketchUcation
Position a standard camera view directly above your pattern ( Camera > Standard Views > Top ), switch to Parallel Projection , and export the file as a 2D Graphic (PDF or DWG) to print on a standard desktop printer. plugin is a popular tool for SketchUp used
Once installed, a new small floating toolbar named "Flattery" will appear on your screen. You can dock this toolbar anywhere in your workspace. Step-by-Step: How to Unfold a Model Using Flattery
Flattery is an excellent tool for specific, legacy workflows. It proves that a simple, focused plugin can be remarkably powerful. However, its age and lack of active development mean that for many professionals and casual users today, exploring modern alternatives like or Unwrap and Flatten Faces is a more future-proof path.
Ensure all faces are oriented correctly. Group your target object or turn it into a Component so your unfolding workspace stays separate from other scene elements. 2. Unfold the Geometry Activate the from the Flattery toolbar. Click on a base face of your model to serve as the anchor.
I can provide specific export settings to match your exact fabrication workflow. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Share public link