SHIRYU Digital Papercraft Software - Simple Guide

SHIRYU Quick Manual

Start with the two-page quick reference below. Then follow the white cat tutorial for a complete example, from creating the parts to printing and assembling the paper craft.

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SHIRYU Quick Reference

These two pages show the main controls for creating and editing parts, connecting them, previewing the unfolded sheets, and printing.

SHIRYU quick reference page 1 showing the edit screen controls
Page 1 — Create and shape each solid.
SHIRYU quick reference page 2 showing the model screen and output controls
Page 2 — Pose, connect, preview, and print.
Next: build the white cat

After checking the controls, continue to the step-by-step tutorial below.

1. Show the grid and draw the head outline

First, show the grid in the work area and click points to create an outline. In this example, we start with the white cat head.

The SHIRYU work area with the grid displayed
1

Show the grid in the work area

Display the grid used for drawing the shape. Place points on it to create the outline that will become a 3D part.

Confirmation screen after drawing the cat head outline
2

Close the outline and make it 3D

Click points to form the cat head. When you return to the starting point and close the outline, SHIRYU asks whether to create the 3D part.

Screen for naming the created 3D part
3

Name the 3D part

After creating the part, a name input screen appears. Give it an easy-to-recognize name such as Head or Body.

A rough shape is fine at first

Do not worry if the points are not perfect. You can adjust the shape later, so first focus on creating the 3D part.

2. Prepare two 3D parts: head and body

The head alone is not a complete model, so make the body next. Create the head and body separately, then connect them later.

  • Head: Show the 3D part you just created.
  • Body: Draw another outline on the grid and turn it into a 3D part.
  • Ready: When both parts are displayed, you are ready to connect them.
The cat head part displayed on screen
The head part you created first is displayed.
Confirmation screen after drawing the body outline
Draw the body outline in the same way and create it as a 3D part.
The head and body parts displayed separately
Now the head and body parts are ready.
Head and body outlines shown in the work area
The separately created parts will be combined later.

3. Display the parts and check their position and shape

You can check the direction and position of the parts on screen. If needed, adjust the shape while looking at outlines and vertices.

Head and body parts displayed together
1

Check the head and body positions

Look at the head and body together and decide where and how they should connect.

Adjusting the shape by selecting part of the outline
2

Adjust areas that need fixing

Adjust any area that looks off while checking the outline and vertices. SHIRYU makes it easy to refine a rough shape later.

Adjustment buttons displayed on screen
3

Continue adjusting with the buttons

Use the buttons on the left to keep checking and adjusting the model. Once the shape is ready, connect the parts.

Tip

You do not need a perfect shape from the start. You can display and adjust it as you work.

4. Connect the parts to make the model

Move the head and body close together and use the connect operation. When a confirmation screen appears, check it and continue.

Moving the 3D parts closer together
Move the head and body closer together.
Confirmation screen for connecting the parts
When the connect confirmation appears, choose Yes to continue.
The head and body immediately after connection
The head and body connect, and the model starts to look like a cat.
Checking the connected model position
Check how the parts are connected and confirm their position.
A face on the body side selected
When a face is selected, the selection is shown with a yellow outline.
Viewing the connected head and body from another angle
View the model from another angle to check the connection.
Adjusting the connection
Select the connected area to further adjust the direction or position.
Checking and adjusting from the opposite side
Check from the opposite side to make sure the parts are aligned.

5. Check colors and outline visibility

After the shape is ready, check the colors and outlines. The colors and patterns at the bottom of the screen can change the look of the model.

Color and pattern palette displayed at the bottom of the screen
1

Choose colors and patterns

Choose a color or pattern at the bottom of the screen and apply it to the model. For a white cat, white or pale colors work well.

Cat model with visible outline lines
2

Check the line visibility

Check whether the shape is easy to read with the outline lines visible. Think about how it will look as a paper model.

White model with outline lines displayed
3

Make it look like a white cat

Check the combination of white surfaces and outline lines. Once the shape is clear, move on to drawing the face and details.

6. Add color, draw the face, print, and assemble

Once the model shape is ready, choose colors and patterns and draw the face. When the on-screen model is complete, print the unfolded pattern, cut along the lines, and glue the tabs to make the real paper model.

Choosing colors and patterns
Click a color or pattern at the bottom of the screen to apply it.
Drawing the face
Use the drawing feature to add the face and details.
Completed white cat model on screen
The white cat model is complete on screen. Check the shape and face here.
Unfolded pattern ready for printing
Display the unfolded pattern and print it. After printing, cut along the lines.
Printed white cat pattern being cut and assembled
Fold the cut parts and glue the tabs. The on-screen model gradually becomes a real object.
Assembling the cut parts
Fold and glue the cut parts to form the head and body.
Assembled white cat paper model
After assembly, the shape you created on screen stands up as a paper model.

Basic Flow

Think → show the grid → click the outline → make a 3D part → adjust it → connect parts → refine the model → add colors → draw the face → print the unfolded pattern → cut → fold → glue → complete.

SHIRYU lets you enjoy the whole process: create a model on screen, then finish it as a real paper craft.