What is the best program for creating 3d paper models?

[ssmeier]

For free, open source software to create paper models, remember BIG - Blender Inkscape and Gimp.

Blender for the 3D model and unfold script.
Gimp for raster coloring.
Inkscape for vector editing, usually in the .SVG format.

Do not forget Inkscape can open PDFs - both the vector and raster varieties.

Here is a thread that contains an eBook link that uses the above software:
New Free E-Book About Paper Model Design With Blender 3D

-Steve

[airdave]

yeah, lets just clarify...there is NO software for creating paper models.

Closest thing would be Pepakura Designer, which handles certain elements
of paper model designing, but still requires you to input specific data and create elements.
Its a great program for those "designers" who just steal 3D models
from games and CAD libraries, and output them straight to paper.

The previous posts have described a number of programs that serious paper "modelers" and "designers" use.
In most cases, its programs that we already have some familiarity with,
and therefore can adapt to accomplish various tasks within paper model design work.

Problem is, there are so many tasks involved, and we use many different programs
to accomplish everything required to create a printable paper model.

If you have no understanding of how paper models are constructed, then you
will have great difficulty finding that one program that will create models for you.

The best "program" is your mind and your creative ability.
If I was teaching paper model design, I would start with pencil, paper and pair of scissors.

The next thing you'll need is a Graphics program and/or a 3D CAD program.
These can take years to learn and never master.

Sketchup is a free software that has features of high end CAD softwares.
GIMP is a free vector based drawing/graphics program.

[Zakopious]

I think that we scared Inkblot351 away.
He made one post on 12/07/14 and was never heard from again.

[codex34]

Maybe inkblot forgot his/her password?

There is one program that does 'create' paper models, siryu.

3D software is funny, try the wrong one and it'll put you off trying anything else.
It wasn't that long ago that blender didn't have an undo tool, and when it finally got one you needed a super computer to run it.

Best 3D software ever:- polywog
(it's better than blender!)