Making Google Cardboard

Google, in their own do-it-yourself way, created the ultimate version of Virtual Reality (VR) when they made Google Cardboard three years ago. With just a piece of cardboard, some lenses, some magnets, some Velcro and a free app, they put together a VR viewer that works good enough for those of us who don't have a powerful gaming computer and $600+ to spend. And now with some inexpensive 360 degree cameras, everyone can get into the VR experience with video and pictures.


Below are the parts list and instructions for creating your own version of Google Cardboard:

• 1/16" cardboard preferably 24" x 12" but any size will do as long as the template will fit. Typically cardboard such as a pizza box or the cardboard in the backing of a poster works best.
• 2x plastic lenses such as these: Lenses@Amazon
• 2x 11/16" Round Magnets such as these: Magnets@Amazon which you can also find at any hardware store.
• 2x Velcro stickers such as these: Velcro@Amazon which can also be found at hardware stores or craft stores.
• Google Cardboard Template - This template was originally meant for the One Plus phone but works for most phones on the market. Smaller phones may have problems staying in the middle, but you can modify your cardboard design by adding extra cardboard supports.
• Exacto Knife for cutting the cardboard
• Clear Packing Tape
• Wood glue for holding the viewer together

Making Google Cardboard

Once you have all of your materials here are the steps for creating your personal VR viewer:

Step 1: Safety

You'll need to use an Exacto Knife for cutting the cardboard so here is a safety video:

Step 2: Taping the Template to the Cardboard

The instructions on the template tell you to glue the template down, but I found this messy and unnecessary. Using some clear packing tape, it's very easy to tape down the template and after cutting little or no tape is left on your Google Cardboard.

Step 3: Cutting the Viewer from the Cardboard

This is by far the longest part of the process and typically takes approximately 2 hours. Two tips that I have found are very helpful: 1) cut the inside pieces out first, especially the circles before you cut around the edges for the different pieces and 2) use a ruler for the straight lines.

Step 4: Final Assembly

After the parts are cut out, then all that's left is putting the pieces together and gluing the whole thing so it stays together.

Once you have your Google Cardboard assembled, just download the free Google Cardboard app either on Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store and you're all set for your VR experience.