Papel picado template
Mexican cut-paper flags to cut out and string up.
Examples temporarily replace the input and settings. You can restore your previous work.
Pro keeps the settings you use every week and puts them one click away. See Pro
Preview
Free PDFs end with a small “Made with nouplo.com” line Remove limits with Pro
Save to PinterestYour files stay on your device
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, nothing is stored, and you can even turn off your internet connection before you start.
Example
Worked example — Papel picado template
Use the following inputs and settings. Keep other settings at the page defaults.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Designs | Hearts |
| Pages | 1 |
| Flags per page | 2 |
| Design set (change it for other flags) | 1 |
| Output files | 1 |
| PDF pages | 1 |
| 279 × 216 mm |
Expected result — PDF · PDF pages: 1. The image shows the first PDF page.
How it works
- Choose the designs and bright colours, or lines only to print on coloured paper.
- Print, then cut out the shaded shapes with a craft knife on a cutting mat (a grown-up for the knife).
- Fold the top strip over a string, glue it and hang the flags in a row.
Frequently asked questions
- What is papel picado?
- Mexican “punched paper”: colourful tissue-paper flags with cut-out patterns, strung up for the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), weddings, birthdays and fiestas.
- Can I use tissue paper?
- Yes — print the lines-only version on printer paper, lay it over a few sheets of tissue paper, staple the corners and cut through all layers at once.
- How do I cut the small shapes?
- With a sharp craft knife on a cutting mat, cutting the small inner shapes first and the border last; the bridges between the shapes hold everything together.
- What do the designs mean?
- Marigold flowers and sugar skulls are classic for the Day of the Dead, doves and hearts for weddings, stars and flowers for any fiesta.
- Is anything uploaded?
- No. The templates are drawn in your browser.
Related tools
⚐ Printable letter banner Type the words, print the pennants, string them up. ◒ Pumpkin carving stencils Tape it on, trace it, carve the black parts. ❄ Paper snowflake templates Fold, cut, unfold — a new snowflake every time. ✐ Halloween coloring pages Pumpkins, ghosts and bats to colour — friendly, not frightening.