Installing a screen protector always feels like a battle you’re destined to lose. The second you line it up, a rogue dust speck drifts in. Press it down, and suddenly bubbles appear out of nowhere, and the edges are misaligned.
That’s exactly why we built Paperlike™ 3 with the Butterfly™ Application System. Instead of stress and guesswork, you get the tools and guidance for a smooth, flawless install. Everything you need is included, right down to our Interactive On-Screen Guide that lives on your iPad.
So, how does it work?
What makes the Butterfly Application System better
Instead of juggling stickers, guessing at alignment, and hoping for the best, the Butterfly Application System provides a clear, guided process designed to set you up for success. The result? A clean install with fewer chances for dust and bubbles to ruin the show.
See the Butterfly Application System in Action
Here’s what makes it different:
- The Butterfly Application System: Say goodbye to bulky alignment frames or fiddly stickers. The Butterfly System (patent-pending) is a four-layer sheet designed for a clean, bubble-free install. Each layer is numbered, so you always know exactly which one to peel next. And because they lift from underneath, your iPad stays sealed until the very last step, keeping dust out and the installation stress-free.
- Clean Room Effect: Think of it like a shield for your iPad. The dust-catching layer keeps your screen covered until the very last moment, and takes the dust with it when it’s removed. Translation: fewer annoying specks turning into permanent bubbles.
- Flawless Alignment: The Helper Tool does the hard part for you. It features built-in grooves that match the edges of your iPad, so you just place it over the Paperlike and it holds everything in the right spot. Once you slide away the first layer, the Paperlike locks into position and stays put, so there’s no wiggling, no crooked corners, no “did I get this straight?” panic.
- Multi-Purpose Helper Tool: Finally, a tool that doesn’t go straight to the junk drawer. The Helper Tool guides you through the entire install, and it’s useful long after. The grooves lock everything into place, while the built-in hook makes it simple and precise to slide out each layer. Once the Paperlike is on, you can use it to press out any lingering bubbles and keep your screen clean down the road.
- Interactive On-Screen Guide: The interactive guide lives right on your iPad and walks you through each step with clear visuals, short videos, and sound cues so you always know what to do next. Stuck on something? Tap the built-in “help” button for quick fixes to the most common issues. And if you need extra backup, direct access to our support team is just a tap away.
In short: Fewer bubbles, way less dust, and no crooked corners. Tests show the Butterfly Application System cuts dust interference by 98.6%, which means a smoother install (and less swearing at your iPad).
What you’ll need before you start
With most screen protectors, prep is half the battle. You’re told to find a spotless workspace, track down a microfiber cloth, and cross your fingers that no dust floats by at the wrong time.
Paperlike 3 is different. The Butterfly Application System was designed to handle the tricky parts for you, so setup is simple, no matter where you are.
Of course, you’ll need your iPad, but other than that, everything you need comes right in the kit.
Here’s what’s inside:
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Two (2) Paperlike 3 Screen Protectors. Each one arrives with the Butterfly Application System already attached. The four-layer sheet is pre-assembled and numbered in order, so you can follow along without confusion. And since you get two, you’ve always got a backup if you need a second try.
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The Helper Tool. Your all-in-one installer. It locks the Paperlike into place, helps you slide out each layer with its built-in hook, and doubles as a bubble remover and screen cleaner.
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Cleaning wipes. To give your iPad a fresh start before you begin. A clean screen is the best way to make sure the Butterfly Application System can do its job.
And that’s it. There are no extra tools, no makeshift tricks, and no “hope for the best” moments necessary.
How to use the Interactive On-Screen Guide
Here’s where the magic really happens. The Interactive On-Screen Guide, which lives right on your iPad, walks you through the installation step by step. You can also open it on a second device if that’s easier.
Each stage comes with its own bite-sized video with clear visuals and instructions. That way, you can move at your own pace, rather than frantically pausing or endlessly rewinding. And when it’s time to chase down bubbles, the guide even switches to a black screen video so you can spot every last one and smooth them out with ease.
If something doesn’t go as planned, every stage has a handy “help” button with fixes for the most common issues. And at the very end, you’ll find a troubleshooting section to guide you through anything else that pops up.
Take your time, breathe, and relax. The whole process was designed to feel calm and stress-free.
👉 Open the Interactive On-Screen Guide here.
FAQ
What if I see bubbles after installation?
First, check out the troubleshooting section at the end of the Interactive On-Screen Guide. Use the Helper Tool to gently push them out toward the edges of the screen. Try to catch smaller bubbles with big ones, as that works the best.
Do I need a dust-free workspace?
Nope! The Butterfly Application System is designed to handle a normal, everyday environment, so there’s no need to turn your space into a sterile lab. As long as your desk is reasonably clean, you’ll be fine.
One tip: Avoid oily particles (like crumbs or grease from the kitchen table), since the dust catcher can’t grab those as easily. A quick wipe of your surface before you start is all it takes. And don’t forget to give your iPad a once-over with the included wet wipe. (For ongoing care, check out our Paperlike™ Cleaning Kit.)
Will the Paperlike 3 affect my Apple Pencil?
The Paperlike was made for extended writing and drawing, so yes, your Apple Pencil tip will wear down faster than it would on bare glass. (That’s true for any matte screen protector.)
The difference is that we’ve fine-tuned our Nanodots™ surface to strike the right balance: enough friction to feel like real paper, but gentle enough to keep tip wear to a minimum. Cheap knock-offs with rough textures will chew through tips in no time. Paperlike 3 gives you the control you want without cutting your tip’s life short. And when you do eventually need a fresh one, our Apple Pencil Tips are ready to step in.
What’s different about Paperlike 3 compared to earlier versions?
Paperlike 3 builds on what you already love. The Nanodots™ surface has been fine-tuned through years of feedback to deliver just the right amount of resistance for precise writing and drawing, all while being gentler on your Apple Pencil tip. And now, it comes with the Butterfly Application System for a cleaner, easier install. Want the full breakdown? Read all about the Paperlike 3 here.
Mission accomplished
Installing a screen protector will probably never be your favorite pastime, but it also doesn’t have to be a test of patience.
With the Butterfly Application System, you get clear guidance, built-in tools, and even a second Paperlike in the box (because hey, we all deserve a do-over).
