Quick Reference
Origami Fold Cheat Sheet
Every origami model is built from these 8 fundamental folds and 4 basic bases. Print this page and keep it next to your paper.
8 Fundamental Folds
Fold the paper toward you. The crease forms a valley (V shape) when viewed from the side. Shown as a dashed line in diagrams.
Fold the paper away from you. The crease forms a mountain (inverted V) when viewed from the side. Shown as a dash-dot line in diagrams.
Open a flap along an existing crease, then flatten it symmetrically. Used to transform triangular flaps into diamond shapes.
Push a point between layers so it reverses direction and tucks inside the model. Used to create heads, feet, and tails.
Wrap a point around the outside of the model so it reverses direction. The opposite of an inside reverse fold.
Lift a single layer upward while folding the side edges inward to the center. Creates the elongated diamond shape used in cranes and birds.
Pinch a triangular flap so two edges meet along a center crease, creating a new triangular flap that stands upright. Named because the result resembles a rabbit's ear.
Two reverse folds in sequence that create a zigzag in the paper. Used to make legs bend, tails curve, or add articulation to a model.
4 Essential Bases
A base is a standardized starting shape. Learn these four and you can fold hundreds of models — most tutorials begin with "start from the bird base" or "start from the preliminary base."
Preliminary Base
Also called: Square base
How: Fold square in half both ways, then diagonally. Collapse into a flat square with open end down.
Used in: Starting point for bird base, frog base, and most intermediate models.
Waterbomb Base
Also called: Triangle base
How: Fold square diagonally both ways, then in half. Collapse into a flat triangle with open end at bottom.
Used in: Used for the waterbomb, frog, and inflatable designs.
Bird Base
Also called: Crane base
How: Start from preliminary base. Petal fold the front flap up, flip over, petal fold the back. Creates a long diamond with four flaps.
Used in: Foundation for the crane, phoenix, flapping bird, and most complex animals.
Frog Base
Also called: Lily base
How: Start from preliminary base. Squash fold all four flaps, then petal fold all four sides. Creates a form with four long points.
Used in: Foundation for the frog, lily, and lotus. Has four independent flaps for legs or petals.
Pro Tips for Clean Folds
- Always fold on a hard, flat surface — not in your lap.
- Run your fingernail along each crease for a sharp, clean fold.
- Align edges and corners before committing to a crease.
- If a fold goes wrong, unfold and redo. Paper is forgiving.
- When learning a new model, try it with cheap paper first before using nice sheets.
Ready to put these folds to use?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic origami folds?
The fundamental origami folds are: valley fold, mountain fold, squash fold, inside reverse fold, outside reverse fold, petal fold, rabbit ear fold, and crimp fold. Every origami model is built from combinations of these eight techniques.
What are origami bases?
Origami bases are standardized starting shapes that serve as foundations for many different models. The four essential bases are: the preliminary (square) base, the waterbomb (triangle) base, the bird (crane) base, and the frog (lily) base.
What is the difference between a valley fold and a mountain fold?
A valley fold means folding the paper toward you, creating a V-shaped crease. A mountain fold means folding away from you, creating an inverted V. They are mirror operations of each other.