This page aims to demystify the symbols on origami diagrams by providing a clear and concise reference. Explore the meanings of valley folds, mountain folds, zig-zag folds and much more. Let this guide become your companion in decoding these signs, opening the door to a more fluid and rewarding origami experience.
This page is updated regularly, with each new tutorial enriching its resources to offer you an increasingly comprehensive reference on origami and the symbols present on the diagrams.
Simple folds
The valley fold
The valley fold is a simple fold, represented by dotted lines indicating to fold the paper forward to form a hollow.
The mountain fold
Unlike the valley fold, this creates a “ridge” effect. Represented by dots and dashes, it indicates to fold the paper away from oneself to form an elevation on the surface.
Fold and unfold
This fold is symbolized by a looping arrow, meaning to fold in one direction and then return to the initial position.
Turn sheet over
This arrow means to turn the entire sheet of paper over to work on the other side.
Rotation
Just the act of rotating the sheet.
The zig-zag fold
The zigzag fold is represented by a “Z” or zigzag-shaped arrow in diagrams. It creates an accordion-like fold, alternating forward and reverse folds, creating a zigzag pattern on the paper surface.
The fold on the dots
This fold is represented by two dots. It indicates to fold in such a way as to align these two points precisely, thus joining two parts of the paper.
Pull / Open
Represented by a large hollow arrow.
Repeat action
Represented by an arrow with dashes on the stem representing the number of times to repeat the action, so once if we take the example.
Intermediate-level folds
The flattened fold
This fold involves lifting a point vertically and then flattening it against the rest of the model. It’s often used to form the base of the frog from the preliminary base (or the base of the water bomb).
The crimp V.1
First fold inwards.
The crimp V.2
First fold outwards.
The inner reverse fold
The outside reverse fold
Blow / Inflate
Use your mouth to blow into a corner of the model to give it volume.
Complex folds
The open fold
