How to make a paper airplane
The classic paper plane. Fast and straight. Here's the classic dart paper airplane, step by step: a diagram for every fold below, and every step playing in 3D in Crease, so you can watch the paper move and turn it round.
You need: A4 or Letter paper. Coloured on one side is best, but any paper works.
Free in your browser. Watch each fold, slow it down, turn it round.
Step by step
The dashed line is a valley fold (fold towards you); dash-dot is a mountain fold (fold behind). The arrow shows where the paper goes.
Fold the paper in half the long way and open it again, to make a centre line.
Fold the two top corners down to the centre line.
Fold the new slanted edges in to the centre line too, so it comes to a sharp point.
Fold the plane in half along the centre line, folding the right half behind.
Fold the front wing down so its top edge meets the bottom edge. Turn it over and fold the other wing to match.
Open the wings out flat, hold it underneath and throw it gently, nose a little up. Whoosh!
Done! Well folded.
Tips
- Line up the corners or edges first, then press the crease flat from the middle outwards.
- Run a fingernail along every crease: sharp creases make the later steps easier.
- Stuck on a step? Open Dart plane in Crease and watch it fold in 3D, as slowly as you like.
More easy origami
Origami for beginners: the folds, the bases and where to start →