Paper airplanes have captivated the hearts and minds of both young and old, offering a simple yet delightful way to explore the fascinating world of flight. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the basics of crafting paper airplanes and introduce you to 29 distinctive designs to spark your creativity.
By: Guy Arbel
In this article, we will show exactly how to fold 29 of the best paper airplane designs out there.
Understanding the Principles Behind Paper Aircraft Flight
Delving into the science that underpins the flight of paper airplanes can elevate your enjoyment of crafting and piloting these paper marvels. Numerous factors contribute to the performance of a paper airplane:
Aerodynamics: The shape and dimensions of the wings, alongside the overall design, wield substantial influence. This interplay dictates the lift generated by the wings, as well as the combined effects of drag and gravity, ultimately dictating the flight trajectory.
Balance: Attaining an equilibrium in the center of gravity is pivotal for flight stability. Any deviation, be it a nose-heavy or tail-heavy configuration, can hinder a straight and steady flight path.
Airflow Dynamics: The manner in which air flows both over and beneath the wings exerts a profound impact on lift generation. Wings with smoother, streamlined profiles typically yield superior flight performance.
Launch Technique: The force applied and the angle at which you release the paper airplane into the air significantly shape its flight trajectory. Experimenting with various launch techniques can refine and optimize flight performance.
Turning to the present year of 2023, the distinction for the greatest distance traveled by a paper airplane rests in the capable hands of John Collins, a distinguished aerospace engineer. This extraordinary feat was accomplished back in February 2012 when Collins’s paper creation, affectionately named “Suzanne,” embarked on an astonishing journey, covering an impressive distance of 69.14 meters (equivalent to 226 feet and 10 inches). Collins’s remarkable achievement not only epitomizes the sheer delight found in crafting and guiding paper airplanes through the air but also underscores the immense distances these meticulously designed marvels can traverse when launched with precision.
Crafting a paper airplane is a straightforward and enjoyable undertaking, devoid of the necessity for video tutorials. Armed with the requisite folding techniques and meticulous attention to detail, you can give life to your aerial masterpiece. An appreciation for the underlying science of paper airplane flight will undoubtedly deepen your enjoyment of this enduring pastime. So, seize a sheet of paper, initiate the art of folding, and release your imagination as your paper creation embarks on its airborne journey. Who knows? You may very well find yourself in the annals of history, having shattered the world record someday!
So, let’s start, shall we?
Challenge your folding skills with an intricate origami-inspired design that’s both art and aircraft.
Air rider is a decorative type of paper airplane. Although it is easy to fold, it requires attention to get the design right.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the corner to the side
cut the spare paper
fold the top corner down leaving about an inch or 2.5cm from the bottom
fold one of the conners up half of the height of your previous fold
fold the paper in half
fold the wing in an angle as shown
fold the left edge down on itself
fold the other wing in an angle as shown
very nice decorative bird like plane
enjoy flying this plane 🙂
The foundation of all paper airplanes, this design is perfect for beginners. It’s easy to fold and flies straight.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
fold the triangle again to the center
fold the other triangle again to the center
fold the wing (triangle) in the other diraction intil it alines with the bottom
fold the other wing (triangle) in the other diraction intil it alines with the bottom
very fast airplane for long distances
If you seek smooth, long-distance flights, this design will glide gracefully through the air.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
now fold the paper in half
fold the egde again aligning it with the middle fold line
fold the other egde again aligning it with the middle fold line
fold the wing about 1 cm or 1/2″
fold the other wing about 1 cm or 1/2″
fold the adge of the wing up
fold the adge of other the wing up
fast and long distands airplane
Air jumper paper airplane might be a bit tricky as it is not very easy nor does it require expert skills. You can redo some steps until you’re able create the design.
There you have it, get it to fly straight is a bit difficult use glue to keep it closed for better steer!
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the botton corner to the opposite upper conrner
fold the fold about 1 cm or 1/2″ upwards
now fold the paper in half
fold the wing with a slight angle
fold the other wing with a slight angle
fold the wing parallel to the middle fold
fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold
there you have it, get it to fly straight is a bit difficult use glue to keep it closed for better steer!
Bongo-Longo is an easy to create paper airplane. The step-by-step instructions below are easily understandable. Also, you can fly this paper airplane for a distance.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the half in half again
open the paper
fold the top to the middle
fold the top corners top the lines that were created by the fold
open the paper
fold the triengles that were created inwards and fold the paper down
fold the sides to the middle
fold the paper in half
fold the wing from the centerfold
fold the other wing from the centerfold
slowly gliding in circles
For the newbies, cripper paper airplane might need some skills to get it right. Therefore, you may need to recreate the design for a few times to grasp the instructions and build Cripper.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
start with a squar page
fold the paper to a triangle
fold the bottom of the trianlgle up about 1″ or 2.5cm
fold the paper in half
fold the wing like the picture
fold the other side the same
now fold the wing parallel to the middle fold
now fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold
difficult plane to fold and to fly not for noobs!
This is a hard to create paper airplane. However, it can fly through the air for a distance.
which can make up for the time we delayed in its construction.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
place a paper
fold the left corner to the right edge
fold the right corner to the left edge
open the paper
fold the triangles in as shown
fold the loose right side up towards the top edge
do the same for the right side
move the fold to the left and fold the right side to the middle fold
same for the other side
fold the airplane in half
fold the wing a little bit tilted from the center fold
fold the other wing bit tilted from the center fold
now fold the triangle that was left a little bit tilted from the center fold as shown
do the same to the other side
depends on how you tilt the folds, it will fly differently
You need to make about seventeen folds to create Flybird paper airplane. It is hard to create this design and redoing some steps or the whole process can help you improve your skills.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half and open it
fold top right corner to the left side the bottom that was created is used to mark as the line to fold to in the next step, open the paper
fold the paper to the mark in the previous step
open the paper and fold it to the fold line that was created
fold it again
fold the right side as shown
do the same to the left side
now fold the edges again to the center fold
fold the tip to the place where the folds from the previos step meet
fold the paper in half
fold a wing with a slight angle as shown
do the same to the other wing
make another fold to the wing
do the same to the other side
make another fold to the wing
do the same to the other side
try playing with the folds of the wings for better results
This decorative type paper airplane can be hard to create. While it takes about nineteen folds to create it, it can fly in the air for a distance.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the top of the paper randomly toward the middle of he paper
open the paper and fold it to the fold line that was created
fold it again
fold the paper in half
fold the left corner paraller to the center fold as shown
flip the paper and do the same to the other side
open the fold and fold the right sidde to the fold line that was created
do the same to the other side
fold it againg to the center fold
fold the top to the bottom
fold it again up close and parallel to the middle horizontal fold
fold the right “leftover” down on top of the fold as shown
fold the left “leftover” down on top of the fold as shown
fold the paper in half
fold a wing parallel to the center fold
fold the other wing parallel to the center fold
fold the edge of he wing parallel to the wing
fold the other edge of he wing parallel to the wing
try to make it symmetrical as possible for better performance
Little One is a hard to make paper airplane. Thus, it may require some practice to get it right. Nonetheless, you can fly it for long distance in the air.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
fold the triangle to the bottom
fold the triangle again upwards about 1 cm or 1/2″ from the top
fold the triangle again downwards to the bottom of the previos fold
now fold the paper in half
fold the wing paralel to the middle fold
fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold
good for long distances
one more step and you there
enjoy flying this plane 🙂
Although it only takes about nine folds to create NARO, it is a hard to make paper airplane. It can fly high in the air for a distance.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half and open it up (to find the middle)
fold the paper to the middle
fold it again to the bottom of the fold
fold it again to the bottom of the fold
fold the paper in half away from you
fold a wing
fold the other wing
open the folded wings (to the end of step 5) and cut that shape as shown
fold the wings again and there you have it
It is an acrobatic paper airplane that requires about thirteen folds to create it. You may need some extra minutes to create a perfect design since it is a medium difficulty level paper airplane.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the paper 90 degrees in half
open the paper
fold the top corners to the middle fold
fold the paper in half again
now again fold the top corner to the bottom
do the same for the other corner
fold the paper in half
fold the wing parallel to the center fold
fold the other wing parallel to the center fold
fold the edge of the wing
fold the other edge of the wing
maneuver airplane
NOBACA is a hard to create paper airplane. Therefore, you may need to exercise patience and maybe recreate the designs for a few times to get it right.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the corner to the bottom
cut the spare paper (save it)
open the paper
fold the paper to the other direction
fold the triangles that were created inwards
fold the botton corner to the top corner
repeat for the other corner
fold the part you cut from earlier in half
fold the top corner of the part to the middle fold
fold the other top corner of the part to the middle fold
put the part inside the folded paper until the edge
fold the edge to the middle fold as shown
repeat for the other edge
fold the top down of the lines that were created
fold the paper in half
find the right grip for you try to leave it as open as you can when throwing it!
enjoy flying this plane 🙂
It is a medium difficulty level paper airplane. Besides, it can fly for a distance through the air. Thus, enjoy flying it on an open space.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
cut the edge in an arch shape
open the paper and fold the top corners to the middle fold line
fold the triangles that were created down
fold the top corners in 45 degrees to meat the lines of the folded triangle
fold the top part about 1.5 cm or 1/2″
fold the paper in half
fold the wings parallel to the center fold
it flies in a circular motion
Open Last is an acrobatic type of paper airplane that needs expert skills to create it. Hence, more guidance, practice, and patience are needed to perfect this design.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the upper corner to the bottom of the middle fold
fold the other upper corner to the bottom of the middle fold
open the page the fold the triangles that created together to the bottom center of the fold and create a “tail”
fold the tail that was created to a shape of a diamond
fold the wing upwards
fold the other wing upwards
fold the wing again to the back
fold the other wing again to the back
fold the top to the bottom
now fold the paper in half
fold the wing paralel to the middle fold
fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold
fold the adge of the wing up
fold the adge of other the wing up
very fast airplane, the folds are a bit tricky try folding step 10 not all the way down and see if you get better results
This acrobatic type of paper airplane requires medium difficulty level. Therefore, with eleven folds, you can recreate for a few times to achieve the design.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
now fold the paper in half
fold the wing about 1 cm or 1/2″
fold the other wing about 1 cm or 1/2″
fold the edge of the wing up
fold the edge of other the wing up
try playing with the place you fold the wings and the edge of the wings for better results
Although Shadow Drop paper airplane requires medium difficulty level, you can follow the instructions and nail it even for the first time. Besides, it is a great design to try.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
place a paper
fold the paper in half
fold it again
open the paper and fold the top top the centerfold as shown
fold it again
fold the edges to the fold line
fold the edges again down to the fold line
fold the top to the fold line as shown
fold the paper in half
fold the wing
fold the other wing
fold the front of the wings a little down for better glide
Although Skyhunter belongs to medium difficulty level category, you can get its folds by observation. Also, Skyhunter can fly for a distance through the air.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
open the page
fold about quarter of the page
fold that quarter in half
fold that half in another half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
now fold the paper in half
fold the wing in a slight angle towards the front
fold the other wing in a slight angle towards the front
long distance flight
enjoy flying this plane 🙂
This is an expert difficulty level paper airplane that requires skills to fold it right. Thus, it may take time to get the folds and create the perfect paper airplane.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper about the upper third down as shown
fold the paper in half to the side
fold the top left corner down to the right side
flip the paper and do the same to the other side
open the paper and fold the corners inside as shown
fold the middle right corner inside the fold to the left edge
do the same for the left middle corner
flip the paper and fold it down to the bottom
using a ruler fold the edges as shown
fold the tip up as shown
fold the paper in half
fold the wings
fold the edges of the wings
glides nicely
The Crazy Plane is an acrobatic type of paper airplane. It takes about twelve folds to achieve the design. Some folds may require attention and recreating them for a few times to get them right.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
flip the paper and fold the top right to about quarter of the bottom as shown
do the same to the other corner
open the paper
fold the two triangles that were created up and fold the paper down
fold the sides to the center fold
fold everything up as shown
fold the corners in as shown
fold the paper in half
now fold the wings as shown
It is a decorative type of paper airplane. However, it is a hard design that may take time and skills to get it right.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the corner to the bottom
cut the spare paper
fold the top corner down leaving about an inch or 2.5cm from the bottom
fold one of the conners up half of the height of your previous fold
fold the paper in half
fold the wing to meat the edge in a straight line as shown
do the same to the other wing
now fold the wing again to the other direction parallel to the center fold line
do the same to the other wing
open the fold and fold the top edge down
fold the top edge up again as shown
super cool looking airplane unfortunately doesn’t fly well
one more step and you there
enjoy flying this plane 🙂
Creating the Rainmaker paper airplane can be hard. With twenty folds, you can create a paper airplane that can fly for distance through the air.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
place a paper
fold the paper in half
open the paper
fold the top right corner to the center fold
fold the top left corner to the centerfold
fold the upper left line of the tiengle to the right side as shown
open the paper
do the same to the right side
open the paper
flip the paper
fold the triangle that was created as shown
open the paper
fold an accordion fold as shown
fold the two corners inside as shown
fold the paper in half
fold the wing as shown
fold the other wing
fold the edge of the wing up
do the same for the other edge
try folding the wings larger for different gliding results
You can create this great design with ten folds. Although you may recreate it for a few times or redo some steps, it is an exciting paper airplane to try.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
fold the triangles where they meet down in a stright line
fold the triangle to the middle fold line
fold the other triangle to the middle fold line
fold the tip on to the second triangles
fold the plane in half and fold the wing in a stright line
fold the other wing in a stright line
try throughing it up side down!
The Wind Crusher is a hard acrobatic paper airplane. For this, it may take you some time to learn it for a perfect design.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
place a paper
fold the left corner to the right edge
fold the right corner to the left edge
open the paper
fold the tringles in as shown
fold the loose right side up torwards the top edge
same for the right side
fold that to the middle fold as shown
same for the other side
open the left sidwe and fold it in as shown
do the same for the right side
fold the tringles down as shown
move the left tringle and fold the left side to the center
do the same to the tight side
fold the tringles you moved on the sides
fold the top down as shown
fold the paper in half
fold the wing parallel to the center fold
fold the other wing parallel to the center fold
This is an expert difficulty level paper airplane that requires skills to nail it. Even so, you can dedicate a few minutes a day to learn its eighteen folds.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold top right corner to the left side and open the paper
fold top left corner to the right side and open the paper
fold an accordion fold inward like shown
fold the right side up to the top as shown
fold the left side up to the top as shown
the the right fold again parallel to the center fold
the the left fold again parallel to the center fold
fold the top of the triangle on top the previous folds as shown
insert the right fold into the “pocket” of the upper fold
insert the left fold into the “pocket” of the upper fold
flip the paper
fold the left side in an imaginary line that stretches from the top left corner to the bottom left corner as shown
do the same to the right side
fold the tip of the left fold that was created parallel to the left side
fold the tip of the right fold that was created parallel to the right side
now fold the paper in half
fold the middle of the tale inwards and done!
enjoy flying this plane 🙂
This is an easy to fold type of paper airplane. With only eight folds, you can create Vertical Drop with the first attempt.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the corner into the center of the page
fold the other corner into the center of the page
fold the triangles where they meet down in a stright line
fold the triangle to the middle fold line
fold the other triangle to the middle fold line
fold the plane in half
fold the wing in a stright line
This is an expert difficulty level acrobatic paper airplane. Therefore, it may require practice and a lot of learning to get the perfect design.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
place a paper
fold the paper down not until the end
fold the paper 90 degrees in half
fold the triangles that were created inwards
move the right side of the triangle and fold the right side parallel to the center fold as shown
do the same for the left side
flip the paper and fold it down as shown
fold the top up as shown
fold the paper in half
fold the wing parallel to the center fold
fold the other wing parallel to the center fold
tell up in what direction it flies for you!
White Cloud is an acrobatic paper airplane that takes five minutes to create. However, it may require attention to get it right if you’re a newbie.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
place a paper
fold the left corner to the right edge
fold the right corner to the left edge
open the paper fold it down in the middle of the X shape that was created
open the paper and fold the triangles in as shown
fold the loose right side down towards the middle fold
do the same for the right side
flip the paper and fold the top egde down to the bottom
flip the paper again and fold the top egde up as shown
fold the airplane in half
fold the parallel to the center fold
Although this is a medium difficulty level paper airplane, you can create it with just one attempt. Also, it can fly through the air for a distance.
Time : 5 min
Supply : Paper A4 if you have
Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)
fold the paper in half
fold the paper 90 degrees in half
open the second fold and fold the top corner to the middle fold as shown
fold the other top corners to the middle fold
flip the paper
now again fold the top corner to the middle fold
do the same for the other corner
fold the top of the paper down as shown
fold the paper in half
fold the wing parallel to the center fold
fold the other wing parallel to the center fold
you can fold the wing edges up or down for different performance!
People Who Read This Article Also Read
Copyright © 2022 by wowfold.com