Easy Origami Animals: Step-by-Step Instructions
Origami animals are some of the most fun models to fold, and they are often where folders first fall in love with origami.
On this page, you will find a hand-picked collection of origami animal tutorials, from very easy models to slightly more detailed ones. Each tutorial includes clear, step-by-step instructions, so you can follow along at your own pace, whether you are folding with kids or just getting started yourself.
All you need is a sheet of paper and a few quiet minutes. Pick an animal you like, take it one fold at a time, and enjoy watching it come to life in your hands.
Each tutorial includes clear diagrams, helpful photos, and easy-to-follow videos that guide you through every step. All you need is a square sheet of paper.
Although every model on this page is considered easy origami, we’ve organized them into six levels:
Super easy, perfect for kids and first-time adults.
Simple but with a few more steps.
Still beginner friendly, but requires a lot more steps.
Low-intermediate, ideal for beginners ready for a challenge.
If you want to explore even further, you can browse all tutorials using the advanced filter system in our Origami Index.
If this is your very first time folding, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Origami. It introduces the basic folds, symbols, and techniques you’ll see in our tutorials. Once you’re familiar with those, you’ll find every model on this page much easier to follow.
Our Most Popular Origami Animals
These are some of the origami animals people come back to again and again. They’re easy to fold, familiar, and a great place to start if you’re new to origami.
Latest Origami Animals
We regularly add new animal models to this page. If you enjoy folding animals, it’s worth coming back from time to time to see what’s new.
Browse Origami by Categories
Origami Mammals
Mammals are some of the most familiar origami animals to fold, from small pets to larger wild animals. The tutorials here are mostly beginner-friendly and designed to be folded at a relaxed pace.
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Easy Origami Birds
Birds are some of the most iconic origami models, and often among the first people learn to fold. Cranes, owls, and swans are all simple to make and satisfying to fold. If you’ve never folded a bird before, this is a good place to start.
Origami Fish and Sea Creatures
Fish and sea animals translate well into origami, often using simple folds and flowing shapes. The models here range from easy fish to dolphins and whales, and are well-suited for beginners.
Origami Arthropods
Arthropods like butterflies and spiders make interesting origami subjects, with delicate shapes and recognizable silhouettes. The models here are kept accessible, with clear folds and a steady pace.
Prefer learning by video?
Slow down and enjoy an origami break!
Learn origami with easy, clear, step-by-step tutorials designed to make paper folding fun and accessible.
Join us for weekly origami videos with the talented Sébastien Limet and Jimena Candia.
Other Origami Animals Ideas
This section brings together animals that don’t fit neatly into the other groups. Here you’ll find origami reptiles, amphibians, and a few unexpected creatures, each with its own character and folding rhythm.
