There’s a reason the paper plane is everyone’s first origami — it’s quick, it’s fun, and within a minute you’ve got something that actually flies. This version is a clean, photo-led build of eleven simple folds that ends in a crisp, classic plane.

Grab any rectangular sheet you have handy (printer paper works great), find a flat surface, and follow along step by step. Once it’s done, take it somewhere open and see how far it’ll go — then fold another and tweak the folds to beat your own distance.

STEP 1.

Fold the paper in half and make a crease.

STEP 2.

Make a crease at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 3.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 4.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 5.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 6.

Turn it over.

STEP 7.

Fold it in half.

STEP 8.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 9.

Fold the back side in the same way.

STEP 10.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 11.

Fold the back side in the same way.

All done!

Paper plane 5 is finished!