What File Formats Does Origami Simulator Accept for Crease Patterns?

Updated

Origami Simulator accepts crease patterns in SVG and FOLD formats for upload, and it can export results as FOLD, STL, or OBJ. SVG is the practical choice for hand-drawn or vector-edited patterns, while FOLD is better for patterns already described as structured geometry data. Curved crease patterns are also supported: the app pre-processes them with a ruling-aware triangulation method so the bending between creases is simulated realistically.

Upload formats

Format Use it for Notes
SVG Patterns drawn in vector software or exported from a drawing tool The app parses SVG paths; follow the site's linked instructions before uploading
FOLD Patterns already stored as structured crease-pattern data A standard format for origami geometry, so it avoids path-parsing issues

The site points to a set of instructions for preparing files before upload, so check those before assuming a file will load as-is. A pattern that looks correct on screen can still fail if its paths or crease assignments aren't in the expected form.

Export formats

After simulating, use File > Save Simulation as... to export:

  • FOLD — keeps the crease-pattern and simulation data in a structured format, useful for further processing or archiving.
  • STL — a mesh format suited to 3D printing or mesh-based tools.
  • OBJ — a general 3D model format for use in other modeling or rendering software.

Practical preparation notes

  • Start from an example. The Examples menu contains working patterns; comparing your file's structure against one of them is the fastest way to spot a formatting problem.
  • Curved creases need clean geometry. Because curved patterns are triangulated before simulation, messy or overlapping curves are more likely to produce distorted bending.
  • Check the fold direction. The Fold Percent slider runs from 0% (unfolded) to 100% (fully folded), and -100% folds fully with mountain and valley assignments reversed — a quick way to test whether your crease directions are assigned as intended.
  • Inspect strain if the result looks wrong. The Strain Visualization under Advanced Options shows where the simulated sheet is under stress, which often reveals a misassigned crease.

If you have a pattern that would make a good demo, the site invites submissions to the Examples menu by email.