counterfold

A counterfold is a term used in origami and papercraft to describe a specific type of fold that serves to undo or negate a previous fold. It is often employed to refine a shape, create a sharp crease where one was not intended, or to prepare the paper for subsequent, more complex folds. Unlike a simple unfolding, a counterfold involves pressing down and creasing along the line of an existing fold in the opposite direction. This action effectively reinforces the crease in its new direction and can flatten out or remove the previous fold.

The technique is particularly useful in creating crisp, defined edges and can be seen in various origami models, from simple animals to intricate modular units. It is a fundamental tool for achieving precision in paper folding. Understanding how to execute a counterfold correctly is essential for progressing to more advanced origami designs. While the term is most common in origami, similar actions of reversing and creasing existing folds are also utilized in other paper manipulation arts. The purpose is always to alter the paper's structure in a controlled manner.