Pop-up news
The Pop-Up Chess Set (Kickstarter) (March 1, 2022 12:44 am)
Pop-Up Funk (Kickstarter Project) (January 26, 2020 8:05 pm)
Mind-Blowing Pop-Up Books (July 14, 2019 6:30 pm)
The upcoming World of Warcraft pop-up book (February 4, 2019 12:11 am)
2018 Meggendorfer Prize winners! (September 30, 2018 4:07 pm)

Books About Making Pop-Ups

Books are a great way to learn more about paper engineering and creating pop-ups. On this page you’ll find a selection of books about making pop-ups written by various Paper engineers and pop-up book Authors. These handbooks and manuals will teach you how to use all kinds of techniques to create your own pop-ups. Also take a look at these Pop-up Video Tutorials or Pop-up Templates to start creating pop-ups right away!

Elements of Pop-Up

elements pop-up design

Every aspect of the creation of a pop-up, known as paper engineering, is clearly and thoroughly covered in this book. It gives you not only all techniques but also real examples of pop-ups in the book itself. All types of parallel folds, angle folds, wheels, and pull tabs are accurately detailed verbally and visually, flat and in dimension. This book is perfect for aspiring pop-up creators, paper engineers, students, and appreciators of this unique art form.

Author: James Diaz and David A. Carter
Amazon: Elements of Pop-Up

Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics

Paper Mechanics pop-up designThis comprehensive guide is a delightful introduction to a fun and fascinating craft-and it’s perfect for designers, illustrators, and hobbyists. The author’s accessible and logical approach to pop-ups eliminates measuring and requires only card, scissors and glue to make highly complex folding sculptures. He demonstrates how to construct sophisticated pop-up designs, fashion a 3D reference book, design beautiful greeting cards, and more.

Author: Duncan Birmingham
Amazon: Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics

Playing with Pop-Ups

playing pop-ups paper designEnter the enchanting world of pop-ups and handmade paper crafts. This book guides you through materials, tools and pop-up basics including parallel folds, angle folds, combinations and variations, and layered pop-ups. Enjoy creating 20 projects to play with ranging from cards and books to buildings, graphic design pieces, and more, plus access to downloadable templates.

Author: Helen Hiebert
Amazon: Playing with Pop-ups

The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions

step by step pop-up bookThe magical qualities of three-dimensional and moving books have universal appeal. The Pop-Up Book offers a clear and practical guide to the pop-up papercrafts for all levels of artist, from home hobbyists to professional graphic designers and architects. It includes specific projects with easy-to-follow steps, general techniques for personal experimentation and creativity, and a gallery of designs created by some of today’s best pop-up artists for an inspirational finish.

Author: Paul Jackson
Amazon: The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions

Pop-Up: Everything You Need

everything you need to create your own pop-upDo you delight in seeing an ingenious pop-up “pop” but feel utterly daunted at the thought of making one yourself? Get your hands on this all-in-one guide and kit, combining the simplest of instructions and the coolest of components for creating a pop-up dragon, castle, jungle scenario, and Frankenstein scene. And for those inspired to learn more, there’s also a guide to basic folds and techniques.

Author: Ruth Wickings
Amazon: Pop-Up: Everything You Need

Cut and Fold Techniques for Pop-Up Designs

cut fold Techniques pop-up designLearn the best techniques for making pop-up spreads or cards, this book takes paper to a 3D level. A great start for those who want to know how to make pop a up-book and pop-ups. Each chapter introduces a new technical idea and show how that technique can be adapted in many different ways, or combined with techniques from earlier chapters.

Author: Paul Jackson
Amazon: Cut and Fold Techniques for Pop-Up Designs

Paper Engineering for Pop-Up Books and Cards

Paper Engineering for Pop-Up Books and CardsThis book illustrates in dynamic form ten basic mechanisms which are used in making pop-up books. It offers many imaginative possibilities. Each of the ten basic mechanisms is illustrated by a working model which you can cut out and make.


If you would like to know more about how to make pop-ups or create a complete pop-up book, you can click the links below. The list above is a selection of the best DIY books we could find. We always try to keep this list up-to-date but if you have any additions for this list, please let us know! You can send us a message with your suggestions on our Contact page.

Related products - Books about making pop-ups

How to make a pop-up book

On this page you’ll find all steps that are needed to create and publish your own pop-up book. A detailed step-by-step guide to get you started with your pop-up book project. View page…

Pop-up templates

Create the most beautiful pop-ups with these handy pop-up templates! You can choose from many different pop-up designs and most of them are print-ready!  View templates…

Pop-up video tutorials

There are a lot of great video tutorials to find on the Internet that teach you how to make a pop-up. Start with the basics or just pick a nice pop-up design to create yourself! Watch tutorials…

pop-up tools & supplies

Making pop-ups is the most fun when you have good tools to work with. We’ve made a selection of the most useful products when it comes to working with paper.  View supplies…