What algorithm drives this flock?

The classic Reynolds boids algorithm: each crane independently applies separation, alignment and cohesion using only nearby flockmates, and the coordinated flight pattern emerges from those local rules without any leader.

How is this different from the 3D version?

Same boids rules and the same three steering forces, ported to a flat top-down 2D view instead of an orbiting 3D camera, with an added numeric order parameter that measures how aligned the flock currently is.

What does the order readout mean?

It is the flock's polarization order parameter, from 0 (headings scattered in every direction) to 1 (every crane flying the same heading) — a live measure of how coordinated the flock is at that instant.

Home▸Chaos & Dynamics▸Origami Crane Flock: Boids in 2D (2D)

Origami Crane Flock: Boids in 2D (2D)

A 2D top-down boids flock of folded-paper cranes: tune cohesion/separation, alignment strength, flock size and wing-flap speed and watch coordinated flight emerge from three simple local steering rules.

Chaos & Dynamics2DEasy60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

This 2D companion runs the identical cohesion/separation/alignment boids rules as the 3D orbiting scene, viewed straight down on a flat plane so the emergent flocking pattern reads as clean, legible motion trails rather than a rotating 3D camera. Flock size, steering strength, alignment strength and wing-flap speed are all live controls, and a numeric order parameter tracks exactly how aligned the flock currently is.

⚙ Under the hood

2D top-down boids flock of folded-paper cranes ported from the same Reynolds separation/alignment/cohesion rules as the 3D version, with an added live polarization order readout.

boidsflocking behavioremergent behaviorseparation alignment cohesionorigami crane

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install