Ki-Ri-e

Developer: NID-IS Co., Ltd.
Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.1.1

iPhone Integration [rating:4]
User Interface [rating:4]
Re-use / Replay Value [rating:4]

Overall Rating:

The word Kirie speaks of traditional Japanese cut art work, where paper is folded and then cuts are made so when it is opened again, geometric patterns emerge. The app Ki-Ri-e serves the same purpose. Choose from a number of folds, styles of origami paper, as well as backgrounds and then use you finger to make cuts. Finally, open the paper to view your creation.

When the Ki-Ri-e app starts it offers to show you the YouTube video available below. Once you get past that, you are shown a list of already completed Kirie artwork. To create your own, tap the + sign and select the fold you want to use.

While in the main work space you can zoom in or out using the standard iPhone multi-touch gestures, undo your last actions, select a cut setting (from smooth to jagged), select different origami paper to work with, as well as a background. You can select from a number of solid colors and patterns as the origami paper and background or use photos from the camera roll.

You use your finger to cut the folded paper. If you zoom in close you can make very detailed cuts. Once a cut is made you can tap the paper to "shake" out the cut piece and then continue your work. At any time you can open your creation to view and even rotate it. If you are unhappy with your progress you can go back to the cutting stage to revise it.

Once a Kirie is done, you save it, which not only stores it within the app but also to the camera roll so you can share it with others or print it from your PC or Mac. It is a relatively low resolution (320x480) image so it won't necessarily look great when you do that, but they are still fun to create and share.

Even after you save your Kirie you can go back later and revise it. Sometimes this is a little buggy as I have had issues with the Kirie not displaying correctly at the cut stage when either opening an existing one or going back from the save stage. Overall the app appears to be crash free though.

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Ki-Ri-e is one of those apps you can fire up and spend a few free minutes being creative with. It is surprisingly satisfying and is wholeheartedly recommended. I found myself creating more than just a few Kirie as I prepared this review and will definitely continue to use it from time to time.