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Know When to Fold ‘Em: Tips on Choosing the Right Fold

Recently updated on May 16th, 2017 at 12:30 am

Folding is the process of bending printed sheets in a precise place to change their shape and size. By strategic folding, a single sheet of paper can be turned into a powerful marketing tool that allows information to be presented in a specific order.

It allows the publisher to control the way in which the message is seen and understood. It provides a method for communication to be staged and, hopefully make a more dramatic impact upon the reader.

Folding is one of the most popular bindery processes that is added to orders. By knowing what you can do, you can add an entirely new dimension to the designs you create. It is like adding the dimension of time to an otherwise two-dimensional piece.










Explore Your Folding Options

Bifold
Sizes Available:
8×9
8.5×11
11×17
The bi-fold divides the sheet into 2 vertical panels and is folded in half.
This is also known as a half-fold or a two-panel brochure. This can be used for menus or programs where wide panels are necessary.
Trifold
Sizes Available:
8.5×11
8.5×14
11×17
11×25.5
The tri-fold divides the sheet into 3 vertical panels. The right panel folds underneath the left.
This is also known as a letter fold. This is the most popular of the folding options. The finished product will fit nicely into a standard #10 envelope or a display rack. Menus, programs, and promotional pieces are popular uses for the trifold.
Gate Fold
Sizes Available:
8.5×11
8.5×14
11×17
11×25.5
The gate fold is created by folding the two ends of a page inward so that the edges meet in the middle.
This is a three panel design with the widths of the two outside panels each one half the width of the middle panel. The front of the brochure opens like a gate. Often there is a graphic or text that crosses over the front two panels. This format is used often for promotional items and allows the designer to tease the customer into opening the brochure.
Z-Fold
Sizes Available:
8.5×11
8.5×14
11×17
11×25.5
The z-fold divides the sheet into 3 vertical panels. The panels fold on top of one another
The Z-Fold can also be called an accordion fold. This fold can be used with a three or four panel design. All of the panels are the same width with this fold. Menus, programs, and promotional pieces are popular uses for the z-fold
Accordion Fold
Sizes Available:
8.5×14
The accordion fold divides a sheet into 4 vertical panels. The panels fold on top of one another.
This is a form of Z-Fold that is called an accordion fold. This fold can be used with a three or four panel design. All of the panels are the same width with this fold. Menus, programs, and promotional pieces are popular uses for accordion fold.
Double Parallel Fold
& Parallel Map Fold
Sizes Available:
8.5×14
11×17 11×25.5
First fold the sheet in half, forming two panels. Each panel is then folded in half again with parallel folds that go in the same direction.
The Double Parallel Fold or Parallel Map Folds yield a four panel design. This fold is popular for programs and promotional pieces.
French Fold
Sizes Available:
11×17
First fold the sheet in half (side to side). Each panel is folded in half again with a fold that is perpendicular to the first fold (top to bottom).
This is also known as a Right Angle Fold or 8-Page Fold. The two folds are at right angles to each other. This fold is popular for programs and promotional pieces especially when it is necessary to have a full size image on the inside of the brochure.


Folding is a great way to add interest to the marketing materials you are creating. Folding also helps increase the capacity of the piece — allowing you to add information and create mini-catalogs and magazine-like publications. The capability of folding should always be woven into the design process to produce an end-result that is cost-effective and pleasing to the eye.

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