There are many ways a printed sheet of paper can be folded. Below is a list of the most common ways in which brochures, leaflets or pamphlets that are printed on a single sheet of paper can be folded. Once folded, each side or section of the printed piece is called a panel. The names of the folding methods are not standard, but we have explained the most common methods of folds used by us.

The DL half fold is typically used for product brochures, invitations, greeting cards and other promotional material that needs to be fitted into a DL envelope. For high GSM paper stock and board stocks a score is applied to give the finished product a smooth and neat folded edge. A double DL folded to DL is an ideal fold method to insert brochures for direct marketing purposes.

Are you in the need for a brochure design with large images that flow across panels, and for presenting step-by-step information in each panel when stretched open? This is a popular folding style used for brochures, information handouts that are better visually displayed when designed across all panels. This folding method creates a ziz-zag ‘z’ shape. We also recommend this style for folding multi-page brochures. The down side to this fold is that it springs open after being folded and it is not suitable for the purpose of direct mailing.

The A4 half fold is typically used for product information brochures, newsletters, corporate notices or any other informative material that needs to be of A4 size when folded. For high GSM paper stock and board stocks a score is applied to give the finished product a smooth and neat folded edge. Though the A3 folded to A4 is commonly used as a brochure to be circulated within a smaller audience, the A4 folded to A5 is an ideal brochure that can be compact in size, but reach a wider audience in a direct marketing campaign.

A common letter fold also known as roll fold is to fold a sheet into thirds so that it fits into a standard-size envelope typically used for direct marketing purpose. The designer must factor the folding points of each panel in order to hide the contents on fold but position the address to be visible through the envelopes address window. We recommend this folding style for pre printed letters that are to be inserted via automated envelope inserters.

Roll folds require 3+ panels to roll in on the other. To establish a neat roll fold the designer must judge a fold allowance based on the paper thickness that is caught within each fold. This method requires each panel to be slightly smaller than the other. The fold allowance for each panel is based on a tolerance of +/-3mm. A4 roll folded to DL brochures are commonly used for restaurant menus and product literature where you need the information to be spontaneously rolled out on each unfold by the reader. It is recommended that higher GSM paper stock and all board stock be scored for a smooth and neat fold edge.

This method requires a page to be first folded in half horizontally and then again vertically creating a four-page brochure that when opened out reveals a full-page spread. The brochure will still benefit from the extra strength of the double fold. This fold is commonly used for cards that are typically printed on one side of the open sheet and folded. They are also used for large format maps and travel Information pamphlets. The designer needs to give it some thought when designing each panels orientation, and the front and back cover panels.

This folding method creates a stylish way of displaying large images across multiple panels when the flaps are opened. Having a minimum of 2 panels that fold into the centre from opposite directions and designed with a enticing cover, can encourage a reader to choose your brochure just to see what’s inside. This brochure is an ideal accompaniment for a product launch such as the advertising of a new motor vehicle. This is a complex folding style that requires some amount of technical knowledge and equipment. Lining up images over the flaps can get misaligned on folding and it is best avoided.

This is similar to the ‘z’ fold, but for jobs that require 4+ more panels. Alternating the fold directions create a fan or accordion-like effect that stretches open the brochure giving the reader a full spread of the layout. The end result is an easy opening piece of information. Typically it is folded in a way that the front cover panel is the widest. Similar to the “Z” style the accordion fold springs open after being folded and it is not recommended for the purpose of direct mailing.