Folding Options for Print

Folding Options Guide

Folding is one of those decisions that affects how a document is read, how it is carried, and how it is experienced. Choosing the right fold for your brief makes the content work harder and the format feel intentional. This guide covers every fold we offer, how many panels each creates, what it suits, and what to watch out for.

Important: for stocks over 150gsm we crease before folding as standard. Creasing prevents cracking on the fold line and is essential for heavier stocks. If you are unsure whether your stock weight needs creasing, get in touch and we will advise.

HALF FOLD

What it is A single fold down the centre of the sheet creating two panels on each side, four panels in total. The simplest and most common fold format.

Panel count 4 panels (2 outside, 2 inside).

Common sizes A4 sheet folded to A5. A3 sheet folded to A4. Custom sizes available.

Best for Event programmes, product information sheets, simple brochures, church bulletins, and any content that benefits from a structured two-part format. The bifold is versatile and suits a wide range of applications.

What to watch out for Stock weight over 150gsm requires creasing before folding. The cover panel is the right hand panel when the document is closed, not the left. Getting this wrong means the content is on the wrong face when folded.

One thing worth knowing When the bifold is opened fully the two inside panels form a single wide spread. Most people design them as two separate panels and miss the opportunity to use the full width as one continuous layout. If your content suits a wide format, design the inside as a single canvas and the result will be significantly more impressive.

TRIFOLD

What it is An A4 sheet folded twice to create three panels on each side, six panels in total. The sheet folds in on itself so one panel folds inside the other two.

Panel count 6 panels (3 outside, 3 inside).

Common sizes A4 sheet folded to DL (99x210mm). Custom sizes available.

Best for Brochures, takeaway menus, counter display leaflets, mailers, and anything that needs to fit in a DL envelope or standard counter brochure holder. The trifold DL is one of the most practical and widely used fold formats in commercial print.

What to watch out for Stock weight over 150gsm requires creasing. The three panels are not equal in width. The inside fold panel must be slightly narrower than the other two or it will not fold cleanly and will buckle. This is one of the most common file setup mistakes we see. Get in touch before finalising artwork and we will send you the correct template with panel sizes already set up.

One thing worth knowing The back panel of a trifold is what someone sees first when they pick it up from a counter or display stand. Most people treat it as an afterthought. It is prime real estate and should carry a clear message or strong visual that makes someone want to open it.

Z FOLD

What it is The sheet folds in a concertina or accordion pattern with each fold going in the opposite direction to the last. The result opens and closes like a Z when viewed from the side.

Panel count 6 panels (3 outside, 3 inside). Additional folds can create more panels on request.

Common sizes A4 sheet folded to DL. A3 sheet folded to A5. Custom sizes available.

Best for Step by step content, timelines, maps, instructional guides, and anything where the reading order matters and content is revealed section by section as the reader unfolds it.

What to watch out for Stock weight over 150gsm requires creasing. The Z fold has a natural unfolding sequence and your content needs to follow it. Each panel should lead the reader to the next in a logical order. Content that fights against the sequence confuses the reader and wastes the format. Before designing, map out what goes on each panel and make sure the story flows in the direction the fold opens.

One thing worth knowing Get in touch before you start designing and we will send you a template with the panel order clearly marked. The Z fold panel sequence is the opposite of what most people expect and getting it wrong means the content reads in the wrong order when unfolded.

GATE FOLD

What it is Two outer panels fold inward from each side to meet in the centre, opening like a pair of doors to reveal a full interior spread. The gate fold is one of the most visually impressive fold formats available.

Panel count 6 panels (2 outer door panels, 1 full interior spread, plus reverse panels).

Common sizes A4 gate fold. A3 gate fold. Custom sizes available. Note that gate folds require more stock and more handling than standard folds and are priced accordingly.

Best for Product launches, premium invitations, luxury brochures, and anything where the reveal itself is part of the experience. The gate fold creates a moment when the doors open that no other format can replicate.

What to watch out for Creasing is always required on gate folds regardless of stock weight. Heavier stock is recommended, 150gsm to 200gsm, to ensure the doors hold their shape and close cleanly. The two outer door panels need to be exactly equal in width or the gates will not meet cleanly in the centre.

One thing worth knowing The two outer door panels are where the reveal happens. They should tease what is inside without giving it away, building anticipation for the moment the doors open. Most people treat them as separate pieces of content rather than thinking about the reveal as a single designed experience. Get the outer panels right and the gate fold format does the rest.

ROLL FOLD

What it is Multiple panels fold in the same direction, each one rolling inside the previous. Unlike the Z fold which alternates direction, the roll fold wraps continuously in one direction. Each successive panel must be slightly narrower than the one before it to allow the fold to close cleanly.

Panel count Typically 6 or 8 panels depending on the number of folds. Custom configurations available.

Common sizes A4 or A3 sheet folded down to DL or A5. Custom sizes available.

Best for Product brochures, travel guides, maps, and any content that benefits from a progressive reveal as the reader unfolds panel by panel. The roll fold suits content with a clear sequence or journey.

What to watch out for Creasing is required for stocks over 150gsm. Each inner panel must be slightly narrower than the one before it or the fold will not close properly. This is critical and must be set up correctly in the artwork. Get in touch before finalising your file and we will provide a template with the correct panel widths.

One thing worth knowing The roll fold is often confused with the Z fold but they behave differently. The Z fold opens back and forth like a concertina. The roll fold unrolls in one continuous direction. The right choice depends on how your content is structured and how you want the reader to experience it.

CROSS FOLD

What it is The sheet is folded in half in one direction and then folded in half again in the opposite direction, creating a compact format from a larger sheet. A cross fold on an A2 sheet produces an A4 document. A cross fold on an A1 sheet produces an A3 document.

Panel count 8 panels from a standard two-fold cross. Additional folds available for larger sheets.

Common sizes A2 folded to A4. A1 folded to A3. Most commonly used for maps, large format documents, and anything that needs to be compact for carrying or posting.

Best for Maps, large format instruction sheets, event site plans, architectural drawings for distribution, and any document that needs to be compact when folded but opens out to a large format.

What to watch out for Creasing is required for stocks over 150gsm. The order of folds affects which panel appears on the outside when the document is closed. This needs to be planned before the artwork is designed. Get in touch before finalising your file and we will confirm the correct fold sequence for your content.

One thing worth knowing Cross folded documents have a specific unfolding sequence. If a reader opens the document the wrong way first, the content can appear out of order or upside down. Designing fold marks or directional cues into the cover panel can guide the reader to open it correctly.

QUICK COMPARISON

Fold Type	Panels	Creasing	Relative Cost	Best For
Half Fold	4	Over 150gsm	Low	Programmes, simple brochures
Trifold	6	Over 150gsm	Low-mid	Brochures, DL mailers, menus
Z Fold	6	Over 150gsm	Mid	Step by step content, timelines
Roll Fold	6 to 8	Over 150gsm	Mid	Product brochures, travel guides
Gate Fold	6	Always	Mid-high	Product launches, premium invitations
Cross Fold	8+	Over 150gsm	High	Maps, large format documents