subject: 8 Folds To Consider When Brochure Printing [print this page] When you are commissioning brochure printing, one of your primary considerations should be the fold style. Besides the size of the brochure, your fold style will play an important role in how you lay your design out for brochure printing. Each fold style has a different feel, along with its own unique challenges when designing it.
Brochures for mailing
If you are commissioning brochure printing with the intention of mailing out the completed product, then you might want to consider the typical letter-sized folds. These brochure printing folds also work well if you need to display your brochure in a rack after it is printed. Some common styles include:
Tri-fold This is the most commonly seen brochure. It is typically read how it is unfolded, making it great for presenting information. However, this brochure printing style does not give you a large landscape for larger images, maps, charts, etc.
Z Fold This brochure printing style involves folding three panels into the shape of a Z. This works well if you want to draw the reader into the brochure, though it may not always lay flat.
Complex Brochure Folds
Sometimes you want a brochure that stands out differently from others, yet is still in a size suitable for mailing. These folds are more of a challenge to design, but more visually interesting.
Double Parallel Fold With this fold, the paper is folded into four panels: two smaller ones and two larger ones. This fold is ideal when you need to include a large graphic on one of the panels. It can also be less expensive to print since it only requires printing on one side.
French Fold This is the same fold many people utilize when creating a homemade greeting card. It allows you to choose to print on only one side, yet gives you a full page spread if you open it all the way up.
Gate Fold This fold can be very impressive to customers, as it gives you two panels that open up to expose a center panel. If you are planning on mailing after brochure printing, it is often folded in half a second time to make it a more convenient size.
Unique brochure printing
If you are looking for something unique, then there are some folds that will truly cause your brochure printing to stand out from the crowd. However, these folds are not very good for mailing or placing in a rack, and therefore, they often work best when you have a specific purpose for them.
Accordion fold This fold is similar to the Z fold, but it includes at least 4 panels. It does not stay closed well, but does have an interesting presentation.
Half fold Just like it sounds, this is merely folded in half once. This is a good design when you need a lot of space in brochure printing layout.
Roll fold This fold is visually interesting, and it can convey a message of importance. You may need to hold it closed with ribbon or sealing wax.
Keep in mind that typical brochure printing design methods will need to be applied in order for your layout to be presented smoothly with your fold. If in doubt, talk to your printer about your design.
