Common fold types
| Fold | Panels | How it works | Panel tip (8.5 x 11 / 11 x 17) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half (bi-fold) | 4 | Folded once in the middle | Equal halves: 5.5 x 8.5 from letter |
| Tri-fold (letter) | 6 | Two folds; outer panels wrap in, one tucked inside | Fold-in panel ~1/16"–1/8" narrower: 3.6875 / 3.6875 / 3.625 on letter |
| Z-fold | 6 | Two folds in opposite directions, like a Z | Equal panels: 3.667" each on letter |
| Gate fold | 6 | Two outer panels fold to meet in the centre | Outer panels each ~1/16" less than half the centre panel |
| Double parallel | 8 | Folded in half, then in half again parallel | Inner two panels ~1/32"–1/16" narrower |
| Roll fold | 8+ | Panels roll inward one inside the next | Each inward panel ~1/16"–1/8" narrower than the last |
| Accordion | 8+ | Alternating folds like a fan | Equal panels; 4-panel on 11 x 17 = 4.25" each |
| French fold | 8 | Folded in half, then in half at a right angle | Print one side; outside panels become cover and back |
Panel-size tips
- Panels that tuck inside must be smaller. If every panel is the same width, the inner panel buckles against the fold. Roll folds, tri-folds and gate folds all need this adjustment.
- Design to the panel, not the sheet. Put guides at each fold and keep text at least 1/8" (better 1/4") away from fold lines.
- Know which panel is the cover. On a letter tri-fold, the front cover is the far-right panel of the outside, and the narrow fold-in panel is the first one readers see when they open it.
- Heavy paper needs scoring. Cover stocks (80 lb cover and up) should be scored before folding or the ink can crack along the fold. See our paper weights guide.
- Check envelope fit. A letter tri-fold (3.67 x 8.5) fits a #10 envelope; a half-folded letter fits an A9 or 6 x 9.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a tri-fold and a Z-fold?
- Both have six panels from one sheet. A tri-fold wraps one panel inside the other, so that inside panel must be slightly narrower. A Z-fold zig-zags, so all panels can be equal.
- Do I need scoring?
- Yes for cover-weight paper and for any fold that crosses heavy ink coverage. Scoring makes a clean crease and stops cracking.
Related services
Helpful customer tools
- Folding Guide (available to customers with a free account)
- Brochure Builder (available to customers with a free account)
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