Every brochure printing design begins with a plan, and one of the first steps in creating a plan is choosing the right folding technique. The type of fold for any brochure must take into consideration what would best appeal to the audience and also what would work best for the message being delivered. Not sure what's available? Here's a list of brochure printing folds along with the ups and downs that come with each.
Tri-fold Brochure
The tri-fold brochure, which requires folding the paper inward in thirds, is perfect for presenting your message slowly and in parts. This type of fold requires clients to open each panel before seeing more of your message. When an 8.5x11 size, tri-folds can be easily mailed by addressing the back panel and using tabs to close the brochure. One of the drawbacks of a tri-fold, though, is that it is so commonly used that yours may not stand out from the competition.
Half Fold Brochure
When you need lots of space for large images and don't want them broken up by the folding crease, use a half fold brochure. This brochure printing fold allows clients to quickly see your message in a landscape view. Often larger in size than a tri-fold, the half-fold is more noticeable but also won't fit into normal brochure racks, so you'll want to reserve this type of fold for situations such as a trade show piece or a handout at meetings.
Z Fold and Accordion Fold Brochures
Both the Z fold and accordion fold provide for a unique look for your brochure printing design. They unfold easily in clients' hands, making your message much more accessible. Since these layouts unfold into a landscape view, you can stretch images across every panel. For instance, a ball can be shown bouncing across the entire brochure. One problem with these brochure folds is that they don't stay closed very easily and, therefore, can't be mailed without an envelope.
Gate Fold Brochure
Brochure printing with a gatefold style requires a larger size of paper on which the ends are folded in like a gate, and then folded in half again. This makes your brochure have the appearance of a double gate opening, so any message about opening doors or unlocking secrets would be perfect for this type of fold. Some disadvantages are that it can be a little bulky and more expensive because of the larger size of paper, but it's definitely worth these drawbacks for a one-of-a-kind presentation.
French Fold and Double Parallel Fold Brochures
Two more large-sized brochure folds are the French and double parallel folds. With the French fold, the paper is folded in half, and then half again perpendicular to the first fold. The double parallel fold is folded in half, and then half again parallel to the first fold. Both require lots of unfolding from clients but lots of panels allow for a fascinating design. Because of all of the unfolding, though, it can be complicated trying to figure out what information should go on which panel, and they can also be rather bulky. Both folds would work well to sit on a counter or table, since the folds allow you to easily stand the brochure printing piece upright.
Roll Fold Brochure
The roll fold works well for a treasure or map theme. Larger sizes of paper are best for this fold so that brochure stays rolled. The main benefit to the roll fold is that a brochure can easily transform into a poster without leaving behind crease marks in the paper. Although a brochure printing piece that is rolled cannot be mailed, it is easy to carry in a bag to different locations.
There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer to which type of fold you choose for your brochure. You just need to keep in mind your audience and purpose so that you make a more perfect choice. Each fold provides a different presentation, so knowing your message will insure that your brochure printing fold makes the impression you intend for your clients.
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