Once a document has been printed, it is often folded to make it easier to distribute and handle. Letters, flyers, pamphlets, and brochures are invariably folded using one of the following folding techniques.
What is a Half-Fold?
As it’s name implies, a half-fold simply folds a document in half creating four panels (front & back) of equal size. It is the simplest of folds.
What is a C-Fold?
C-Fold is another name for a Letter Fold and is also commonly known as a tri-fold. C-Folds create six panels (front & back) with one panel slightly smaller to make it easy to tuck inside the other fold.
What is an Z-Fold?
A Z-Fold is similar to the C-Fold except rather than having one of the panels tuck inside, it is folded back in the opposite direction of the first fold creating a z-shaped document. Like C-Folds, Z-Folds create six panels (front & back) on the folded document.
What is an Accordion Fold?
An Accordion-Fold can be thought of as an expanded Z-Fold. Accordion-Folds create six or more panels (front & back) and when folded and unfolded, resembles the action of the popular musical instrument with which it shares a name.
What is a Roll-Fold?
A Roll-Fold is a folding method where, starting (typically) with the right edge, the document is folded in half, then folded in half again, etc., to create multiple panels of roughly equal size. Depending on the size of the printed sheet, the Roll-Fold method can create 14 or more panels.
What is a Gateway-Fold?
The Gateway-Fold is most frequently a form of tri-folding a document to create six panels (front & back) with the two outer panels each equal to half of the third panel such that when folded inward, they create a gate that when opened, reveals the third panel. Not quite as common, but a document with eight panels (front & back) can be made into a gateway fold (known as a Double Gateway Fold) where each panel is roughly the same size.
If you have any questions about any of these Common Folding Options, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
