A brochure is a story told in panels. When someone opens it, each fold reveals the next part. The right fold makes that story easy to follow. The wrong one hides your best content or leaves an awkward blank panel. Here are the main options, in plain language.
The six common folds
Half fold
One fold down the middle makes four panels: front cover, inside left, inside right and back cover. It is simple and gives you big, open spaces. Choose it for menus, programs, short catalogues or anything that needs room for large images.
Roll fold (letter fold)
A roll fold tucks one panel inside the next, like a rolled-up document, with panels of slightly different widths so that they nest. It tells a story that builds step by step. It suits service descriptions and introductions where you want the reader to uncover content in order.
Z-fold
The sheet folds in a zigzag, so that it opens like an accordion. Each panel faces the reader and the whole sheet can be seen at once when unfolded. A Z-fold suits timelines, process steps and visual sequences, and it stays flat when displayed.
Tri-fold
The most familiar brochure fold has three panels per side, six in total. Two outer panels fold in, one over the other. It is a classic for services, products and company introductions, and it fits standard display racks.
Double parallel fold
The sheet folds in half, and then in half again in the same direction, producing four panels per side, eight in total. This is useful when you have more to say, and it gives a compact finished piece that is good for maps, guides and product lines.
Gate fold
Both outer edges fold inward to meet at the centre, like a pair of gates. Opening them reveals a large centre spread. It makes a dramatic reveal and is excellent for showcasing a feature, a menu, a portfolio or an announcement.
Comparison
| Fold | Panels per side | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half | 2 | Menus, programs | Only suits short content |
| Roll | 3 | Step-by-step stories | Inner panel must be slightly narrower |
| Z-fold | 3 | Processes, timelines | Panels read in sequence |
| Tri-fold | 3 | Services, general info | Panel order matters |
| Double parallel | 4 | Detailed guides, maps | More folds, more bulk |
| Gate | 3 (centre plus two flaps) | Big reveals | Flaps must meet neatly |
Panels and layout order
On a tri-fold, the outside has three panels: the front cover, the back cover and the inside flap, which is the panel readers see first when they open the cover. The inside has three more panels that open as a spread. A common mistake is putting the cover content on the wrong panel because the artwork was built in the wrong order. Always check a fold template or a mock-up on paper. Fold a plain sheet by hand and write what goes on each panel before designing.
Keep the main message on the front, put your call to action on the panel that readers see last, and keep your contact details somewhere obvious, such as the back panel. Put the most important facts where the reader's eye lands first after opening.
Scoring and cracking
Thicker paper can crack along a fold, where the coating or ink splits and shows white. To avoid this, the paper can be scored first, which presses a clean groove along the fold line so the sheet bends neatly. Heavier stocks and dark, solid-colour areas across a fold are the most likely to crack. Where possible, avoid running a big block of dark colour straight over a fold line. Ask us about scoring for your stock.
Which fold should you use?
- Short and visual: half fold.
- A sequence of steps: Z-fold or roll fold.
- General business information: tri-fold.
- A lot of detail: double parallel fold.
- A single showpiece: gate fold.
Think about how it will be handed out. For flat handouts, see our guide to flyer sizes and paper. For displays and events, our trade show checklist may help.
Preparing your artwork
Set up the file to the flat size of the sheet, mark where the folds fall, keep text well away from fold lines and add bleed. If you need help, our print-ready files guide explains how.
Brochures at PrintEh
PrintEh prints brochures in Oakville with the folds above, including half, roll, Z, tri-fold, double parallel and gate, on 100lb gloss text or 16pt stock. We serve customers in Mississauga, Burlington and across the GTA. Tell us your content, and we will recommend a fold and send a written quote from our quote page.