If you own a business, you already know how important it is to use different kinds of marketing tools to grab the attention of probable customers. Flyers and leaflets are one of the best marketing tools one can use to increase sales and branding. These tools can effectively convey the right information about your business to people and make them your next customers.
While printing flyers and leaflets, it’s important to make them as effective as possible without reducing any necessary information. And in order to enhance the effectiveness of flyers and leaflets, you should know about different folding techniques that are available out there.
There are different kinds of folding techniques, such as- bi fold, tri fold, gate fold, accordion fold, z fold, roll fold, etc. Not just one folding technic suits each kind of flyer and leaflet. Once you know different kinds in detail with their benefits and best uses, you will be able to select the right one for your business and your marketing might bring best results you can expect.
So, in this article, we’ll explore different types of folding methods and also discuss when each one is best used. Stay tuned!
1. Single Fold (Bi-Fold):
Bi fold, also known as single fold, is a folding technique where the flyer or the leaflet is folded in half. This creates two different panel divided into half where texts and images can be printed equally on both sides. So, you actually get four sections in a bi-fold paper- a back cover, inside right panel, a front cover, and inside left panel.
The usual size of a bi-fold paper is 8.5×11 inch, also known as letter size. This is mostly used since it’s cost-effective and can carry out the task perfectly well. If you need more space, there are two more sizes available as well- 8.5×14 inch (also known as legal size) and 11×17 inch.
The best thing about single fold paper is its compact size, organized layout, and better engagement opportunity with visual impact. It is an ideal choice for delivering concise information. So, if you want to print restaurant/cafe menus, event invitation, service/product catalogues, informational handouts, etc. it would be best to go with single fold or bi-fold paper.
2. Tri-fold (Letter Fold):
From the name you can already assume that a tri fold paper is divided into 3 equal parts with 2 parallel folds where you get 6 equal panels. Tri-fold is also known as letter fold because it’s folded just like a letter to fit it into an envelope. There are 3 sections in tri-fold paper- a front cover, a back cover, and an inside spread on each side.
In the front part, title, branding, and eye-catching visuals are printed to immediately grab the attention of the reader. The inner spread contains detailed information about the product or service, such as- features, offerings, event schedules, etc. The back part usually includes call to action, branding elements, and contact information.
That’s why, tri-fold papers are mostly used for promotional purposes since it comes with 3 different sections with organized layout. This folding technique is mostly used in brochures, informational leaflets, product/service catalogues, etc.
When it comes to size variation, the letter size (8.5×11 inch) is most commonly used to print leaflets, flyers, banners, etc. Bigger sizes are also available, such as tabloid size (11×17 inch), robust size (11×25.5 inch).
3. Gate Fold:
Gate fold is a paper folding method where two parallel folds are used to create 6 panels with a gate or door like shape. Compared to the centre panels, the right and the left panels are usually the half in width, and they are folded inward to meet the middle one, ensuring they don’t overlap. To understand it more clearly, a gate fold paper is made by folding 8.5” x 11”, 8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17” or 11” x 25.5” sheet of paper on each side. This is how you get two gates swinging inward while meeting the centre part. In gate folding, the outer panels usually include branding, imagery, introductory texts, while the inner panels generally cover more detailed information, product listings, event schedules, etc.
Due to the dramatic structure of this folding technique, it is an ideal choice for showing visual content. Gate folding would be the best use forproduct launches, invitations, greeting cards, event promotions, or showcasing high-impact visuals.
4. Accordion Fold:
Accordion is a folding technique where a paper is folded 3 times back and forth in a zigzag pattern that looks like an accordion. This way, it creates similar sized multiple panels that seems like a series of alternating folds. In accordion folding technique, a paper is folded with a construction of 8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17” or 11” x 25.5” sizes three times and thus it gives the paper an accordion type zigzag look.
The number of folds can vary according to your requirements as well; however, the most common among them are bi-fold, or tri-fold formats. The compact size, organized layout, and the versatility of this folding method allow it to be used as visually appealing print material.
The zigzag pattern makes it suitable for printing sequential information or step-by-step guides. That’s why, it’s a pretty useful method for printing instructional leaflets, maps, or detailed product guides.
5. Z Fold:
Z fold is quite similar to accordion fold where the main difference is the folding direction with the final appearance. Z fold is also known as zigzag fold and in this technique the paper is folded into 2 parallel folds to create 6 equal sized panels in a zigzag pattern. Here, the folds are created in opposite directions that look like the letter ‘Z’.
The compact size, organized layout, and visually appealing ‘Z’ pattern make it an ideal choice for dynamic presentation and showcasing sequential content presentation. This folding technique is mostly suitable for presenting multiple services, product features, or event schedules. You can print flyers, leaflets, pamphlets, and other promotional tools using this visually appealing method.
6. Roll Fold (Barrel Fold):
Roll fold, also known as barrel fold, is a paper folding method where each page folds on itself multiple times inwards and creates a rolling like shape. This method allows the paper to be rolled up compactly for easy distribution or storage.
The folding starts from one edge of the paper and it keep going inwards in the similar direction multiple times maintaining same width each time. Thus, it creates a series of overlapping panels and finally you get a rolled up, compact material to print desired items suitable to this format.
Roll fold offers a unique presentation style and ample space for organized content. This method is pretty effective for showcasing timelines, storytelling, or detailed product specifications, because, it allows you to present sequential flow of information with texts, images, and graphics on each panel from one edge to the other.
Conclusion
Now as you know about different folding techniques and their best uses for different promotional or marketing purposes, you can choose the right one easily for your next project. Choosing the right folding technique for your leaflet or flyer can significantly impact its effectiveness in conveying information and capturing audience attention.
Consider the content, purpose, and visual appeal when selecting a folding method for your next printing project. Experimenting with different folds can add creativity and enhance the overall impact of your marketing materials.