There's a huge variety of folded leaflets out there, in all sorts of shapes and sizes. So how do you actually choose the right fold for your flyer? This guide runs through the folding styles you'll see most often and where each one tends to work best, so you can pick the format that suits your content.
Wallet fold (tri-fold)
The wallet fold — also known as the tri-fold or letter fold — is one of the most common ways to fold a leaflet. You divide a single sheet into three equal panels and fold the left and right panels inward. Does it have to be exactly three panels? Could you do four? You can — any version with more than three panels folded this way is generally called a roll fold. Roll folds come with more limitations, though: you can't use thick stock, only thinner paper, so the piece stays flat when folded instead of springing open.
With the right design, the wallet fold can create a real sense of interaction. Because of the way it folds, opening the leaflet fully means flipping the left panel first, then the right, before the whole spread is revealed. That gives you room to build interactive touches into the design and make the unfolding a little more fun.
Aesthetics: 3 / 5
Practicality: 4 / 5
Accordion fold (Z-fold / fan fold)
The accordion fold works just like folding a paper fan: once folded, the panels form a Z shape. The two-crease accordion you so often receive in the post is exactly that — a single, complete Z. Z-folds are a go-to for restaurant takeaway menus and exhibitions, because most people simply pull the whole leaflet open in one go. That means you only really need to design the front and back covers of the folded piece.
Accordion folds also show up a lot on reference-style print: product guides, event programmes, theme-park maps and the like. Keep the design clear and lay all the information out so it reads at a glance.
Aesthetics: 2 / 5
Practicality: 5 / 5
Cross fold
The cross fold is folded in half left-to-right first, then in half again vertically, so when you open the leaflet you get a cross-shaped set of crease lines. It's a less common folding method, mainly because it isn't the easiest to open. Designers rarely build the layout around the folded cover, so the cross fold is usually chosen for its function rather than its looks.
The place you'll most often see the cross fold is the residential letterbox. Because mailbox slots come in all different sizes, the cross fold is the safest way to make sure a promotional flyer slides in cleanly — which makes it a good fit for information-heavy, lower-budget flyers.
Aesthetics: 3 / 5
Practicality: 3 / 5
Gate fold (two creases)
The gate fold divides a promotional flyer into four equal panels, then folds the two outer panels inward along the quarter creases so they meet in the middle — just like a pair of doors. This style leaves plenty of room for creative ideas and lays out a clear reading order, a bit like an unbound booklet.
The gate fold is one of the rarer folding methods. It takes up a large design area, so it suits leaflets that are light on information but strong on design and creativity.
Aesthetics: 5 / 5
Practicality: 2 / 5
Once you've settled on the right fold, we can print it for you. Order folded leaflets online with delivery across Hong Kong and Macau — and if you'd like a hand choosing a fold or checking your artwork, WhatsApp us at +852 3001 5678 (English is fine).