Fold Types in Print Design: Letter Fold, Accordion Fold, and Gate Fold

A folded leaflet—commonly referred to in the industry as a folder—offers a decisive advantage over the classic single-sheet flyer: it structures complex content across multiple panels and guides the viewer step by step through the information. While the format remains handy when closed (such as the popular DL format), unfolding reveals a structured surface for copy and imagery.

The choice of the right fold type significantly influences how information is perceived. Will content be revealed sequentially, presented as an expansive panorama, or unveiled like a stage? To avoid pre-press errors, graphic concept and production specifications must be precisely coordinated from the very beginning.

The Letter Fold: The Classic Choice for Chronological Content

The letter fold (also known as a roll fold or wrap fold) is the most frequently used fold variation for six- or eight-page folders. The panels are wrapped into one another without changing the folding direction.

### How It Works and When to Use It When opening a typical 6-page letter fold folder, the reader first sees the cover panel (page 1). Opening it to the right reveals page 2, while pages 5 and 6 remain hidden for now. Only with the second unfold does the three-panel inside spread become visible.

This fold is particularly well-suited for: Step-by-step explanations and instructions Classic corporate and service overviews * Product presentations with a clear hierarchy

### Technical Particularity: The Tuck-In Panel A frequent mistake when designing letter fold folders involves panel widths. Because the panel folded inwards (the tuck-in or fold-in panel) sits between the two outer panels when closed, it must be set narrower by necessity. Otherwise, the paper butts against the spine, causing the folder to buckle unpleasantly.

For a standard DL folder (flat size 297 × 210 mm), the panel dimensions are typically distributed as follows: Front cover and back cover: 100 mm each Tuck-in panel: 97 mm

For heavier paper stocks starting at 170 gsm, it may even be necessary to reduce the tuck-in panel by 4 mm.

The Accordion Fold: The Flexible Leporello

With an accordion fold (also known as a z-fold or concertina fold), the direction alternates with every fold. The panels fold together like an accordion.

### How It Works and When to Use It The accordion fold does not have a traditional “inside” like a letter fold, but rather two equivalent sides (front and reverse of the paper web). The leaflet can either be browsed panel by panel or pulled out completely flat.

Typical applications: Multilingual brochures (e.g., German on the front, English on the back) Timelines, company histories, and tabular overviews City maps, hiking guides, and menus Easily expandable to 8, 10, 12, or more panels

### Technical Particularity: Identical Panel Widths Unlike the letter fold, all individual panels in an accordion fold must have the exact same width. Because no panel is folded inside another, there is no need to shorten any panels.

However, the accordion fold requires a particularly coherent design approach: since the viewer can unfold the entire document at once, the transitions between columns must appear harmonious, even if the panels are formally distinct.

The Gate Fold: The Theatrical Presentation

The gate fold (sometimes called a window fold) owes its name to its resemblance to an altar triptych or double gate doors. Here, the two outer panels fold inward and meet in the center without overlapping.

### Open vs. Closed Gate Fold There are two main variations: 1. Open gate fold (6 panels): The two outer panels open towards the center. When opened, they instantly reveal the large, double-width center panel. 2. Closed gate fold (8 panels): Here, the product—already folded in a gate fold—is folded once more parallel along the center. Only when unfolded does the true gate effect emerge.

Applications: High-end invitations and event announcements Unveilings of flagship products or real estate projects * Image flyers featuring an element of surprise or revelation

### Technical Particularity: Gap Clearance and Folding Tolerances To ensure the two outer flaps close neatly without overlapping, each must be designed slightly narrower than half the center panel. A central gap of approximately 1 to 2 mm is technically necessary in production to compensate for machine folding tolerances.

Paper Weight, Grain Direction, and Creasing

Regardless of the fold type, paper selection and finishing determine the final result:

• Grammage and Creasing: Up to a paper weight of approx. 135 to 150 gsm, paper can usually be folded directly. From 170 gsm upwards (especially with coated art paper), the paper must be creased or scored before folding. If this step is omitted, the paper fibers along the spine will break, causing the ink to visibly crack and flake off.
• Grain Direction: The grain direction of the paper (long grain or short grain) must strictly run parallel to the main fold. Folding against the grain leads to wavy edges and increased resistance when closing the piece.
• Material Choice: When selecting FSC-certified uncoated or recycled papers, the fibers often exhibit greater bulk than coated varieties—a factor that must be taken into account when laying out fold dimensions in the artwork.

Conclusion and Print File Preparation

Designing a folded product requires more than just an appealing layout on individual panels: it demands spatial awareness and the precise alignment of fold lines, column gutters, and tuck-in allowances right from the start in your artwork file.

Are you planning a print project and need support in choosing the right fold type or preparing print-ready files? Florian Skodic in Graz will gladly guide you from the initial sketch and dummy mockups through to the final print-ready artwork for your folders and brochures.