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Image Magic Artwork Preparation Guide
Folding can transform one printed sheet into an organised brochure, leaflet, menu, programme or instruction guide. The fold style affects panel widths, reading order, artwork position and paper suitability.
Product templates and confirmed production measurements take priority over the general recommendations in this guide.
The flat size is the full sheet before folding. The folded size is the final closed size. Confirm both measurements before designing.
A half fold creates four printed pages. A three-panel fold creates six printable panels across the front and reverse sides.
Decide which panel is the front cover, which panel opens first and how the customer should read the information.
Paper thickness, lamination, grain direction, solid colours and special finishes can affect the quality of the fold.
Important: Do not divide every flat sheet into equal panels automatically. Roll folds, gate folds and double gate folds may require adjusted panel widths so the folded sections fit correctly.
The sheet is folded once through the centre. It is suitable for greeting cards, menus, programmes, simple brochures and invitations.
The two panels are normally equal, although the final measurement can be affected slightly by trimming and paper thickness.
One outer panel folds inward, followed by the remaining panel folding over it. This is commonly used for company brochures, service leaflets and promotional materials.
The panel folding inside normally needs to be slightly narrower. Use the product template rather than dividing the width equally.
The sheet folds in alternating directions to form a Z shape. It is useful for step-by-step information, maps, schedules and content that should open in sequence.
Panels are commonly equal, but the exact product template should still be followed.
The sheet is folded in one direction and then folded again at a right angle. It is often used for maps, large instructions, inserts and compact information sheets.
Artwork must be checked carefully because some panels rotate when the sheet is opened and folded.
The left and right panels fold inward to meet near the centre, creating a central reveal when the brochure is opened.
The outer panels and centre section must be measured carefully. Paper thickness and production tolerance may require adjustment.
Multiple panels fold in alternating directions like a concertina. It is suitable for guides, timelines, product ranges, menus and information that should open into one continuous sheet.
Panels are usually equal, but the number of folds and paper thickness must be confirmed.
This combines alternating Z folds with a perpendicular cross fold to make a larger sheet compact.
It is useful for maps, event information and instruction sheets, but requires a confirmed template and careful page orientation.
The outer panels fold toward the centre before the brochure is folded again. It creates a compact premium presentation with a staged opening sequence.
Panel widths are not normally prepared by simple equal division. A product-specific template is strongly recommended.
Panel width is one of the most common causes of folding problems. Whether panels should be equal depends on the direction in which they overlap.
| Fold style | Typical panel arrangement | Artwork consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Half fold | Usually two equal panels | Check centre fold and final folded alignment |
| Z fold | Usually equal panels | Confirm the reading order and front-cover position |
| Accordion fold | Usually equal repeating panels | Confirm the number and direction of alternating folds |
| Roll fold or tri-fold | Inner folding panel is normally narrower | Do not divide the flat width equally without a template |
| Gate fold | Outer panels meet over a wider centre panel | Allow for paper thickness and centre alignment |
| Double gate fold | Multiple adjusted panels | Use the confirmed product-specific folding template |
The exact reduction depends on flat size, paper thickness, lamination, number of folds and production method. Use the supplied template or ask our team to confirm the panel plan before finalising the artwork.
Read the Bleed, Trim Line & Safe Area Guide and Supplying Artwork Guide before exporting the final PDF.
Lighter paper generally folds more easily and is commonly used for multi-panel leaflets, inserts and mass-distribution brochures.
Heavier stock may need creasing before folding. Not every heavy stock is suitable for every multi-panel fold.
Folding parallel to the paper grain generally produces a cleaner fold and reduces resistance or surface cracking.
Lamination and heavy ink or toner coverage can make fold cracking more visible, particularly along dark backgrounds.
Image Magic will assess the selected paper, finishing and fold style. Some combinations may require creasing, a different stock or a revised folding method.
Fold lines place physical stress on paper, toner, ink, lamination and special finishes. Avoid placing the following directly across a fold unless our production team confirms that it is suitable:
Read the Spot UV & Hot Stamping Guide when preparing premium finishing artwork.
Please note: Special finishing that crosses a fold can crack, separate, distort or become misaligned. Keep the finishing safely away from fold lines whenever possible.
Not always. A roll fold normally needs the panel folding inside to be slightly narrower. A Z fold usually uses equal panels. Follow the product template rather than dividing the sheet automatically.
Normally, no. Supply the outside and inside as complete flat pages at the full unfolded size, unless the product instructions state otherwise.
No. Bleed is generally added around the outside trimming perimeter. Internal fold lines do not normally require separate bleed.
Keep important text, logos and QR codes approximately 5 mm away from the fold line unless the product template specifies a larger margin.
Some card stocks can be folded after creasing, but availability depends on thickness, coating, lamination, grain direction and fold style.
It is generally not recommended because the finish may crack, separate or distort. Confirm the requirement with our production team.
Send us the flat size, required folded size, quantity, paper choice and preferred fold style. Our team can advise on panel widths, paper suitability and the correct artwork template before production.
