Folded pamphlets

When you're creating your pamphlet file, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Here's the good news, it's likely easier than you think!

Whether you're making a simple half-fold or a more complex Z-fold, you only need to submit one file with all your pages laid out flat, side by side. No need to create separate files or split pages up into individual sections.

We'll take care of the rest!

Here's what we need from you:

• One flat file with all your panels arranged side by side (we'll show you exactly how below for different fold types)
• Make sure to follow the panel order shown in our guides
• Include bleed on all edges (3mm as usual)

The half-fold is the simplest type, your pamphlet is folded once down the middle.

Important tip: The right half of the file becomes the front cover, and the left half becomes the back cover. It's easy to mix these up, so double-check before submitting!

When designing, remember that after folding, the panels on the left and right will meet in the middle. If you have images or text spanning across both panels, keep in mind they'll be separated by the fold.

The trifold (also called a letter fold) is folded twice, creating three panels on each side. Think of it like folding a letter to fit in an envelope!

Here's how the panels work: The right panel folds inward first, then the left panel folds over the top. This means the center panel on the outside becomes your front cover.

Design tips:

• Pay close attention to which panel becomes the front cover (marked in our diagram)
• The panels aren't always equal widths! The panel that folds inside is typically about 2-3mm narrower to ensure a clean fold
• If your design has elements that span across panels, remember they'll be interrupted by the folds

A Z-fold gets its name because when viewed from the side, it looks like the letter "Z"! This fold creates six panels total, three on each side.

How it folds: The right panel folds inward, then the left panel folds in the opposite direction (hence the "Z" shape). Unlike the trifold, the panels alternate which direction they fold.

Design considerations:

• Each panel should work as its own section since the fold pattern means they won't all be visible at once
• The panel marked as your front cover in our diagram is what people see first
• Like the trifold, the panels that fold inward may need to be slightly narrower (about 2-3mm) for a clean finish

Here are a few helpful tips to make your folded pamphlets turn out perfectly:

• Height vs. Width: The long edge is the width, and the short edge is the height. We know it can feel backwards!
• Folding tolerance: Just like with binding, folding has a natural margin of error (about +/- 1-2mm). Avoid placing critical design elements or text right on the fold line.
• Panel sizing: For trifolds or other similar folding brochures, the panels that fold inside need to be slightly narrower (typically 2-3mm less) than the outer panels. This prevents the folded edge from buckling or sticking out. Check our sizing charts below for exact dimensions!

Half Fold Brochures

Trifold Brochures

Z-Fold Brochures