Folded

Have you ever thought about the way something was folded? Have you ever even noticed it? Well all of the pamphlets and brochures you hold may be in different types of folds.

There are plenty of folds you can do and some of you may know about folds already, especially if you are into origami. Folds can convey a different experience and appearance to what you have designed. For this reason we are talking about folds because creating an experience for your user is immensely important in this ever growing user-centered world. Even though many can be used for similar, if not the same things, they still change the interaction the user engages when they open the brochure or pamphlet.

So if you’re stressed or just need to take a minute for yourself then grab some papers. Go back to your younger years and follow along in these folds and fold some for yourself.

Half Folds

Half folds are pretty self-explanatory. Take a piece of paper and hold it in half, hot dog or hamburger whichever is more your style, but it is generally done the hamburger way. This fold is good for cards, invites, price lists, menus, programs, booklets, bulletins, flyers/brochures, or announcements.

Tri-Fold

Tri-folds are, like a lot really, pretty self-explanatory. It is able to be used for statements, durable pamphlets, specials, flyers/brochures, price list. To do this fold fold the paper into equal thirds and there you have it.

Z-Fold

This fold has the same fold lines as the tri-fold we just spoke about; however, both flaps should not fold inward but one folded behind. This fold is again good for special offers and flyers/brochures.

4-Panel Accordion Fold

This has the same feel as the z-fold but has an extra fold in it and if looking at the thin edges should make a “M” or “W” shape. First fold the paper in half and each of those halves in half. make sure that they alternate their folded direction.

3-Panel Gate Fold

This fold gives the look of gates opening when well, opening. When folding the center of the paper must be known without making a crease. Then each opposite end is folded to the center.

Double Gate Fold

This fold is similar to the one above except it has an extra fold. So rather than the center panel of the 3-panel being half of the whole paper size, it is folded in half. Making each fold fold inward to the center.

Roll Fold

A roll fold can be rather confusing to understand because it seems to simply be the double gate fold; however, the folds roll into the other (the image makes it seem as though the flaps are different sizes, but they are the same size).

Double Parallel Fold

Once again another fold similar to the others. This has the 3 creases, one in the center and then each half creased in half, causing the folds to encase each other.

Vertical Half Fold

You guessed it! it’s a good old half fold except it is hot dog fold. I assume you don’t need an image for this but if you do view the image under the heading Map Fold, bottom left corner.

French Fold

The French fold is when the paper is folded in half hot dog style first and then (still in the hot dog fold) folded in half hamburger style.

Map Fold

Map fold is when the paper is folded in half hamburger style and then folded into thirds the other way. (see map fold on bottom right)

Get Crazy with it!

Now the folds mentioned above are just common folds for printed materials but that doesn’t mean you can’t change it up or do something crazy and different. There are circle lock gates, diagonal wraps, circular accordions, and corner folder open gate.

If you are looking for a unique way to engage and delight your users don’t forget about the way items are folded, it may make a huge change! To find more ideas on folds visit: foldfactory.com