It is recognized that a well-designed brochure can be one of the most effective marketing tools since they properly showcase the company’s products, services, and business in a way that is effective and readable.

One of the brochure’s unique characteristics is its various folding options, with each kind of fold suitable to a certain type of content. The way that a business is able to present its products and/or services changes for each fold.

Below are some of the most common brochure folds that can be applied to brochure marketing.

Tri-Fold

As the name suggests, the tri-fold splits a single sheet of paper into three wherein the right panel folds below the left panel. The average size for a tri-fold brochure is 8.5″ x 11″, which is the same size as a normal letter format. However, this is not the only acceptable size for the tri-fold brochure; there are also other sizes like 8.5″ x 14″, 11″ x 17″ and 11″ x 25.5″.

When using the tri-fold template, one thing that should always be considered is that each separate panel should be slightly different in width. The front panel should always be the widest so as to accommodate the other two folds and to allow them to tuck up neatly, which would provide a business-like touch to the brochure.

Half Fold

The half fold brochure, which is also called the bifold brochure, consists of a single sheet of paper that is folded into two. The average size for a half fold brochure is 8.5″ x 11″.

The half fold template works best for simple product presentations, where only one or two products are being featured.

Z Fold

Similar to the tri-fold brochure, the Z-fold brochure also splits a single sheet of paper into three parts. In addition, the average size for a Z-fold brochure is also 8.5″ x 11″. As the name suggests, this particular brochure fold features a distinctive Z shape that folds each panel over one another.

The Z-fold template is ideal for general product presentations as well as displaying sequential or step-by-step information.

Accordion Fold

Living up to its name, the accordion fold brochure splits a single sheet of paper into four parts that fold on top of one another, making it look like an accordion. The average size for an accordion fold brochure is 8.5″ x 14″.

The accordion fold is typically used when detailing a step-by-step tutorial for customers. It is also a great choice for legal size brochures and many kinds of maps because it can accommodate a larger paper size and can hold a substantial amount of information compared to other brochure folds.

Double Parallel Fold

The double parallel fold, which is also called the 4-panel fold, splits a single sheet of paper in half in order to create two panels and then folding it again in half to create two parallel folds that go in the same direction. The average size for a double parallel fold brochure is 8.5″ x 14″.

The double parallel fold is typically used in tourist brochures and brochures found at information centers.

Quarter Fold

The quarter fold, which is alternatively called the French fold or the right angle fold, splits a single sheet of paper into four equal parts where the folds are perpendicular to each other. The average size for a quarter fold brochure is 8.5” x 14”.

The quarter fold is a great choice for graphic-heavy designs, maps, and invitations.

Gate Fold

The gate fold splits a single sheet of paper into three unequal parts, with the side panels being narrower than the central panel. As the name suggests, the side panels of a gate fold brochure fold like a gate. The average size for a gate fold brochure is 8.5” x 11”.

The gate fold is typically used for menus and creative designs that have wide visuals like architectural blueprints and landscape photos.

When applying any kind of brochure fold, make sure to use the same resolution setting in order to produce the most visually appealing brochures.