9 Types of Brochure Folds, Standard Sizes, and Applications

Brochure folds serve a number of purposes — they help keep your product details organized, they keep your brochure compact so they can be displayed and mailed easily, and they help you make your brochure look pretty. But besides all these important functions, folds enhance your brochure’s storytelling element; unfolding a brochure is like taking a little field trip and every panel is a destination rife with valuable information.

But did you know there’s more to brochures than the quintessential trifold? In this article, we explore the different types of brochure folds and standard brochure sizes to help you elevate your next marketing campaign.

1. Half-fold Brochure
   The easiest way to create a brochure, you can create a half-fold by folding a sheet of paper horizontally into two. It’s also known as the bifold brochure.
   Where to Use Half-fold Brochures: Quick and simple presentations, single-event promotions, event programs-slash-invitations
2. Trifold Brochure
   The trifold brochure is one, if not the most popular, type of brochure fold. Create a trifold brochure by setting a sheet of paper horizontally and folding it into three equal parts. To close it, simply fold the right panel towards the center panel, followed by the left panel.
   Where to Use Trifold Brochures: Product line launches, travel brochures, restaurant menus
3. Z-Fold Brochure
   A popular type of the trifold brochure, the Z-fold brochure is also folded into three equal parts except that the fold moves like an accordion. It works wonders when presenting serial or cascading information.
   Where to Use Z-Fold Brochures: Step-by-step guides, instruction materials, welcome packets
4. Gate Fold Brochure
   If you want a little thrill to your brochure effortlessly, go for the gate fold. Divide a sheet of paper into three parts but give the center panel a bigger estate. The left and right panels should be of equal size and folded towards the center, mimicking a gate.
   Where to Use Gate Fold Brochures: Real estate brochures, hero product launches, concert and festival guides
5. French Fold
   The French fold is excellent at maximizing space, from the design itself to the display. It looks smaller when folded, showing only a quarter of the paper but still packs a lot of information when unfolded. To create a French fold brochure, fold a sheet of paper into two vertically and then fold it horizontally.
   Where to Use French Fold Brochures: Maps for parks and museums, programs for formal events, film screenings
6. Accordion Fold
   The accordion fold is known for its four equal panels that make the brochure open like a fan. The alternating appearance the panels create is ideal for cascading information or step-by-step guides.
   Where to Use Accordion Brochures: Medical brochures, travel guides, trade services for hire
7. Roll Fold
   If you’re looking for a creative way to reveal information or imagery, try the roll fold the next time you design a brochure. Achieve this fold by folding a sheet of paper into four equal parts horizontally and then folding the rightmost panel inward to the left. Close the brochure by folding the leftmost panel to the right.
   Where to Use Roll Fold Brochures: DIY guides, storybook brochures, company profiles, museums or gallery brochures
8. Double Parallel Fold
   The double parallel fold brochure offers a unique way of presenting information with its creative yet uncomplicated fold. Create the double parallel fold by folding a sheet of paper in half horizontally, and then folding it once more.
   Where to Use Double Parallel Fold Brochures: Seminars and workshops, educational brochures, program guides
9. Double Gate Fold
   Turn up your brochure’s excitement with the double gate fold and treat your readers to a neat unfolding experience. To achieve this, create a standard gate fold brochure and then fold it horizontally in half.
   Where to Use Double Gate Brochures: Product catalogs and detailer, recreational services like spa and resort, shopping guides and directories

Standard Brochure Sizes and Applications

It can be tricky to choose a paper size especially if you don’t have a solid visual of your brochure yet. As you tread your way there, let this list of paper sizes guide you to designing how big or small your brochure should be. Please note that these dimensions refer to the actual paper size prior to folding.

• 8.5” x 11” – Also known as letter size paper, this size is one of the most used paper sizes for brochures. Applications include half-fold, trifold, Z-fold, and gate fold.
• 8.5.” x 14” – You may know this paper size as legal size. This is slightly larger than letter size and leaves more room for standard brochures. Applications include French fold, accordion fold, and double parallel fold.
• 8” x 9” – A tad smaller it may be but the 8” x 9” can pack a punch. To make the best of these dimensions, consider them for applications like half-fold, gate fold, trifold, and Z-fold.
• 5.5” x 8.5” – If you want a more compact brochure, use this size to create cute half-fold brochures.
• 9” x 12” – Give your images and copy more breathing room with this paper size and let your half-fold, trifold, Z-fold, or accordion fold brochure stand out a little taller than others.
• 11” x 17” – Use this paper size if you want to achieve the flair promised by the double gate fold, accordion fold, or roll fold.
• 11” x 25.5” – Our largest preset size to date, this paper size is great for French fold brochures.

NextDayFlyers also lets you create brochures in custom sizes. Before creating your brochure, click the dropdown menu for Size and then choose Custom. You can pick your preferred dimensions from the list for both the width and height of your brochure.

When you choose NextDayFlyers to print your brochures, you’ll gain free access to our online design tool where you can create a brochure from scratch or by using our premade templates. You can also upload a print-ready file and choose between three turnaround timelines — same day, next business day, and in three (3) business days. Call us at 855-898-9870 or send us an email at customercare@nextdayflyers.com if you have any questions or if you need help in customizing your next brochure design.

NextDayFlyers offers quality brochure printing services with fast turnaround and customizable options. Visit our custom brochure printing page to start your brochure marketing campaign today.