The key points at a glance
Folding is the targeted folding of a paper or cardboard sheet along defined score lines so that a sheet becomes a new format with multiple pages or surfaces. For print products, the type of fold must be considered early because it directly influences design. If this is not taken into account, the product may gape after folding or look unfinished.
At Schmid-Fehr we often see that the folding question already comes up during planning or when requesting a quote. It is precisely there that an early look at the construction pays off, because later corrections in production are rarely solved elegantly.
What exactly does folding mean for print products?
Folding means the deliberate folding of a paper or cardboard sheet along defined score lines. This creates a new format with multiple pages or surfaces without cutting, stapling, or gluing. For flyers, brochures and booklets, this is the step that turns a flat sheet into a usable end product.
What fold types exist and how do they differ?
| Fold type | Characteristic | Typical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel fold | Fold lines run parallel. | Produces a clear, uniform folding image. |
| Cremona fold | Outer parts fold inward without overlapping. | The center remains more pronounced. |
| Wrap fold | Pages fold inward in the same direction. | Feels like wrapped and requires adjusted page widths. |
| Zigzag fold | Folding direction changes. | Creates a zigzag pattern. |
| Cross fold | Several folds are offset by 90 degrees. | The folds form a cross when opened. |
The most common misconception: a fold type can always be built with equally wide pages. This is not true. For the wrap fold, the inner pages running inward must be narrower than the outer pages, otherwise the product may gape or look messy after folding.
A common mistake is designing a wrap fold like a zigzag fold with equally wide pages. For the wrap fold, the inward-running pages must be slightly narrower; otherwise the product may gape or look messy after folding.
Why must the fold type be considered during design?
We have seen in our projects that the problem is not the fold itself but the late adjustment of the page width. If the layout is designed for one fold type but widths do not match, at worst a new production is needed. This causes avoidable extra costs and delays delivery.
- Define fold type and final format together.
- For wrap fold, make inner pages narrower.
- Check layout for stacking or collisions before production.
- If in doubt, plan a proof print or technical check.
How do you recognize the wrong fold in practice?
A practical example shows it well: a flyer was planned for a fold type that would work with equally wide pages, but was produced as a wrap fold. The result looked pressed after folding because the inner side was too wide. Such misunderstandings can be avoided if the fold type is fixed before the layout.
Frequently asked questions
How early should the fold type be fixed?
Which print products particularly need a technical check?
What happens if the page widths do not fit?
Is every fold equally demanding in design?
For Schmid-Fehr, the crucial point is not theory but translating it into a producible layout. Checking the fold type early significantly reduces the risk of reprints and makes print products reliably take the desired form.
If you are planning a new print product, first clarify the fold type and final format, then the detailed layout. This keeps the result clean, functional and production-safe.
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Schmid-Fehr AG, Goldach