ALRIGHT, FOLD HERE…
AND HERE AGAIN…
HERE AGAIN…
TA-DA!
Paper folding is an art form that has always intrigued people into discovery. From simple designs to complex creations, the art of folding paper has evolved into a diverse range of techniques and styles. I began exploring some of the most popular types of paper folds, all from just one sheet of paper!
THE BASIC FOLDS
HALF FOLD
Folding a page once down the centre creates a document with four pages, an A4 sheet folded once becomes an A5 brochure with four printed pages.
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DOUBLE PARALLEL FOLD
To fold vertically through the centre, and then again down the center creates a double parallel fold.
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Z FOLD
A Z fold is created by folding two edge panels in opposite directions.
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TRI FOLD/LETTER FOLD
The Tri fold or Letter fold is the most common method for fitting A4 pages into a DL envelope. The two outside panels are both folded inwards.
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ROLL FOLD
A roll fold is where each panel is folded or “rolled” in the same direction as if “rolling” around the inner panel.
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GATE FOLD
The “gate fold” by name presents like an opening gate. The outer panels are folded into the centre.
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DOUBLE GATE FOLD
The double gate is a standard gatefold with an additional fold down the centre line.
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OPEN GATE FOLD
An open gate fold adds two additional panels folded outwards in the opposite direction.
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ACCORDIAN
A concertina or accordion fold is created by folding a sheet of paper in alternate directions.
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COMBINATION FOLDS
RIGHT ANGLE/FRENCH FOLD
A sheet of paper folded in half twice at right angles.
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Z FOLD + HALF
A sheet folded in half with an additional Z fold.
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TRI FOLD + HALF
A sheet folded in half with an additional trifold.
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DOUBLE PARALLEL + HALF
A sheet folded in half with an additional double parallel fold.
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ASYMMETRIC FOLDS
SHORT PANEL
A single sheet can be folded with a short panel on one side. A fold like this can add an extra fold out panel to a document, page or book cover. This is very effective when displaying artwork across the fold.
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ASYMMETRICAL GATE FOLD
Asymmetry works with many folds including the gatefold. Moving the break between the panels to one side can create quite an engaging piece.
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TRI FOLD/ONE SHORT PANEL
A variation of the trifold is to shorten one of the panels. This short panel can be folded to the inside or outside of the brochure.
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STEPPED ACCORDION
An accordion fold can be “stepped” by narrowing each panel in order, this provides a sneak peek at the panels behind when closed.
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SHORT FOLDS
HALF/SHORT FOLD
A half fold with another a short fold on the inside which opens top down.
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Z FOLD/SHORT FOLD
A Z fold with another a short fold on the outside which opens from the bottom up.
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TRI FOLD/SHORT FOLD
A Trifold with another short fold on the outside which opens from the bottom up.
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The art of paper folding is a versatile and creative craft that has endless possibilities. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced folder, there are always new folds and techniques to explore. By mastering the different types of paper folds, you can create stunning designs.
So, grab a sheet of paper and start folding!
