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Introduction to Finishing: Folding

Introduction to Finishing: Folding

Folding 101 – Episode Summary

In this tactile and design-savvy episode of The Print University, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee guide viewers through the most common folding patterns used in printed materials—from simple half folds to complex gate and French folds. Perfect for teams building bindery equipment training courses, printing industry training programs for new employees, or developing print shop employee onboarding templates, this course emphasizes why finishing starts with design.

The episode introduces the most popular fold styles:

  • Half-Fold: A simple fold in half, ideal for postcards, self-mailers, or counter brochures.

  • Tri-Fold: The classic letter fold used in bills, statements, and inserts for #10 envelopes.

  • Z-Fold: Provides a fluid unfolding experience; used for promotional brochures and color showcases.

  • Gatefold: Opens like a gate, often used in direct mail and marketing pieces for dramatic impact.

  • French Fold: A multi-fold that collapses into a compact piece, often seen in instructions, maps, or posters.

Design and paper grain direction play a critical role in successful folding. Poor planning can cause cracking, misalignment, or obscured content. Pat and Ryan explain how to avoid design missteps like placing logos or form fields on folds, and how to use folding creatively to enhance messaging and engagement.

They also discuss embellishment compatibility, crossover image risks, and folding equipment needed for pharmaceutical-style “Instructions for Use” (IFUs).

You Will Learn:

  • Common fold types: half-fold, tri-fold, Z-fold, gatefold, and French fold

  • Why design, grain direction, and substrate weight affect fold quality

  • Use cases by format: mailers, direct mail, leave-behinds, inserts, and product literature

  • Finishing risks: toner cracking, poor crease alignment, and unreadable content in folds

  • Where folding intersects with embellishment, binding, and mailing compliance

Who This Course Is For:

Prepress professionals, bindery operators, designers, finishing managers, and onboarding teams implementing bindery equipment training courses, digital printing press training, or outsourced training for print production staff

Time to Watch:

Approx. 30 minutes