Folded Leaflets: Different Fold Types and Where to Use them

Folded Leaflets and Flyers are a simple, surefire way to make a statement in the world of print marketing. So, whether you’re an organisation showcasing a new product range, providing event guides, or promoting a tasty new Menu, Folded Leaflets provide a structured, clear, and cost-effective solution.

At Printed.com, we’re passionate about helping our customers make the most of their printed products. That’s why we offer a wide range of fold types, sizes, and finishes to suit every project – from local start-ups to national campaigns.

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the creative ways our customers use Folded Leaflets, followed by a detailed look at the different types of folds available. We’ll also share expert tips for getting the most out of your design, helping you create Folded Flyers that are as functional as they are fabulous.

Leaflet Fold Types: Find Your Perfect Fold

There’s a Folded Leaflet and Flyer for every purpose – but choosing the right one can elevate your design from functional to fabulous. At Printed.com, we offer a variety of popular fold types to suit any style, message or industry.

Credit: Printed.com

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Half Fold 

The half fold (or bi-fold) splits the page into two equal sections, much like Greeting Cards. It’s simple, intuitive, and highly versatile. Great for Menus, Invitations, or any design that benefits from a front cover and inner content.

Recommended for: Menus, event Invitations, service lists, Brochures.

Credit: Behance

2. Half Fold Portrait

This variation of the half fold is oriented vertically. It’s ideal for elegant, modern designs where a taller layout can enhance readability and draw attention. Ideal for lifestyle and beauty brands, or sleek price lists.

Recommended for: Elegant Menus, salon price guides, product Brochures

3. Roll Fold

The roll fold features panels that fold inwards, wrapping around each other like a roll. This style is great for storytelling, allowing content to be revealed step-by-step. It’s also perfect for technical information, tutorials or brand introductions.

Recommended for: Tutorials, instructional Leaflets, storytelling, marketing sequences.

Credit: Printed.com

4. Z Fold

A Z Fold Leaflet opens out in a zig-zag fashion, revealing three connected panels. It’s great for separating content into distinct but connected sections, and it opens naturally without requiring readers to unfold too much.

Recommended for: Product features, travel guides, tri-panel Brochures.

Credit: PAI Skincare

5. Gatefold

The gatefold opens like two doors revealing a central panel. This dramatic opening style creates a sense of anticipation, making it ideal for launches, events or premium marketing materials. It also works well for high-impact imagery or elegant layouts.

Recommended for: Invitations, art showcases, premium product launches.

Credit: StardustPaperieCo

7. Cross Fold

The cross fold takes a large sheet and folds it down to a compact size by folding it once vertically and once horizontally. It’s ideal for large format designs like maps or posters that need to be pocket-sized but readable when unfolded.

Recommended for: Maps, floorplans, festival guides, exhibition layouts.

6. Concertina Fold

Also known as an accordion fold, the concertina alternates back and forth across multiple panels. It’s ideal for content with a natural flow – such as travel itineraries, step-by-step instructions, or longer product features.

Recommended for: Step-by-step guides, event programmes, walking tours, educational content.

Credit: Handmade in Nottingham

Looking for Trifold Leaflets?

Trifold Leaflets are a popular choice for conveying information in an organized and visually appealing manner. Comprising three panels that fold inwards, trifold Leaflets provide a compact design that is versatile, yet customisable with folding styles, including roll folds, gatefolds, and Z folds, which enhance their functionality and design potential.

 Explore the Options:

Standard Trifold: The standard trifold design offers three equal-sized panels that fold neatly to create a sleek presentation. 

Roll Fold Integration: A trifold Leaflet can incorporate a roll fold design by adding additional panels that wrap around each other. This allows for a storytelling approach.

Gatefold Enhancement: Integrating a gatefold into a trifold Leaflet means adding two outer panels that open to reveal a larger central panel. This eye-catching design promotes high-impact visuals.

Z Fold Adaptation: Combining a trifold with Z fold elements allows the Leaflet to open up in a zig-zag manner, making the content accessible and visually segmented. 

Sizes and Paper Stocks Available

At Printed.com, our Folded Leaflets and Flyers come in a wide range of sizes and paper types to suit every brief and budget.

Popular Sizes:

When it comes to leaflet and flyer printing, we’ve found that the most popular sizes are A5 and DL. These formats are ideal for direct mail campaigns, handouts, and in-store displays thanks to their compact yet impactful design.

A5 is half-A4 size, offering plenty of space for bold visuals and key information. DL, on the other hand, is a third of an A4 sheet, tall and slim, making it perfect for envelopes and sleek promotional materials.

If you’re looking to get a little more creative, square formats are a popular choice too, adding a unique twist to traditional layouts. And for those with a specific vision in mind, custom sizing allows you to create a flyer or leaflet that aligns perfectly with your brand and message.

Tip: check out our paper size graphic to help visualise the options!

Credit: Printed.com

Paper Stocks:

We offer a huge range of paper stocks to choose from – giving you ultimate flexibility to match your design and purpose.

• Silk: Smooth and great for detailed image reproduction

• Gloss: High-shine finish for vibrant colours and an eye-catching look

• Uncoated: Ideal for writing on – great for forms, Menus or Appointment Cards

• Recycled: A sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on quality

• Pearlescent: Adds a subtle shimmer – perfect for luxury invites

• Premium Textured Stocks: Like Tintoretto Gesso or Nettuno, perfect for refined finishes

Lamination options include matt, gloss and soft-touch for an added layer of protection and sophistication.

Not sure what finish or stock will work best? Order a free Sample Pack to get hands-on with our materials and see for yourself the premium quality we offer. It’s a great way to test colours, textures and weights before you commit to a full print run.

Credit:  Nabi Studio

Bespoke Service and Sample Packs

Looking for something unique? At Printed.com, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer a Bespoke Printing Service – perfect for brands, designers, or businesses looking to push the boundaries of creativity. Whether it’s an unusual size, special fold, or custom paper combination, we can help bring your vision to life.

Five Fantastic Ways to Use Folded Leaflets

1. Menus for Food and Drink

Folded Leaflets are a popular choice for food establishments, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Their multiple panels make it easy to organise items into sections, such as starters, mains, desserts, and drinks. This not only improves readability but also enhances customer experience.

Printed Menus are particularly useful for takeaways or delivery services. A Folded Leaflet can include opening hours, ordering information, and contact details – all in one convenient format. With the right lamination or paper type, these Menus can even withstand spills and repeated handling.

Credit: Printed.com

2. Price Lists and Services

If you’re a hair salon, spa, wellness clinic or tattoo studio, a well-designed price list adds a touch of professionalism and builds trust with your clients. Folded Leaflets and Flyers let you list services and prices without overwhelming your audience. Each panel can be dedicated to a specific category – such as haircuts, colour treatments, or massage therapies.

Adding photos, testimonials, or brief service descriptions can help upsell treatments while keeping things visually balanced. And with Printed.com, you can match your Leaflet’s finish to your brand aesthetic – whether that’s sleek gloss or tactile uncoated paper.

3. Promotional Handouts

Folded Flyers are a brilliant way to shout about a new product, seasonal sale or upcoming event. Their structured layout allows you to tell a story across multiple sections – beginning with an attention-grabbing headline and ending with a compelling call to action.

They also offer plenty of space for imagery, features, and benefits – making them ideal for trade shows, exhibitions, or in-store handouts. Include QR codes or discount vouchers to track engagement and encourage conversions.

Credit: Behance

4. Maps and Guides

Folded Leaflets are perfect for delivering information in a way that’s both detailed and digestible. That’s why they’re the go-to format for tourist attractions, heritage sites, festivals and conferences.

Large maps, timetables, Schedules, or event guides can be folded down to pocket-size, ensuring visitors always have the information they need on hand. The cross fold in particular is great for large format prints like site maps – making it easy to fold, unfold, and carry around.

5. Invitations and Programmes

Planning an event? Folded Flyers make elegant invitations, programmes, and schedules. You can include an itinerary, speaker bios, or wedding party details – all without cramming everything onto one flat page.

Gatefolds, with their reveal-style opening, add a sense of ceremony and surprise – perfect for formal events. Meanwhile, Z folds offer a sleek, modern feel that works beautifully for corporate functions or art exhibitions.

Credit: AmorWeddingTemplates

Expert Tips for Designing Folded Flyers

1. Plan Your Content Flow

Before you begin designing, sketch out how your content will flow across the panels. Think about what your reader will see first and how they’ll move through the information. Some folds, like the roll fold or concertina, guide the eye in a linear sequence. Others, like the gatefold, build anticipation.

2. Use High-Quality Imagery

Folded Leaflets give you more space to play with, so make the most of it by using high-resolution images and graphics. Avoid overcrowding each panel – white space is your friend.

3. Mind the Folds

When designing for print, remember that some parts of your design will be folded inwards or hidden until the Leaflet is fully opened. Be careful not to place critical information (like headlines or contact details) in awkward positions and you’ve got your design up with the correct bleed. 

4. Choose the Right Paper Stock

At Printed.com, we offer a wide selection of paper types, from eco-friendly recycled stocks to glossy, coated options. Choose a stock that reflects your brand and stands up to the expected handling. Heavier paper gives a premium feel, while lighter stocks are ideal for mass distribution.

5. Make It Interactive

QR codes, vouchers, or detachable panels can add an extra layer of engagement to your Folded Flyer. Include a strong call to action – whether that’s visiting a website, making a booking, or following you on social media.

Credit: Printed.com

Why Choose Printed.com for Your Folded Leaflets?

At Printed.com, we pride ourselves on quality, flexibility, and excellent customer service. With a range of customisation options – including lamination, paper types, and folding styles – you can create Folded Flyers that are truly tailored to your goals.

Our Folded Leaflets are printed right here in the UK, ensuring fast turnaround times and reliable delivery. Whether you need 50 Flyers for a boutique launch or 5,000 for a national campaign, we’ve got you covered.

And with our easy-to-use online ordering system, uploading your design and choosing your specifications is a breeze. Need help? Our team of print experts is on hand to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Browse our range of Folded leaflet printing options and discover how Printed.com can help bring your print vision to life.