Parallel vs Combination

When deciding on a paper fold to choose, the easiest way to narrow down your selection is to differentiate between parallel folds and combination folds.

A parallel fold is paper that is divided parallel to each other, or as you were taught in school, “hotdog style.” This type of fold usually runs vertically down the paper and includes half folds, double parallel folds, roll folds,  accordion folds, and Z-folds.

A combination fold or right angle fold, is a combination of parallel folds that are folded once again, horizontally in half, like a “hotdog” folded into “hamburger style.” Combination folds include, but are not limited to, french folds, Z half folds, and Tri half folds. Each change of direction means an additional right angle, for up to four right angle folds (which would be a 32 pager).

Fan Favorite Folds

Once the folds are broken up between parallel and combination folds, there are countless options and varieties of folds within the two categories.

Parallel Folds:

Half folds, also known as 4-page folds, bi-folds, or single folds, are one of the simplest and most common folds for paper. These can be used for greeting cards, invitations, menus, or brochures. It makes one fold and allows for four panels to be printed on. 

Tri folds, also known as letter folds, C folds or Z-folds, are similar to half folds and just as popular. They can be used for letters, pamphlets, flyers, and can easily be placed in an envelope. There are two folds which create 3 panels. A Z-Fold, is the simplest type of accordion fold, but more panels can be added to make a 4, 5, or even 6+ accordion fold. Brochure. 

Combination Folds:

The french fold also known as a right angle, or quarter fold is one of the most popular combination folds usually used for newsletters or mailers to achieve the better postage rate. They also use two folds but create 8 panels.

Signature folds are one of the most important folds in commercial printing. Some common signature folds include 8, 12, 16, or 32 pages which are combined together to make catalogs. 

Whether the client wants a stitched book,  perfect bound, or even a spiral bound booklet, using signatures speeds up the collating process to combine those individual forms to make larger page count booklets.

Funkiest Folds

One of the most interesting and fun parallel folds is the gate fold. With this style, the two ends of the paper are folded inward where they meet in the middle. The “folded in” pieces can also be folded again towards each other to achieve a closed or double gate fold. Double gate folds are a creative way to reveal your products inside a brochure.

An example of a funky combination fold is a 16 panel fold or what some may call a “Map Fold”. This style is a combination fold which is folded in any number of ways to ultimately have 16 spaces to print information on. They are commonly used for maps, step-by-step instructions or sports schedules.

If you want to see more funky folds, see this list of 29 different paper folds by Foldfactory.

Why Fold with Vedda

Your project is only as good as the finished product. The folder operator can mean the difference between a piece that looks just okay, or brilliant. All of Vedda Pritning’s operators have multiple decades of experience, which ensures that whichever fold style you choose is sure to look optimal. 

Experience is key in knowing what can and cannot be done on a folding machine, or how to design the piece choosing the right paper to get the best result. 

The worst thing is to design and plan out a brochure, just to find out that it’s either not possible or not ideal. So we recommend our clients, or anyone looking to produce a unique piece to chat with us first so we can point them in the right direction.

How It Gets Done

At Vedda Printing, we have two state-of-the-art folders for different applications. One is pile fed, and specializes in signature folds, while the other is continuous fed and allows for non standard fold processes. Our run speeds range from 2,500 per hour all the way up to 20,000 + if the fold type and paper are the right mix. Perfect for making hundreds of these baseball pocket schedules!

Scoring is a key to having the fold look the way you want. Our philosophy is to always include a score when we think it’s needed. Scoring prevents things like cracking, and inaccurate folds. You can have a gorgeous design, and an amazing print job, but if the fold is off or shows cracking along the creases it can all be for not.

Find Your Favorite Fold!

Even though the options are overwhelming and it seems impossible to narrow down your options, Vedda makes it a priority to help you navigate the vast world of paper folds, and find the best option to enhance your advertisement. 

Whether you are looking for a simple and effective tri fold, or a flashy and bold fold like a french fold, Vedda Printing can help you decide, then provide you with fabulous in house printing and mailing services. Contact us today to talk through your next folded piece!