We are all familiar with folding paper from paper airplanes to the more complex art of origami and pop up books. In the print industry, folding paper is an integral part of many print jobs. Most folds are basic as more complex folds may have to be sent to a specialist printer or folded by hand which can significantly increase costs. Below are some basic and complex folds available.
Some benefits of folding
Folding helps with the order of prioritising important information.
Folding helps condense information making it easier to mail etc.
You can be creative with folds and enhance reader experience.
Folding can add fun.
A few things to consider when planning a fold;
Consider where it will be used and how it will be displayed.
Correctly choose type and weight of paper you use; the thinner the paper the more folds it will take and visa versa.
Who is viewing it: Keep complex folds to a minimum for older and younger people.
Cost; Fancy folds require a fancy price as mentioned above.
Information Planning: It's always a good idea to mock up a blank piece of paper of the planned fold to work out the order and positioning of information. Try not to cram in too much. Your designer will help you here.
Time: Folding always adds time to a print job so allow for it and try not to leave an urgent job until the last minute to send to your printer.
Here are a couple of inspirational and fun folding videos:
