Brochure Templates Types

Accordion

When you fold the sheet of paper back and forth in two, three, four, or more parallel panels, it looks like a hand fan or an accordion. Since it opens flat with one pull, you can create an elaborate design on them. You can also add several pages of information to it, for instance, to deliver information in chronological order. Since the fold creates a visual flow, it is easy for readers to follow the content as it opens up.

Tri-Fold

When you fold the paper in two parallel folds, it creates a tri-fold brochure with three panels on the front and three on the back. When you fold them, they look like a letter in an envelope, which is why they are also called letter brochures. Since they are light and have a standard shape, you can distribute them via the mail without worrying about overlooking the postal regulations. 

It is one of the most commonly used pieces due to its simple structure and ability to present information in a clear and organized manner. The six panels provide ample real estate to add as many texts, charts, graphs, images, maps, and other design elements as possible. 

Bi-Fold (Half-Fold)

When you fold a brochure from the centre, you get a bi-fold or half-fold brochure with four panels, two internal and two external. These brochures are much wider than tri-folds and provide greater creative possibilities. With just one fold, you can add large or more images without worrying about the crease impacting their effectiveness. You can also let the pictures bleed in these templates, as the two folds create a smoother visual flow from one panel to the next without cutting off important details.

You can also change the piece’s orientation to get a vertical bi-fold. Each panel will be taller and narrower than it had been with the horizontal bi-fold. You can use it when you want a linear presentation of information, such as a step-by-step guide.

Single-Open Gate-Fold

To make this, you fold a piece of paper so that two small panels obscure one large midsection. The piece will look like an open gate, hence the name. Being larger, the middle panel draws attention to the centre. You can use them for a single product presentation or a graphic-heavy design. You can also use them if you have one major piece of content and some supplementary information. Remember that although it has six panels, there is less space for content. It can accommodate as much information as a bi-fold brochure. 

Closed/Double Gate-Fold

It folds so that the two panels tuck inside the open gate-fold. It initially opens up like a half-fold and then like an open gate-fold. Since there are eight pages, you have sufficient space to write detailed content. Moreover, you can use its clever opening to add an element of surprise, making the reader curious to know what is inside. 

Z-Fold

Essentially, it is an accordion fold with three panels, and since it looks like the alphabet Z upon folding, hence the name. It will make your direct mail look sophisticated, and unique folding mechanisms invite the reader to engage with the content. Unique die cuts in the front panel will make the fold interesting. This will give the recipient a glimpse of what is inside without opening it and make them curious. This fold is ideal for adding large images, flowcharts, and graphs to make the reading experience interactive. 

Roll Fold

It is similar to the accordion fold in that it also has four to five creases and provides eight to ten pages. However, you fold it in a rolling motion. You start from the right side until you reach the cover panel, which folds from the left. Each panel is smaller than the preceding one by ⅙ inches to ensure they can nest in one another after folding. This is a straightforward way to present the story of your product and service, with each opening taking the reader ahead in the conversation.

French Fold

It involves two types of folding. First, you fold the paper horizontally into two halves. Then, you add a perpendicular fold to divide the sheet into two halves in opposite directions. Due to its unique fold, you don’t have to cram all the details on one side. You can add important information on the outer panels, communicating the message artistically and effectively.

Double Parallel Fold

It is first folded in two halves and then folded in half again. You get eight two-sided panels, which you can use to highlight multiple products and services. It provides ample space, which you can use to divide information on different panels or add large graphics to each. Since you fold it similarly to tri-fold, you can easily send it through mail without worrying whether or not you are adhering to postal guidelines.

There is another template similar to a double parallel-fold brochure, but you fold it three times, creating 16 panels. It is called a parallel booklet fold, and it has the largest number of pages in the folded brochure category. You can use it to write detailed information about the product and services or provide a multi-step reference guide to customers. 

Map Fold

This includes several panels folding on one another, creating a zigzag pattern. When the reader unfolds it, it reveals a detailed layout or a series of sections sequentially. Real estate agents can use this to highlight properties. One panel can show the location, while the other mentions floor plans, pricing, and features.