First, some terms. The graphic below will help you name the fold you want and eliminate confusion. (The letterfold is also referred to as "tri-fold" but I stick with the traditional term because, in reality, there are only two folds, not three.)
Our Problem Children: Most folds are straightforward but some present problems, and they are letterfold, gatefold, and roll folds. Their common problem is that the panels can't all be the same size. The panels that fold inside need to be short to prevent a collision inside the fold and damage to the inside edge. We rework files all the time to repair these errors so offer the following information to keep you from losing your Zen like attitude.
The first thing to do is forget about using the "columns" feature in your layout program. It will give you equal sized panels and, for these three folds, that will not work. With equal panels all you can do is rework the layout, or cross your fingers and print, planning to trim the panel short in the bindery. You are hoping to make the layout work at the expense of your margins. If this is news to you it's possible your printer is doing this and not telling you, but why leave it to chance?
The Freebies: Half fold, Z fold, right angle, double parallel and accordion folds can all have panels the same size with no problems. None of these layouts require that any panel folding in be shortened. Love abounds. Divide the overall space by the number of panels and you're all set.
The Formula Method: For the problem folds, remember that any panel folding inside should be approximately 1/8" short. (For text weight it can be less, but for cover weight 1/8" is pretty important.) My friend Perry Albrigo at Pomegranate Studio solves this by changing the trim size of his document. If he wants a 9 x 12 letterfold he makes the trim size 11.875" to give him two panels at 4" and one at 3.875 to fold in. No complicated arithmetic. Neat, huh? Perry is a clever guy!
(To digress for a moment, let's ponder that the most common size of paper is 11" and that's a prime number. The most common number of panels is three, which is another prime number. It's enough to make you want to go metric.)
Finally, remember that the layout from the inside to outside should be mirror images, so that the short panel is always the one folding in. The guides you establish for one need to be "flopped" for the other.
The Actual Reality method: Get a sheet of the paper you plan to use. Cut it to the size you want. Fold it up. Mark the folds with a pen. Unfold it and get out your ruler. Transfer the panel dimensions you measure to your layout. Can't fail. The corollary: you can check your layout by printing it out (with crop marks, reduced, if necessary, to fit your paper) and trimming carefully. Try folding it up...does it work? For complicated compound folds this is a must.
The Templates Method: Templates that work are available at Graphateria's website, on the technical support page http://graphateria.com/Support_Templates.htm . These are PDF's which can be placed in your layout file. Pull your guides over to match the guides in the PDF and then remove the link. Voila! You're ready to begin your layout secure in the knowledge that your margins will work. (It doesn't hurt to print it out by way of a double check.)
If you need a template which is not listed, Graphateria will be happy to add it. Feel free to email or call me and we'll get the smart people to work right away. (While you're at Graphateria.com feel free to look around...they say nice things about me on the sales page.)
People with years of design of experience bring us files which have incorrect panel sizes. The drawback of the digital work environment print designers work in is that they are cut off from the physical reality of the medium. Your printer should always be available to help you bridge that divide so your stuff works on the first try. Don't be proud, don't be bashful, give your printer a call. Don't make their bindery guy have to decide how much to chop off your brochure so he can get it through the folder! Your friend in the printing business ran a folder for three years, and knows whereof he speaks.
Tell us what works for you, and please be sure to participate in the poll for future topics. Until then, see you online!
Hugh Butler
Your friend in the printing business
1 comment:
Great post! Thanks for the info and the resources. These will be bookmarked for later.
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