Zigzag fold / fan fold
Zigzag fold / fan fold compact, creative, eye-catching
The zigzag fold, also known as a fan fold, is one of the most fascinating types of fold there is. The paper is folded several times, alternating between forwards and backwards. This creates a sort of accordion effect that can be unfolded to reveal a long, continuous surface.
Incidentally, the name „Leporello“ comes from Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni: In it, the character carries around an endlessly folded list – that’s exactly what this flyer looks like, only nicer.
How the zigzag fold is constructed
Thanks to the alternating pleating, the Flyer Versatile: compact when folded, impressive when unfolded. Depending on the fold, this usually results in six to ten pages – plenty of space for images, text and graphics that can span multiple panels.
FAQs on folded leaflets: trends, foil stamping, formats
A zigzag fold, also known as a leporello fold, is a special type of paper folding in which the sheet is folded alternately forwards and backwards. This creates a shape reminiscent of an accordion: compact when folded, but unfolding into a long, continuous surface in a single movement. Incidentally, the term „leporello“ derives from a character in Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni She carried with her an endlessly folded list, which gave its name to this folding method.
Yes, many printing companies offer environmentally friendly alternatives:
- Recycled paper made from 100% waste paper
- FSC-certified Paper from sustainably managed forests
- Unbleached paper
- Climate-neutral printing through CO2 offsetting
- Vegetable oil-based printing inks containing no mineral oil
Whereas in the Wrap fold Whilst in a standard fold all folds are made in the same direction and the pages „wrap around“ each other, in a zigzag fold the sections of the folded sheet are folded alternately inwards and outwards. This alternating folding direction creates the characteristic Z-shape, which is why the zigzag fold is also known as a Z-fold.
Zigzag fold Flyer are available with different page counts:
- 6 pages (folded in half)
- 8 pages (tri-fold)
- 10 pages (folded into four)
- 12–14 pages for more extensive content
The number of pages depends on the number of folds
Zigzag fold Flyer are available in various formats:
- DIN long – particularly popular for exhibition stands
- DIN A7 to DIN A4 in portrait and landscape format
- Square formats ranging from 105 x 105 mm up to larger sizes
- Customised special formats to suit customer requirements
The DIN long format is particularly common, as it is ideal for display stands
Zigzag fold Flyer are suitable for a wide range of uses, including:
- Site plans and overview maps
- Takeaway menus in the catering industry
- Image brochures as a compact alternative to extensive catalogues
- Programmes for events
- Product information at trade fairs and exhibitions
- Brochures and price lists for service providers
The zigzag fold offers several unique advantages:
- Flexible viewing: The folder can be opened at any point
- Seamless design: patterns can extend across the entire mounted surface
- Structured information: Enables information to be conveyed step by step, from the outside in
- High visual impact: the unusual way it unfolds creates a surprise effect
Creating print files for a zigzag fold is easier than for other types of fold, as all pages can be set to the same size. Important technical specifications:
- A bleed of at least 2–3 mm all round
- All pages are the same size – no need to cut and paste as with the Wrap fold
- Set the full bleed: For a 6-page DIN long layout, the open format must be 315 x 210 mm plus bleed
Zigzag fold Flyer can be printed on various types of paper:
- Offset paper for cost-effective solutions
- Matt or gloss art paper for a high-quality finish
- Uncoated paper for environmental projects
- Recycled paper with environmental certifications
- Grammages ranging from 80 to 450 g/m², depending on requirements
The printing options are very flexible:
- Small print runs: available from as little as 10 copies
- Medium print runs: 25–1,000 copies is ideal
- Large print runs: up to several thousand copies
- Volume discounts: significant savings on larger orders
Two high-quality finishing options are available to enhance the look of your zigzag-folded leaflets:
- Cellophane wrapping available in a matt, gloss or soft-touch finish for protection and a pleasant feel
- Film embossing in shades of gold, silver or copper for elegant accents and striking highlights
Pricing depends on various factors:
- Print run: larger print runs result in lower unit prices
- Format and number of pages
- Paper quality and grammage
- Finishing options
- Delivery time: Express services incur an additional charge
Leaflets with a gate fold
- A sheet folded once down the middle results in 4 pages.
- A clear, well-organised structure for content.
- Ideal for invitations, information and product presentations.
- Example: Invitation to an exclusive opening event
- Compact size, easy to apply.
- Optional with finishing
Half-fold flyer
- Two folds: the sheet is folded horizontally once and vertically once: 8 compact pages.
- Perfect for large-scale plans, posters, city or location maps, information sheets and product overviews.
- Example: trade fair flyer or comprehensive information leaflet
- Compact final format: small and easy to distribute.
Window fold / Altar fold leaflet
- Two sides are folded towards the centre, resulting in 6 clearly structured pages.
- It opens like a window or an altar.
- Example: Image brochures for property or luxury brands
- Compact when closed, working surface unfolded.
- For invitations, promotional leaflets and high-quality brochures.
Zigzag fold / fan fold
- Two folds: the sheet is folded once horizontally and once vertically: 6 to 10 pages.
- Ideal for plans, posters, images or infographics.
- Example: City map or events calendar
- Compact and handy: large surface area: when folded, the flyer is easy to hand out or post.
Zigzag fold / fan fold – the versatile folding technique with a wow factor
The Zigzag fold, also fanfold or Z-fold known as the ‘accordion fold’, is one of the most popular folding methods in modern printing. It involves folding a printed sheet several times in parallel, alternating between forwards and backwards. This creates a structure reminiscent of an accordion: compactly folded, but unfolding in a single movement to form a long, continuous surface. Ideal for presenting a lot of information in a clear and stylish way.
Where the name comes from
The term „Leporello“ comes from Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni. In it, the character Leporello carries around an endlessly folded list of his master’s amorous escapades; the Leporello fold is based precisely on this principle. The name „zigzag fold“ simply describes the Z-shaped structure of the fold.
How the zigzag fold works
Unlike the Wrap fold, in which all sides are folded in the same direction, whereas in a zigzag fold the folding directions alternate. This creates a harmonious, uniform structure that is easy to open and close.
All pages are the same size, which makes both the design and the production straightforward.
Two methods are used in print production:
- Pocket fold (compression fold) – fast and efficient, ideal for larger print runs.
- sword fold – a little slower, but with particularly precise fold lines.
Variants & formats
The number of folds determines how many pages are produced:
| Fold lines | Pages | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | Double zigzag fold |
| 3 | 8 | Triple zigzag fold |
| 4 | 10 | Quadruple zigzag fold |
| 5+ | 12-16 | Multiple zigzag fold |
Zigzag-folded products are available in many formats – from A7 to A3, in the Portrait or landscape format, as DIN long (105 × 210 mm) or in the square format.
If you're looking for something special, you can have custom sizes made to order.
Areas of application
The zigzag fold is a versatile option and is used in many different areas:
Advertising & Marketing
– Product overviews, promotional leaflets or exhibition stands featuring a consistent design
Catering & Hospitality
– handy food and drink menus, promotional leaflets, hotel services
Culture & Events
– Programme booklets, city or museum guides, festival programmes
Education & Information
– Teaching materials, lesson plans or step-by-step guides
Technology & Industry
– Product comparisons, data sheets and technical overviews
Particularly in the tourism industry The fanfold is a popular choice – for example, for panoramic maps or travel itineraries. Museums and galleries also use it for exhibition guides and artist brochures.
What makes the zigzag fold special
The main advantage lies in the consistent design.
Text, images and graphics can span several pages, creating – when unfolded – a striking overall picture. You can read it page by page, open it partially or unfold it completely, always with a little surprise in store.
Three typical levels of analysis:
- Closed: Compact format, everything at a glance.
- Partially open: Selected information is displayed.
- Fully unfolded: stunning panorama.
Design & Layout
To ensure the design looks perfect, you should decide early on whether the motif throughout or by segment is being built.
A few tips:
- Important information should remain visible even when the leaflet is folded.
- Contact details should be displayed on the outside.
- Graphics can easily extend across the fold lines – this enhances the panoramic effect.
- Technically speaking, 3 mm bleed and Safety clearances from the fold edges important.
Paper & Finishing
The right material gives the Leporello its character.
Popular types of paper:
- Offset paper (80–120 g/m²) – affordable and versatile
- Art paper (135–250 g/m²) – perfect for vibrant colours
- Unbleached or recycled paper – for sustainable projects
- Cardboard up to 350 g/m² – for particularly sturdy versions
Finishing options:
- UV varnish for a high-gloss finish and protection
- Lamination (matt, gloss or soft-touch)
- Emulsion or textured paint for a distinctive feel
Production, Quality & Costs
Printing is usually done in offset printing (large print runs, top-quality colour) or in the Digital printing (small quantities, customisable, fast).
Every production run goes through several quality control stages, from data verification and colour checking to final inspection.
The costs depend on Print run, format, paper and finish from.
Standard delivery times are three to five working days; express production is available within 24 to 48 hours.
Sustainability
More and more printing companies are opting for environmentally friendly production:
- FSC®-certified or recycled paper
- Carbon-neutral printing through carbon offsetting
- Energy-optimised processes for resource-efficient manufacturing
Recent developments
The zigzag fold is keeping up with the times:
New folding machines deliver even more precise results – even with non-standard formats.
QR codes, NFC chips and AR markers link print media with digital content.
Innovative Cradle-to-Cradle papers enable full recycling.
Do you have any questions?
We advise you personally.
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