Z-Fold Print File Setup

Z-Fold cards can be folded in two primary ways: Book Style and Accordion Style. When setting up a Z-Fold card or brochure, it’s important to understand the difference.

Although both have three panels on each side of the card, the folding direction and layout order are very different. Setting up your file correctly ensures that the content appears in the right order once printed and folded. To help ensure you are setting up your files to receive your desired outcome, please check out our downloadable templates.

Book Style

A Book Style Z-Fold opens like a traditional greeting card or booklet.
The left panel folds inward first, and the right panel becomes the front cover when folded.

How It Folds

• The left panel folds forward, and the right panel folds backwards becoming the front.

• When opened, the panels read left-to-right in natural reading order.

File Setup

Front File (Outside Artwork):

1. Left Panel: Inside Flap – folds in first

2. Middle Panel: Inside Center

3. Right Panel: Front Cover – visible when folded

Back File (Inside Artwork):

1. Left Panel: Inside Left

2. Middle Panel: Inside Right

3. Right Panel: Back Cover – shows when opened

Accordion Style

An Accordion Style (Z-Fold) alternates folds in opposite directions. One panel folds forward, the other folds back to create a continuous “Z” shape when opened.

How It Folds

• The left panel folds backward, and the right panel folds forward.

• When fully opened, all three panels are visible in a continuous spread.

File Setup

Front File (Outside Artwork):

1. Left Panel: Front Cover

2. Middle Panel: Inside Center Panel

3. Right Panel: Outside Right (when opened)

Back File (Inside Artwork):

1. Left Panel: Back Panel (when folded)

2. Middle Panel: Inside Center

3. Right Panel: Inside Right (when opened)

Orientation

You can set up your z-fold card to be scored either vertically or horizontally.

Note: The back file panels for a horizontally scored z-fold card should be rotated 180° to appear upside down. This is due to us printing with the industry standard of printing head-to-head.

Summary Checklist:

Before submitting your z-fold card files, confirm the following:

• File is flat and unfolded

• Text and key elements are at least 0.25” from folds

• Score marks included only for custom sizes

• Orientation matches how the card will be read

Related Articles:

• Z-Fold & Gatefold Cards
  
• Creating Print Files for Folded Cards