Z-Fold & Gatefold Cards

Z-Fold and Gatefold cards are folded card styles with 2 scores that create a more interactive layout than a standard folded card. This article explains what each product is, how the folds work, and when each style may be a good fit for your design.

What Are Z-Fold Cards?

Z-Fold cards are three-panel folded cards that open in a zig-zag style. They’re a great option for designs that need multiple sections, like programs, menus, event details, timelines, invitations, or small brochures.

Z-Fold cards have three panels on each side of the card. The way those panels fold changes how your design is viewed once the card is folded and opened.

There are two common Z-Fold styles:

• Book Style Z-Fold
• Accordion Style Z-Fold

Book Style Z-Fold Cards

A Book Style Z-Fold opens more like a traditional greeting card or small booklet.

The left panel folds inward first, and the right panel becomes the front cover when the card is folded. When opened, the inside panels read left to right in a natural reading order.

This style works well for:

• Invitations with a front cover
• Programs
• Menus
• Designs that should open like a booklet
• Layouts with a clear front, inside, and back

Book Style Z-Folds are a good choice when you want the folded piece to feel more like a card, but still want the extra space of three panels.

Accordion Style Z-Fold Cards

An Accordion Style Z-Fold folds back and forth in opposite directions, creating a true “Z” shape when viewed from the side.

One panel folds forward, and the other folds backward. When fully opened, all three panels are visible as one continuous spread.

This style works well for:

• Timelines
• Event schedules
• Brochure-style layouts
• Designs that flow across all three panels

Accordion Style Z-Folds are a great fit when you want the design to unfold as one connected layout.

What Are Gatefold Cards?

Gatefold cards are folded cards with two side panels that open from the center, similar to two doors opening outward.

The two outside panels fold inward and meet in the middle. When opened, they reveal the larger inside panel or full interior design.

Gatefold cards work well for:

• Invitations
• Announcements
• Menus
• Programs
• Statement pieces with a reveal
• Designs where the center panel is the main focus

This fold style creates a polished, layered presentation and gives your design a more dramatic opening moment.

Important File Setup Note

Z-Fold and Gatefold cards need to be set up differently than standard folded cards. Panel order, fold direction, and artwork placement matter for these products.

Before creating your print files, download the correct template and review the file setup instructions for your selected fold style.

Related Articles:

• Z-Fold Print File Setup
• Gatefold Card Print File Setup
• How to Place an Order with PrintsWell