The FOLDRite™ system utilizes a logical and organized system of naming conventions, numbering, and folding compensation formulas to standardize brochure folding for consistent and predictable results. The System facilitates clear communication between design and printing/finishing professionals, and serves as a springboard for creativity and intellectual / practical discussion.

FOLDRite™ offers:

Each of the 186 folding styles in the FOLDRite™ system has its own unique name and number. Folding styles are first classified into one of 8 folding families—Accordions, Basics, Exotics, Gates, Maps, Parallels, Posters, and Rolls—based upon certain distinctive characteristics. Once classified into a folding family, each folding style is given a unique name and number, either of which can be used independently when referring to the specific folding style.


Every folding style is given a level. There are four levels: 1, 2, 3, and S (specialty). A level 1 fold is the most cost-effective option—easy to set up on the folding machine, and allowing the machinery to run at its highest speeds. Difficulty, cost issues, and operator skill or machinery requirements increase as the level advances. The level is an important part of the FOLDRite™ system, guiding the user to folding styles that suit their budget and resources.


FOLDRite™ folding styles are provided in diagram with formulas for proper folding compensation in the digital document. Visual aids regarding placement of covers and other layout cues are provided as well. Quite possibly the most important and valuable element of the FOLDRite™ system, these formulas ensure predictable results and consistency from the design phase of the job to the finishing stages. Whether files are submitted by designer or prepress professional, the digital documents will be prepared and compensated correctly*—saving time, money and resources.


The FOLDRite™ system maintains a strong focus on education of the user, providing comprehensive technical considerations for each individual folding style in the system. From warnings regarding paper weight and scoring, to budgetary, auto-insertion, and postal regulation concerns, the considerations panel addresses the most important issues up-front for each folding style. Additional tips, ideas, and suggestions of similar folding styles to explore provide the user with the maximum information to make a confident and educated decision for their unique project.

* It is recommended that users confirm with bindery / printer regarding folding style & compensation values due to variation in paper choice, etc.

  
     
     
 


Using FOLD: The Professional's Guide to Folding, choose a folding style. To find your fold by sight, look through the visual index for a snapshot and vital stats on every fold in the FOLDRite™ system or flip through the book. If you know your FOLDRite™ fold by name, simply look it up in the folding list.


Review the four pages of comprehensive information about the folding style. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is this folding style appropriate for my project?

  • What are the considerations?

  • Does the level of difficulty for this fold suit my budget / resources?

  • Have I explored all of my options?

  • Do I understand the diagram, and do I have any questions for my printer?


Optional, but recommended, especially for technically difficult and specialty folds. Talk to your printer about the chosen folding style, make sure he is in agreement with the compensations on the diagram and that he is capable of producing the fold, and ask for a folding dummy in the specified stock.


Go to FOLDfactory.com if you are a subscriber or follow the diagram and build the digital document in a page layout application. Perform a quality check by printing out the file and folding it down to make sure all fold marks are placed correctly before design and production.


Design the brochure with confidence and enjoy predictable results every time!

     
 
Copyright 2003, Finishing Experts Group, Inc. FOLDRite™ is a trademark of Finishing Experts Group, Inc.