How to set up panel widths for folded leaflets

Setting Up Your Document with Correct Panel Widths

The width of each panel on a folded leaflet depends on the paper size and folding style you choose. It is highly recommended that once you select your paper size and fold, you download our artwork templates from the product page. These templates will provide you with the precise panel widths required to set your artwork correctly.

Why Are Panel Widths Important?

Panel widths are critical in designing a folded leaflet. If they are not set correctly, your finished print may not align properly, causing other artwork elements in different panels to overlap or appear in the wrong panel.

For example, with an A4 landscape sheet folded into a 6-panel roll fold, the panels must range from smaller to larger to ensure the paper folds neatly into itself. If all panels were the same size, the fold wouldn’t be smooth, and the design would appear misaligned. Even a 1mm difference in panel widths is noticeable, so getting the measurements right is crucial for a professional result.

Setting Up Your Panel Widths

The size of the panels you require depends on the paper size and fold style for your design. As mentioned, we recommend downloading our artwork templates to get the precise panel widths for your specific design.

In this example, we'll use Adobe InDesign to set up an A4 Roll Fold leaflet.

Panel Widths for the A4 Roll Fold Leaflet

Outside panels (left to right):
98mm | 99mm | 100mm
Inside panels (left to right):
100mm | 99mm | 98mm

Setting Up Your Document with Correct Panel Widths

Setting Up Your Panel Widths

In this example, we'll use Adobe InDesign to set up an A4 Roll Fold leaflet.

Panel Widths for the A4 Roll Fold Leaflet

Outside panels (left to right):
98mm | 99mm | 100mm
Inside panels (left to right):
100mm | 99mm | 98mm

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Document in Adobe InDesign

Open the Ruler:
To begin, enable the ruler in InDesign by selecting Window > Show Ruler, or press CTRL + R (Windows) / CMD + R (Mac).
Set Up the Outside Page:
- Drag the ruler from the left-hand side and place it at the 98mm mark.
- Next, drag the ruler to the 197mm mark (98mm + 99mm).
- You will now have three panels running at 98mm x 99mm x 100mm.
Set Up the Inside Page:
- Repeat the process, but with the inside measurements: 100mm x 99mm x 98mm.
Final Layout:
- You should now have your document set up with guides to help keep your artwork aligned. Once you’ve completed your design, export it as a PDF. The rulers will not be shown on the artwork.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Misaligned Artwork: Ensure all key elements, such as text or logos, are placed within the designated panels and safe zone. If they fall too close to the fold or edge, they may get cut off or misaligned.
Ignoring Bleed: Make sure any background colour or images that extend to the edge of the page bleed into the document by at least 3mm. This prevents white gaps at the edges after trimming.
Incorrect Panel Widths: Even a 1mm difference can affect the final print, so always double-check the panel measurements in the artwork template.

Final Checklist Before Exporting

Check Panel Sizes: Ensure your panel widths match those specified in the template.
Verify Safe Zone: Keep all important content (text, logos, etc.) away from the folds and edges.
Review Bleed: Ensure bleed areas extend beyond the trim marks.
Use Artwork Templates: Double-check your design against our provided templates to confirm accuracy.

For additional guidance, download our artwork templates from the product page or consult our printing guidelines.