Zigzag fold / Leporello fold
Create & print zigzag fold / fanfold - quickly and professionally
Zigzag fold / fanfold flyer printing at WENZEL
Zigzag fold / fanfold compact, creative, eye-catching
The zigzag fold, also known as the fanfold, is one of the most exciting folds of all. The paper is folded several times, alternately to the front and back. This creates a kind of accordion that can be unfolded until a long, continuous surface is created.
Incidentally, the name "Leporello" comes from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni: The figure is carrying around an endlessly folded list, which is exactly what this Flyer only more beautiful.
How the zigzag fold is constructed
Due to the alternating folding, the Flyer Flexible: handy when folded, impressive when unfolded. Depending on the fold, there are usually six to ten pages - enough space for pictures, text and graphics that can extend over several surfaces.
- Sheet folded once in the middle, results in 4 pages.
- Clear, concise structure for content.
- Ideal for invitations, information, product presentations.
- Example: Invitation to an exclusive opening event
- Compact format, easy to distribute.
- Optionally with finishing
- Two fractions: The sheet is folded once horizontally and once vertically: 8 compact pages.
- Perfect for large plans, posters, city or location maps, information sheets and product overviews.
- Example: Exhibition flyer or comprehensive information card
- Compact end format: small and easy to distribute.
- Two sides are folded to the center, resulting in 6 clearly structured pages.
- Opens like a window or altar.
- Example: Image flyers for real estate or luxury brands
- Compactly closed, effective area unfolded.
- For invitations, image flyers and high-quality offers.
- Multi-folded sheet: pages are wrapped. 6 to 12 pages.
- Ideal for structured, continuous content.
- Example: Product presentation for new cosmetics line
- Compact format, large unfolded.
- Price lists, imagebrochures and events.
FAQs on the zigzag fold (fanfold): trends, foil embossing, formats
What is a zigzag fold / fanfold Flyer?
A zigzag fold, also known as a fanfold, is a special type of paper folding in which the sheet is folded alternately forwards and backwards. This creates a shape that is reminiscent of an accordion: compactly folded, but unfolded into a long, continuous surface with a flick of the wrist. Incidentally, the term "Leporello" comes from a character in Mozart's opera Don Giovanni back she was carrying an endlessly folded list, which gave this folding principle its name.
Are there sustainable printing options?
Yes, many print shops offer environmentally friendly alternatives:
- Recycled paper made from 100% waste paper
- FSC-certified Papers from sustainable forestry
- Natural paper without bleaching
- Climate-neutral printing through CO2 compensation
- Mineral oil-free printing inks based on vegetable oil
How does the zigzag fold differ from the Wrap fold?
How many pages have zigzag folds Flyer?
Zigzag fold Flyer are available with different page numbers:
- 6 pages (2-fold)
- 8 pages (3-fold)
- 10 pages (4-fold)
- 12-14 pages for more extensive content
The number of pages depends on the number of fold breaks.
What formats are available for zigzag folds Flyer?
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 from 105 x 105 mm to larger variants
- Individual special formats according to customer requirements
The DIN long format is particularly popular as it is ideal for display stands.
For what purposes are zigzag folds suitable? Flyer?
Zigzag fold Flyer are versatile and can be used for:
- Takeaway menus in the gastronomy sector
- Image brochures as a compact replacement for extensive catalogs
- Program booklets for events and functions
- Product information at trade fairs and exhibitions
- Offer flyers and price lists for service providers
- Site plans and overview maps
What special advantages does the zigzag fold offer?
The zigzag fold offers several unique advantages:
- Flexible viewing: The folder can be opened at any position
- Continuous design: motifs can extend across the entire surface
- Structured information: Enables step-by-step information transfer from the outside to the inside
- High attention value: the unusual unfolding creates surprise effects
How are print data for zigzag folds Flyer created?
Creating print data for zigzag folds is easier than for other fold types, as all pages can be created in the same size. Important technical specifications:
- Circumferential bleed of at least 2-3 mm
- All sides the same size - no overlapping as with the Wrap fold
- Create full size: For a DIN long 6-pager, the open format 315 x 210 mm plus bleed must be created
What paper options are available?
Zigzag fold Flyer can be printed on different types of paper:
- Offset paper for cost-effective solutions
- Matt or glossy picture printing paper for a high-quality look
- Natural paper for ecological projects
- Recycled paper with environmental certifications
- Grammages from 80 to 450 g/m² depending on requirements
How many copies can I order?
The support options are very flexible:
- Short runs: already possible from 10 pieces
- Medium print runs: 25-1,000 pieces optimal
- Large print runs: up to several thousand copies
- Volume discounts: significant price advantages for higher quantities
What finishing options are available?
Two high-quality finishes are available to enhance the zigzag fold flyers:
Cellophane wrapping in matt, glossy or soft-touch for protection and a pleasant feel
foil stamping in gold, silver or copper tones for elegant accents and special highlights
What does a zigzag fold cost Flyer?
Pricing depends on various factors:
- Circulation: higher quantities lead to lower unit prices
- Format and number of pages
- Paper quality and grammage
- Finishing options
- Delivery time: Express services cost extra
Flyer - Zigzag fold (fanfold): Variants and possible applications
Zigzag fold / fanfold - the flexible folding technique with a wow effect
The Zigzag foldalso Leporello fold or Z-fold is one of the most popular types of fold in modern printing. A printed sheet is folded several times in parallel, alternately to the front and back. This creates a structure that is reminiscent of an accordion: compactly folded, but unfolded into a long, continuous surface with a flick of the wrist. Ideal if you want to present a lot of information clearly and stylishly.
Where the name comes from
The term "Leporello" comes from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. There, the character Leporello carries around an endlessly folded list of his master's amorous adventures - and it is precisely this principle that the Leporello fold takes up. The name "zigzag fold" simply describes the Z-shaped structure of the fold.
How the zigzag fold works
In contrast to the Wrap foldwhere all sides are folded in the same direction, the zigzag fold alternates the folding directions. This results in a harmonious, even structure that is easy to open and close.
All pages are the same size, which makes both design and production uncomplicated.
Two methods are used in print production:
Pocket rebate (upsetting rebate) - fast and efficient, ideal for larger print runs.
Swordfold - somewhat slower, but with particularly precise folded edges.
Variants & formats
The number of fold breaks determines how many pages are produced:
| Fold breaks | Pages | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 formatas DIN long (105 × 210 mm) or in the square format.
If you want something special, you can have custom sizes made.
Areas of application
The zigzag fold is an all-rounder and is used in many areas:
Advertising & Marketing
- Product overviews, image flyers or trade fair stands with a consistent design
Gastronomy & hotel industry
- handy food and drink menus, offer flyers, hotel services
Culture & Events
- Program booklets, city or museum guides, festival schedules
Education & Information
- Teaching materials, flowcharts or step-by-step instructions
Technology & Industry
- Product comparisons, data sheets and technical overviews
Especially in the Tourism industry the fanfold is popular for panoramic maps or travel itineraries, for example. Museums and galleries also use it for exhibition guides and artist folders.
The special feature of the zigzag fold
The great advantage lies in the consistent design.
Text, images and graphics can extend over several pages and, when unfolded, create an impressive overall picture. You can read it page by page, open it partially or pull it open completely, always with a little surprise effect.
Three typical viewing levels:
Closed: compact format, everything at a glance.
Partially open: selected information visible.
Fully unfolded: impressive panorama.
Design & Layout
To ensure that the design looks perfect, it should be decided early on whether the motif continuous or in segments is built up.
A few tips:
Important information should remain visible even when folded.
Contact details belong on the outside.
Graphics can run over folded edges - this emphasizes the panorama effect.
Technically are 3 mm bleed and Safety distances to the rebate edges important.
Paper & finishing
The right material gives the Leporello character.
Popular paper types:
Offset paper (80-120 g/m²) - inexpensive and versatile
Picture printing paper (135-250 g/m²) - perfect for brilliant colors
Natural or recycled paper - for sustainable projects
Cardboard up to 350 g/m² - for particularly stable variants
Finishing options:
UV coating for intense shine and protection
Cellophane coating (matt, glossy or soft-touch)
Dispersion or textured lacquer for a special feel
Production, quality & costs
Printing is mostly done in Offset process (high print runs, best color quality) or in the Digital printing (small quantities, customizable, fast).
Each production runs through several quality stages, from data checking and color control to final approval.
The costs depend on Edition, format, paper and finishing from.
Standard delivery times are three to five working days, express productions are possible within 24 to 48 hours.
Sustainability
More and more print shops are focusing on environmentally friendly production:
Climate-neutral printing through CO₂ compensation
Energy-optimized processes for resource-saving production
Modern developments
The zigzag fold moves with the times:
QR codes, NFC chips or AR markers link print with digital content.
Innovative Cradle-to-cradle papers enable complete recycling.
New folding machines ensure even more precise results - even with special formats.
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