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Participant
March 7, 2012
Question

How to set up a tri-fold brochure?

  • March 7, 2012
  • 3 replies
  • 74732 views

How would I set up a tri-fold brochure in InDesign? I use InDesign CS 5.5 and I know they have a new method which is supposed to be easier since now you can break up pages or what not. There is also the old method which is harder manually, how would I do either? I've never created a tri-fold brochure previous to this usually my brochures have been the saddlestiche ones which are much easier to set up. How would I create a tri-fold? I am looking for the method there is one panel that is shorter(to fold in) and also the one where all panels are equal in size.

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3 replies

Participant
March 8, 2012

I guess just regular paper 8.5 in by 11 in but would I need to make the actual trim smaller so I can fit in bleeds or is that not necessary? So how would I set it up with guides? Could you walk me through the process? And if you know the other method could you teach me that as well?

March 8, 2012

create a 'new' document--letter size--orientation landscape--set bleed to .125"--two pages.

1st page will be the outside--temporarily move ruler origin to top right corner--set a guide at -3.6875" and another at -7.375"

go to page two--double click the ruler origin to return it to the default upper left corner--put a guide at 3.6875 and another at 7.375

lock the guides---design away:

art that bleeds needs to extend to the bleed lines--ideally the gudes show you the panel sizes--center your art in each panel.

this will net you a piece that is exactly 8.5 x 11 and it will fold where your guide lines are--it's called a standard 'letter' fold (the inside panel is 1/16" smaller than the other two panels. panel sizes are 3-11/16, 3-11/16, 3-5/8--outside of brochure has shorter panel on the left--inside of brochure has shorter on the right)

note: this will need to print on paper that is larger than 8.5x11 to allow for bleeds and trim--(further note--standard ream wrapped paper is actually slightly shoter than 11").

the 'other' method (in my opinion) is more complicated and more time consuming

Community Expert
March 9, 2012

Would I need to set margins for each panel so that it doesn't hit the fold? If so how would I do that with guides? If I wanted to do this with any size paper I would basically divide the paper into 3 sections correct? Then I would have one side where it is 1/16th shorter no matter the paper size? Would I have facing pages? Would there be a specific order I would have to place the content in order for it to turn up correctly? When I print it how would I know where to fold or the the piece off? How should I print it? So I would have to move the origin of the ruler to lock into the trim(black line area) how would I move it or do you mean to flip the ruler? Is there a way to measure it precise at any page size?

The other method you refer to is using the cs5 page shuffle to create the brochure?

@Manish_1988

Thanks I actually have seen those two but I was wondering is there any other ways to do it. Also I wonder for the second link if you would just basically switch the position of the guideline. I also wonder if the columns are a good idea. Also I wonder how would you know where to cut the extra 1/16th inch or fold the paper.


http://publicious.net/2009/01/15/try-to-tri-fold-correctly/

March 7, 2012

25 years in the printing business and....the 'old' method still works best--one panel needs to be 1/16" shorter than the other two--tell me the 'final folded size' and I will even do the math for placement of guides.

Grant H
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 7, 2012

the best way depends how you setting the artwork over the "pages"

G