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CocoFormula
Participant
March 7, 2012
Question

How to set up a tri-fold brochure?

  • March 7, 2012
  • 3 replies
  • 74729 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

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    CocoFormulaAuthor
    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?

    A
    Anonymous
    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

      E
      Community Expert
      Eugene TysonCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 6, 2012

      Would the same setup apply if you were using CS6?


      Why wouldn't it?

      A
      Anonymous
      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
      Grant HCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 7, 2012

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

      G

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