Rollfolding

Rollfolding, or roll folding, is a paper finishing technique used in printing to produce a multi-panel sheet with several parallel folds. The method creates a long, narrow sequence of panels that can be opened step by step to reveal information along the length of the piece. Roll folds are commonly applied to brochures, inserts, maps, and instruction sheets where a compact, continuous reading surface is desirable.

Technique and configurations: The sheet is creased along multiple parallel lines. A folding machine or hand-folder applies successive folds in the same direction, so the panels stack or roll into the finished form. Typical configurations include three- or four-panel formats; some roll folds use a double parallel arrangement where the outer panels fold inward to form a compact unit. Proper ordering of the folds ensures that each panel appears in the correct position when the piece is fully opened or rolled out.

Materials and quality considerations: Paper choice, thickness, moisture content, grain direction, and the accuracy of crease lines influence fold quality and can affect edge cracking on heavier stocks. Scoring helps reduce cracking on coated or thick paper. Because the fold lines run parallel, tolerances in trimming and fold alignment are important for clean edges and consistent panel presentation.

Applications and relation to other folds: Roll folding is widely used for marketing materials and informational sheets where a long, continuous surface is advantageous. Related finishing methods include accordion folds, Z-folds, and gate folds, which achieve different panel arrangements and reading sequences.