How do I make sure my tri-fold panels are the right size?

The trick with a tri-fold is that the three panels are not all the same width. The panel that folds in first has to be slightly narrower so it can nest inside without forcing the brochure to bulge or buckle.

• Make the inside (first-folding) panel about 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch narrower than the others.
• Keep the front and back panels at full width.
• Set up your fold guides in the design file so text and images do not cross a fold line awkwardly.
• Add bleed on all outer edges so trimming leaves no white slivers.

Getting the inside panel right is what makes a tri-fold close flat and feel clean instead of springing open.