Do I need to score paper before folding a brochure?

Scoring creates a pressed guide line that lets heavier paper fold cleanly instead of cracking along the crease. Whether you need it depends on the stock.

• Cover-weight stock (anything heavier than 80 lb text): score before folding to prevent cracking, especially where a fold crosses printed ink.
• Lighter text-weight paper: usually folds cleanly without scoring.
• Ordering from a printer: commercial printers usually score cover stock during production, so ask before you prep it yourself.