What paper should be used for custom folding projects?

For projects with multiple folds, reach for a text-weight paper rather than a heavy cover stock. Cover stock is stiff, and when it is folded repeatedly the coating and fibers can crack along the crease, leaving a visible white line.

• Use text weight for multi-fold pieces: it folds cleanly and resists cracking.
• Reserve cover stock for single folds or flat cards: its rigidity works against tight or repeated creases.
• Score before folding: a pressed crease guides the fold and greatly reduces cracking, even on heavier stock.
• Watch ink at the fold: dense coverage over a crease chips more easily than a light or unprinted fold line.

For complex fold layouts, it is worth having a bindery review the design before you commit to a stock.