What is paper grain direction?

Grain direction is the way most of the paper fibers line up during manufacturing. It is invisible on the surface but decisive when you fold or score, because paper behaves very differently along the grain versus across it.

• With the grain: folds and scores are clean and smooth because the fibers bend along their length.
• Against the grain: folding can crack or feather the sheet, especially on heavier or coated stock.
• Design tip: plan folds to run parallel to the grain so brochures and cards crease neatly.