Fold marks

[gwh]

Hi everyone,

I've got a roll fold brochure that I'm about to send off to the printer, but I'm a bit worried about whether I've got the fold marks located correctly. The brochure has 4 panels each on the front and back, and the finished folded size is 105mm in width by 215mm in height. I've made the front and back panels (the first two panels) both 105mm in width, and then the third and fourth panels 102.5mm and 101mm respectively (which are the panels which will roll inward), and then obviously reversed the positions on the back.

I even get confused which width to make the panels on a common 3-panel DL brochure so I'm really worried about whether I've got the fold marks placed correctly on this current job. Is it true that you have to consult your printer to find out where to place these fold marks so that they will be compatible with the folding machine, or does the printer just go by what you've placed it the file?

Would really appreciate any advice offered.

[Sparky]

In my book it's a better idea to print out a laser proof on oversized paper and create an accurate "rule-out" as well as an actual size (and accurately folded) F.P.O. sample so the printer has something to follow. Whenever I receive a job with any kind of manual "marks" I end up deleting them before going to RIP. The last thing I need is for some pressman to not see the marks and hone them off and end up running the entire job with "marks" all over the page. :roll:

[duck]

If you send it to the shop I work in, it becomes my responsibility to make sure the panels are the correct size for folding. I know there are print shops who don't double check those things though, hopefully you've got one that does.

Sounds like you know what you're doing though.

I've made the front and back panels (the first two panels) both 105mm in width, and then the third and fourth panels 102.5mm and 101mm respectively (which are the panels which will roll inward), and then obviously reversed the positions on the back.

I don't know what that converts to in inches, but the idea is exactly right having the front and back panels the same, and the incrementally smaller panels folding in. I wish my clients would get that right!

[tuff_gong]

Couple of points:
1. The stock can make or break a fold - you can have a laser print on 24# come out fine, but if the jobs prints on 100# chromecoat.....
2. A safe step is to leave enough margin in your layout to minimize miscalculated folds. Betweeen the plate (or film and plate) and press and folder and cutter, you have multiple chances for a misalignment.

[JoePixel]

Sounds like you have the right idea, but like the above comment, it depends on the stock.

Normally, the print shop should handle it, but if you take it into your own hands then it is never a bad thing.

When you give it to your printer, just make sure you communicate the fact that you created the short panels. Make sure you also give them a folding sample to show how it folds.

Good job, creating the short panels, I wish all designers would do that.