A gatefold leaflet is a folded leaflet with two outer panels that open inwards towards a larger central panel. The outer sections act like doors, revealing the main information in the centre when the leaflet is opened.
This makes gatefold leaflet printing particularly useful when one message, image or section deserves to be the main focus. The format creates a clear sequence, from the initial front panels to the larger central reveal.
ABC Service prints gatefold leaflets on a flat A5, A4 or A3 sheet. The selected paper size refers to the unfolded sheet before it is creased and folded, not the finished folded measurement.
What makes a gatefold leaflet different
A gatefold leaflet is designed around the reveal of its central panel. When closed, the two outer panels meet towards the centre. When opened, they move outwards to expose the larger central area.
This structure can help you organise information in a simple way:
- The outer panels introduce the subject or carry the front-facing message.
- The inward-folding panels encourage the reader to open the leaflet.
- The central panel presents the most important information, image or call to action.
- The reverse side provides supporting details, contact information or further explanation.
A gatefold leaflet works best when the central panel is treated as the destination of the reader’s journey.
It is different from a leaflet with one central fold, where the sheet simply opens into two halves. It is also different from a C-fold, accordion fold, Z-fold or double-fold leaflet, because the two outer sections of a gatefold open towards a larger centrepiece.
When gatefold leaflet printing is useful
Gatefold leaflets can suit projects where presentation, sequence and visual impact matter. The format gives the reader a reason to handle the leaflet and discover the central section.
Typical applications include:
Company and service brochures
A company brochure can use the outer panels for a concise introduction before opening into a wider overview of services, capabilities or key projects.
The central panel may contain:
- A summary of the organisation
- A principal service or solution
- A large brand image
- A series of key benefits
- A clear enquiry route
This arrangement helps separate the first impression from the more detailed information that follows.
Event and exhibition information
Gatefold leaflets can organise event details in a clear and visually engaging format. The outside can introduce the event, while the central panel presents the main programme information, venue details or visitor guidance.
They can be useful for:
- Conferences
- Business exhibitions
- Open days
- Cultural events
- Community projects
- Launch events
- Visitor attractions
The fold can also help divide information into pre-event, during-event and follow-up sections.
Property and venue information
A large central panel provides room for a strong photograph, floor plan, location map or venue overview. The outer panels can provide an introduction, key facts and contact details.
For property and venue projects, careful planning is important. Maps and diagrams should be positioned so they remain easy to understand when the leaflet is opened fully.
Fundraising and community campaigns
A gatefold leaflet can give a campaign a clear emotional and practical structure. The outer panels might introduce the organisation and its purpose, while the central panel explains the project, its impact and how people can support it.
This format can work well when the story needs to develop gradually rather than being presented as a single block of text.
Product launches and premium promotions
Gatefold brochures can give a product launch a stronger sense of occasion. The centre can be used for the main product image, launch message, specifications or supporting visuals.
The design does not need to be complicated. A restrained layout with clear typography and one strong central message can be more effective than filling every panel.
Select the flat paper size
The product is available in three flat paper sizes:
- A5 measuring 148 × 210mm
- A4 measuring 210 × 297mm
- A3 measuring 297 × 420mm
These are the measurements of the sheet before folding. The finished size and panel arrangement will depend on the selected flat size and the gatefold layout.
A5 can suit compact information and handout projects. A4 provides more room for service details, supporting information and images. A3 offers a larger canvas for maps, visual storytelling, diagrams and substantial central artwork.
Before designing, make a simple paper mock-up using a blank sheet in the selected size. Fold the two outer panels towards the centre and label each area. This will show how the content is viewed when the leaflet is closed and how the central reveal works when it is opened.
Choose the media and finish
ABC Service offers a wide range of media for gatefold leaflet printing:
- 130gsm Silk
- 150gsm Silk
- 250gsm Silk
- 350gsm Silk
- 120gsm Uncoated
- 300gsm Uncoated
- 140gsm Gesso
- 300gsm Gesso
- 400gsm Artboard
- 280gsm Kraft
- Waterproof 260gsm at 195 microns
- Waterproof 365gsm at 270 microns
GSM means grams per square metre. It is a useful indication of the weight of the paper, with a higher GSM generally meaning a heavier or more substantial sheet.
Micron refers to thickness. A higher micron usually indicates a more rigid material. Waterproof media can provide additional resistance where the printed material may be exposed to moisture.
The surface descriptions also indicate how the finished leaflet feels. Silk has a smooth surface, uncoated paper has a more natural writing-friendly feel, Gesso provides a distinctive textured finish and Kraft offers a warmer paper appearance.
Available lamination options are:
- No Laminate
- Matt Laminate
- Gloss Laminate
- Soft Touch Laminate
Matt laminate reduces surface shine, gloss laminate creates a brighter reflective finish and soft-touch laminate gives the sheet a smoother, tactile coating. Lamination can affect how the colours, photographs and text appear, so it is worth considering the intended use before choosing a finish.
The live product configuration should always be checked before ordering, as media and finish availability depends on the options selected.
Prepare artwork for the gatefold layout
Start your artwork at the selected flat A5, A4 or A3 sheet size. Add 3mm bleed on every outer edge so background colours and images extend beyond the cutting area.
Do not invent a separate universal artwork size for every gatefold project. The correct working size is based on the selected flat paper size, together with the required bleed.
Keep the following points in mind:
- Treat the larger central panel as the main visual destination.
- Plan the two outer panels as inward-folding sections.
- Keep important text, logos and small details away from creases.
- Avoid placing faces, fine lines or essential parts of images directly over folds.
- Check the panel order on both sides of the sheet.
- Make sure directional graphics still make sense when the leaflet is closed.
- Use safe margins around all key content.
- Proofread every phone number, web address, heading and call to action.
- Print a paper mock-up and fold it before uploading the final file.
Fold tolerances can affect artwork that runs very close to a crease. A physical mock-up gives you a practical way to check the reading order, panel alignment and central reveal before production.
Folded or flat and creased
The live product information explains that gatefold leaflets printed on 130gsm Silk, 150gsm Silk, 120gsm Uncoated and 140gsm Gesso are supplied folded.
Other media are supplied flat but creased to make folding easier. This can be useful for heavier stocks and board materials, particularly where the customer wishes to handle or fold the leaflets at a later stage.
The available choice is shown as Folded or Flat on the product page. Check the live configuration for the selected paper, finish and size before placing the order.
Printing on both sides
The product description states that gatefold leaflets are printed on both sides, providing space for the outer panels, central content and supporting information.
However, the live configuration displays a Folded or Flat selection rather than a separate single-sided or double-sided selector. If your project has a specific requirement for how both sides should be printed, check the current product configuration or contact our team before uploading artwork.
Quantities and despatch choices
Gatefold leaflet printing is available in quantities from 1 to 10,000, making the format suitable for small presentation packs, targeted campaigns and larger distribution projects.
The live page shows these despatch choices:
- 3–5 working days
- 2 working days
- 1 working day
The available timing can depend on the selected media, finish, quantity, folding choice and artwork. Check the live product page for the current options before ordering.
Gatefold leaflets compared with other folds
The best fold depends on how your information should be opened and read.
- A single-fold leaflet opens across one central crease.
- A double-fold leaflet creates a different multi-panel arrangement through two folds.
- An accordion-fold leaflet opens in a concertina sequence.
- A C-fold leaflet folds sections in the same general direction.
- A Z-fold leaflet uses alternating folds to create a zig-zag sequence.
- A gatefold leaflet uses two outer panels that open towards a larger centre panel.
If the main message deserves a deliberate reveal, gatefold leaflet printing can provide a particularly suitable structure.
Printed in Tavistock and delivered across the UK
ABC Service produces gatefold leaflets in-house at 69 West Street, Tavistock, Devon. Local customers can arrange collection and discuss paper choices, finishes, artwork planning and folding requirements with our team.
We also provide UK-wide delivery for organisations elsewhere in the country. Our leaflet printing service includes a range of folded formats, while our wider printing services cover many other business and promotional requirements.
If you need help preparing the artwork, our graphic design service can help develop a print-ready layout around the central panel, outer folds and intended reading order.
Order gatefold leaflet printing
A gatefold leaflet is a useful choice when you want the reader to open two outer panels and discover a larger central message. It can support company brochures, event information, venue details, community campaigns, product launches and premium promotional material.
Visit the Gatefold Leaflet Printing product page to select the flat paper size, media, lamination, quantity and folded or flat presentation.
Summary and takeaway
Gatefold leaflet printing creates a distinctive opening experience by folding two outer panels towards a larger central panel. The paper size refers to the flat unfolded sheet, with A5, A4 and A3 options available.
For the best result, plan the central reveal first, use a blank paper mock-up, allow 3mm bleed on every outer edge and keep essential content away from creases. Check the live configuration for media availability, folding presentation, finishing and despatch before ordering.
A carefully planned gatefold leaflet gives important information a clear centrepiece and a memorable route through the message.