{"id":3812,"date":"2021-05-17T09:09:02","date_gmt":"2021-05-17T14:09:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/?p=3812"},"modified":"2026-02-23T16:29:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T21:29:58","slug":"stepped-accordion-fold-create-enviable-marketing-brochures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/on-press\/stepped-accordion-fold-create-enviable-marketing-brochures","title":{"rendered":"Stepped Accordion Fold: Create Enviable Marketing Brochures"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--the_content--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-6\"> <p>Brochures, advertisements, pamphlets&#8230; Whatever you call them, your marketing assets say a lot about your products and services. But they also need to reflect the professionalism of your company. A designer product from Foldfactory, the Stepped Accordion fold does both with panels that zig and zag as they tell your story. Add an edge to your collateral by following our design tips and learn why Foldfactory founder Trish Witkowski loves this fold.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <\/span><\/p> <h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2> <ul> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#striking-a-chord\">The Stepped Accordion fold offers a unique, linear layout that enhances readability and organization.<\/a> Its stepped panels allow for intuitive content flow, making it ideal for timelines, brochures, product guides and category-based messaging.<\/span><\/li> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">With <a href=\"#make-marketing-music\">premium paper stocks, vibrant full-color printing and optional protective coatings,<\/a> this fold provides both style and substance.<\/span><\/li> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#q-&amp;-a-for-creative-composition\">Design tips<\/a> include careful planning with mockups, aligning tab content precisely and experimenting with contrasting textures, bold typography and visual cues to elevate the user experience.<br \/> <\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Designer-Folds-Distillery-Stepped-Accordion-3QTR_ANIMATE-XL_photoshop.gif\" alt=\"Stepped accordion fold\"   \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">STEPPED ACCORDION: 80# COATED MATTE WHITE COVER, 28.25 X 7&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-top-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"striking-a-chord\">The Stepped Accordion Fold Strikes a Chord<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p>Part of Smartpress\u2019 exclusive <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/designer-folds\">Designer Folds<\/a> collection, the <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/stepped-accordion\">Stepped Accordion<\/a> unfolds easily to reveal panel after panel of your content. A custom fold with custom options, this creative collateral forms a stepped border when folded, allowing you to easily organize your content and recipients to pick and choose where to open it.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>Stretching to over 28 inches wide on durable <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/stocks-substrates\/text-weight-vs-cover-weight\">80# cover stock<\/a>, Stepped Accordions give you lots of space to work with, whether you\u2019re printing event programs, promotional pamphlets or brand guides for your business.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p>For Lauralee V\u00e9gv\u00e1ri, brand designer at Black Button Distilling, ample real estate was crucial when designing advertising brochures for distributors, potential partners and branded presentation packages.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201c[It] provided plenty of space for imagery and messaging in a compact product. The fact that it was different from the usual tri-fold or gate fold was also appealing,\u201d she said. \u201cVery crisp, clean colors printed on quality paper make this a useful sales piece that is not ignored.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--><!--block-empty--> <!--block: 50-50-image --><div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-10\"><div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-top-sm blockOffset-right-sm raisedLeft\"><figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/stepped_accordion_highschool.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=49f050a65d15827ac183c14bb0735b25\" alt=\"Four accordion fold brochures for a high school standing next to each other.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.6666666667%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stepped Accordion: 80# Coated Matte White Cover with Soft Touch coating on exterior, 28.25 x 7&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>  <p><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-bottom-md\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/stepped_accordion_high_school.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=62d9d25711abbc9eacb01c8a1341f31b\" alt=\"Three stepped accordion brochures unfolded with a bright yellow, red and blue design.\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/div><\/p> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-top-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10\"> <h2 id=\"make-marketing-music\">Make Marketing Music With Custom Printing<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>Online printing with Smartpress means you get to design your accordion fold with premium <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/stocks-substrates\/small-format-paper-stocks\">paper stocks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/color-ink\/black-vs-full-color-printing\">black or full-color ink<\/a> and protective <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/uv-coating\">UV coatings<\/a>.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>Even more convenient? You can mail your Stepped Accordions in matching envelopes and we\u2019ll print return addresses for you. As a full-service online printer, Smartpress also makes it easy to personalize your envelopes with <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/variable-data-printing\">variable data printing<\/a> and ensures your mailers reach the right recipients with list acquisition and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/list-processing\">list processing<\/a> via <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/pages\/custom-quote\">Custom Quote<\/a>.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><em><strong>Design Tip:<\/strong> Want to use a Stepped Accordion to show a timeline or project progress? Use our online printing services to print double-sided so every step gets the spotlight.<\/em><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/stepped_accordion_group.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=0f7b7dada519405813b86a36800f205a\" alt=\"Multiple folded and unfolded stepped accordion marketing brochures lined up in rows.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-top-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"q-&amp;-a-for-creative-composition\">Q&amp;A for Creative Composition<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>Ready to start designing? Get all the tips and tricks from the first name in folds, <a href=\"https:\/\/foldfactory.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foldfactory<\/a> founder Trish Witkowski. We chatted with her about what makes the Stepped Accordion special, how to print strategically and which folded cousin puts a clever spin on the format.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>What do you like most about the Stepped Accordion fold?<\/strong><br \/> <em>Trish Witkowski:<\/em> \u201cWhat I like the most is that it\u2019s really quite simple. Take a classic accordion fold and shift the placement of the <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/paper-scoring\">scores<\/a> so that the zigzagging panels create a stepped effect. It\u2019s both brilliant and practical. You get the style and flexibility of an accordion, combined with the organizational benefit of a stepped format.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>What makes this fold truly unique and noteworthy?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe visual texture of the steps makes the Stepped Accordion unique, but what I think makes it noteworthy is its linear nature. The panels can be viewed two at a time in smaller spreads and as one long layout when opened. It\u2019s basically a long rectangle. Your content can connect from left to right in a linear flow, which makes it easy to organize, design and envision a layout. It\u2019s also easy for the recipient to read and process the content.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>What are some ideas for how to best utilize the Stepped Accordion?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe Stepped Accordion is endlessly versatile. In its most common form, [it\u2019s] outstanding for informational brochures where the steps are labeled with categories and each tab carries a section of information.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cHowever, I\u2019ve seen contrasting imagery and texture wrapping blank tabs to provoke curiosity and interest. I\u2019ve seen oversized typography cropping off the edges of the tabs and playful experiments with tab depth.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>&#8220;<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to mock up because it\u2019s just a rectangle with uniquely placed scores.&#8221;<\/span><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>What advice do you have for people designing print for the Stepped Accordion?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThis format will help you determine how to organize your information. It\u2019s intuitive, which is a real benefit, and each side can be designed independently of the other. It\u2019s also easy to mock up because it\u2019s just a rectangle with uniquely placed scores.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cWith that said, I would never design a Stepped Accordion without printing a mini version to trim and fold to check placement of content and user experience. Also, be meticulous with placement of text on the tabs. Even a minor misalignment will magnify itself because the tabs are the visual focus.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p>\u201cIf you want to have color breaks at the folds, make sure you extend your color box a hair past the fold guide to ensure you don\u2019t have a sliver of color from the next panel showing on the edge of your tab &#8211; this is to accommodate for the width of the score and subtle variations in machine folding.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>Anything else you\u2019d like to add about this fold?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe Stepped Accordion is a great way to step into experimenting with unique formats for print marketing. You really can\u2019t go wrong with it. Everyone is drawn to the unique stepped profile and the ease of navigating content. [It\u2019s] intuitive to design, easy to mock up and standard in size and proportion.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/wrap-stepped-accordion_smartpress_photoshop.gif\" alt=\"Wrapped stepped accordion\"   \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">WRAPPED STEPPED ACCORDION: 80# COATED MATTE WHITE COVER, 25 X 7&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>The Wrapped Stepped Accordion takes a different approach to this design. How should you choose one versus the other?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe Stepped Accordion is the perfect entry point to unique format design. Consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/wrapped-stepped-accordion\">Wrapped Stepped Accordion<\/a> to be more of an intermediate format. It has an impressive but complex centered step configuration (stepping left and right) and utilizes two of the panels as cover panels. Unlike the Stepped Accordion, both sides of the piece must be considered at all times when designing.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cAn additional benefit of the Wrapped Stepped Accordion is that it can mail without an envelope. The Stepped Accordion would need an envelope to mail, [so be] strategic. How will the brochure get to the recipient? What do you want the viewer experience to be? What is the content journey of the brochure?\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>What do you like most about the Wrapped Stepped Accordion fold?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe Wrapped Stepped Accordion keeps its steps a secret, cloaked behind the wrap of a cover, and offers more of a surprise when opened. In contrast, the Stepped Accordion\u2019s steps serve as part of the cover view.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cIt\u2019s really a design decision: do you show the steps or reveal them upon opening? There\u2019s no right or wrong answer. As the designer, it\u2019s up to you to decide which approach works for your content and your desired experience.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><em><strong>Hint: <\/strong><\/em>Get more folds:<\/p> <ul> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/on-press\/multipurpose-marketing-do-it-all-with-an-accordion-fold-brochure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Multipurpose Marketing: Do It All with an Accordion Fold Brochure<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"\/blog\/features\/unveil-the-unexpected-marketing-with-designer-folds\">Unveil the Unexpected: Marketing with Designer Folds<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"\/blog\/on-press\/the-big-reveal-square-folded-cross\">The Big Reveal: Advertise with the Square Folded Cross<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row end-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>FEATURED DESIGNS<\/strong><br \/> Black Button Distillery Stepped Accordion Designed Exclusively for Black Button Distilling<br \/> Academe of the Oaks Stepped Accordion Designed by Sarah Lawrence<br \/> Wrapped Stepped Accordion Design by Andrew King | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.andrewkingart.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Andrew King Art<\/a><\/p> <p style=\"text-align: right;\"> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--><!--\/the_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Brochures, advertisements, pamphlets&#8230; Whatever you call them, your marketing assets say a lot about your products and services. But they also need to reflect the professionalism of your company. A designer product from Foldfactory, the Stepped Accordion does both with panels that zig and zag as they tell your story. Add an edge to your collateral by following our design tips and learn why Foldfactory founder Trish Witkowski loves this fold.","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3816,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-press"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Stepped Accordion Fold: Create Enviable Marketing Brochures<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A designer product from Foldfactory, the Stepped Accordion fold zigs and zags to tell your story with edge. Check out our design tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/on-press\/stepped-accordion-fold-create-enviable-marketing-brochures\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Stepped Accordion Fold: Create Enviable Marketing Brochures\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A designer product from Foldfactory, the Stepped Accordion fold zigs and zags to tell your story with edge. 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