How to Make a Paper Folding Machine

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Got some paper folding needs? Learn how to make your own homemade paper tri-folder with this simple step-by-step tutorial.

Steps

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    a file folder, a ruler, scissors, scotch tape, and a pen. These items can be easily found in business offices.
    • A file folder is a perfect medium to hold and fold paper. If you don’t have a file folder, try to avoid using material that’s not too flimsy or too hard. It is more difficult to create precise folds with materials like cardboard.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Outline the dimensions 8.525″ x 11.025″. We recommend using these dimensions for folding printing paper (standard printing paper dimensions are 8.5″ x 11″). It is important for the brochure dimensions to be slightly bigger to avoid adding too much pressure on the triangular folds in step 5.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Use the dimensions 3.5″ for panel A, 4″ for panel B, and 3.525″ for panel C. It is important for panel B to be wider than the side panels to avoid overlapping the folds. Also, we recommend to take advantage of the crease on the file folder – because there’s already a pre-developed fold, we used the crease as a division between panels A and B.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Use the outline of the rectangle that you drew using a ruler as a guideline. Do not throw away the file folder scraps yet! Use the remains for step 5 to create your pocket folds.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Use the remaining folder scraps to create the brochure folds. One way to draw them is by placing the scraps over the brochure corners to outline the fold edges. The best way to maintain straight lines is by using a ruler. If tracing is an issue, we recommend to use the dimensions: 1″ x 1″ x 1.5″.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    The hypotenuse side of each triangular fold should face the inside of the tri-folder. Also, make sure to only tape on the edges of the brochure, not on the inside. These triangular folds will be used to insert and keep the paper in place. Make sure to use enough tape to avoid scabbing the paper in the sockets.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Voila!
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Method 1
Method 1 of 1:

Use Your Brochure Folder

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Make sure to flatten out the paper for a more precise fold.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    The harder you press on the panel folds, the sharper your paper folds will be.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    Ta-da!
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Folding Machine
    This product is great for not only creating business brochures, but also making birthday cards, valentine cards and decorations – the perfect way to have fun with your kids.
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  • Question
    Why do you call this a machine?
    Manuel
    Community Answer
    A machine is something that is not living that can do a task. This "machine" helps you fold, and it is not living, so it is a machine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 20
  • Question
    Can I use something else instead of a file folder? And can I use regular tape instead of scotch tape?
    MattTheWaffleCat
    Community Answer
    Yes, any kind of tape should work! A file folder isn't needed either. Anything the size of your paper should work as long as it's somewhat thick. Cardstock or heavier paper should work just as well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Why would I need to use the machine instead of doing it manually?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    If a task is a challenge and difficult to repeat, a machine can do the work for us. The machine is an option to provide repeatable results.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 15
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      Tips

      • This tri-folder can fold approximately 1-5 papers at once. If you fold more than five, you might have to take extra time to flatten the creases.
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      • The tri-folder can be easily stored away. Simply fold it up and put it away in a desk drawer to use again later.
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      Things You'll Need

      • File folder
      • Ruler
      • Scissors
      • Scotch tape
      • Pen

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