Create a Pocket Folder Template in CS5
InDesign CS5 allows pages with different dimensions in the same file. A participant in one of my InDesign seminars recently asked if there was an easy way use this feature to create a template for a pocket folder. Here is what we came up with:
1. Create a new InDesign file. Make the file 4 pages. The pages should be the size that you want the “cover” of the pocket folder to be. 9″ x 12″ is a typical U.S. pocket folder size. Do not check the Facing Pages option.
2. Select page 1 in the Pages panel. In the Pages panel menu, choose Allow Selected Spread to Shuffle to deselect it.
3. Push page 2 to the right edge of page 1 and release. It should join up with page 1 into a 2 page spread. Repeat this with pages 3 and 4, until you have a 4 page spread.
4. Select the new Page tool (the third tool from the top of the tool panel, or shift-p) and then click on page 1.
5. In the Control panel, enter the desired height for the pocket folder flap in the height (H) field. 4″ is a common flap height in the U.S.
6. Use the Page tool to drag the flap down below page 1. It should snap into position.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for page 4, and you’re done!
One advantage of using 4 pages for a template like this is that you can easily print or create a PDF of either the entire layout, or just individual “pages”. So you could easily print just the front cover without the flap by printing page 3, for example.
Any artwork that you would place in the flap area would normally be upside down, so that when the flaps are folded over into the inside of the folder, the artwork is right-side up.
Disclaimer: From a production standpoint, your printer may, for good reason, want you to use templates that they provide for complex folding items like pocket folders. But I thought that this was an interesting use case that might make you think of other creative ways to use this feature.
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Much easier to do a simple overprinting keyline in Illustrator, including custom crops and fold marks, import into InDesign and add slug.
I think this is pretty clever. I didn’t realize that you could have pages snap/spread vertically. Never tried it.
Not so sure I agree with P Byrne. I’d rather do it all in InDesign if I can. I like the flexibility to create PDFs for the client of the covers and flaps separately and still be able to have everything all together. Especially if you are using this as a template… create it once and have it for other projects. You can even have custom bleeds marks/slug area this way too.
Thanks, Keith!
And you can put a bird on it!
Couldn’t resist.
(If you don’t watch Portlandia, here’s the reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XM3vWJmpfo)
Anne-Marie Concepcion
What’s that with the bird?
(No I non’t watch Portlandia, and your reference can not be viewd in my country)
Hey I understand that this is a good showcase on the new page features, but, I find that working on a flat sheet with a cutter template to be alot more intuative when it comes to the task of laying out a pocket folder. The same goes for record sleeves.
However I am sure there must be lots of good uses for this feature, The fact you can now do over and under pages is great for calendars.
Neat trick, I use much the same system for packaging design.
As for the production issue you point out, Keith, I usually use a multipage ID document like yours for my layout, then import it in a different one set to the printer template’s size (and with an overprinting PDF version of said template on an uppermost locked layer) so they’ll have a one-page PDF on export, but I can still retain the multipage versatility.
Plus with the rotating page feature, I can work on my text right-side up then turn the whole page around instead of doing it article by article like we used to in CS4. Much more convenient.
And as mentionned, it can be a real timesaver when the client asks for a low-def proof PDF of one specific face of the pack.
I’ve done something very similar for a gate fold that had a die-cut.
I had the 3 pages laid out, 1 small panel, 1 large panel, 1 small panel.
Then someone decided they wanted to add a die-cut to it. Hmmm…
I added a 4 th page to the side, then used the pages panel to make that 4th page the size of an oversized A3 sheet.
Using the XY coords I was able to slide that 4th page under the 3 order pages. No my 3 pages sat on an oversized a3 sheet.
I was able to add the Illustrator Keyline that I created.
I simply ticked “spreads” in the options, and it all came out fine, thankfully.
@Keith ? nice trick.
For the page sequence you use, I think it could be better to use page 1 and 2 for the big ones, and page 3 and 4 for the little ones.
And for a 4 page folder we could easily build double pages (4-1), (2-3) and export pdfs in the right order for printing. For viewing in Acrobat we could still use “Two-up (Cover Page)” in Document “Properties/Page layout”.
Same goes for 8 page brochures: (8-1),(2-3), ? .
For 12 page brochures we could?, eeks! No! We couldn’t. Here, unfortunately, the feature ends, because only up to 10 pages go into a spread.
Uwe
I just started laying out my files that have pockets like this and was wondering from a printers stand point does it make it harder on them and are there any problems laying it out like this when they receive the files?
Thanks! This was most helpful.
Thanks for the demo, but I am a bit confused as to how those flaps would lock in after being printed. Wouldn’t you have to add the extra tab for it to either fold under (and be glued) or fold through the page?
Most brochures with pockets have extra panels to allow for glue/mounting.
Cheers!
N
love this page tool thing! never knew about it until now that I have to make a similar folder…actually the same size!
since there is printing on the pocket, I now have to make a flap for it.
Just to clarify the “page tool” is the third selection arrow with the page icon behind it – on the tool panel! I have never saw that until now! lol.
thanks again
kwan
ok this comment is way late comparing to the issue date of this post! but the flaps wouldn’t move vertically or snap, why and what to do ?
I was wondering if you found out how to make it snap?
Thank you for this! I had no issues with figuring this out. Great word and pic tutorial.
How would one go about inserting a spine between pages 2-3 to make a 1in binder?
Thank you so much for this easy to follow guide. It has been quite awhile since I’ve had to design a folder and I was able to follow your directions perfectly. Thank you!!
Thank you!!! This saved me a lot of headaches and frustration today! I appreciate the post!
Thank you so much for this! I love this site, it has helped me out so often :)
Thank you so much for the help! I was really struggling with building a diecut and this was a lifesaver!
How do you perform this with a book that is already created? Wanting to add the pockets the front and back cover.
It messes up the whole outline for the book if I click “not facing” pages.
Thank you!