How to Set Up a Tri-Fold Leaflet in Word or Canva

Set an A4 landscape page (297×210mm), divide it into three columns — but not equal ones: the panel that folds inside should be 97mm with the other two at 100mm, or the closed leaflet bulges. Build two pages (outside and inside), remember the outside page reads cover-right, back-centre, flap-left, and export to PDF.

Panel map (roll-fold tri-fold)

Page 1 (outside): left = inside flap (97mm) · centre = back cover · right = front cover. Page 2 (inside): three panels reading left to right, revealed as the reader opens. The counter-intuitive part is page 1 — the front cover sits on the right third. Sketch it on folded paper before designing; everyone gets this wrong once.

In Canva

Search "trifold brochure" templates — panel guides are pre-set at A4. Replace content, keep text 5mm from fold lines, then export via PDF Print with crop marks and bleed.

In Word

Layout → Orientation → Landscape, then a 3-column table or text boxes at 97/100/100mm as your grid. Word can't add true bleed, so either keep all backgrounds white or make the page 303×216mm and we'll trim. Export File → Save As → PDF.

Rules that save reprints

Nothing important within 5mm of a fold; no thin borders around panels (folds are ±1mm and borders show every wobble); check the folded mock-up physically before approving.

FAQ

Will you check my panel setup free? Yes — send the PDF and we'll flag issues before printing. Best paper for tri-folds? 150–170gsm silk; 200gsm+ gets creased first (folds explained). Cost? Priced as A4 flyers plus folding — see flyer prices.