How to Fold a Poster

Co-authored by David Julien

Last Updated: June 27, 2022 References

In some cases, you might want to fold a promotional poster to mail it like a brochure. However, in most cases it’s better not to fold posters because it creases them. In this article, we answer some of the top questions people have about folding, rolling, and packing posters. We hope it helps!

Question 1 of 6:

How do you fold a poster like a brochure?

1
Start by folding the poster into thirds vertically, accordion-style. Fold the middle 1/3 of the poster back over the first 1/3 of the poster. Fold the last 1/3 of the poster back over the middle 1/3.^{[1]
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- This is called an accordion fold because if you pull the vertical edges in opposite directions, the poster unfolds like an accordion.
- Keep in mind that folding any poster creates creases in it. This is an option if you want to mail some sort of poster as a brochure, but it’s not recommended for collectible posters or art prints.
2
Next, fold the poster into thirds again horizontally, letter-style. Fold the top 1/3 of the poster down onto the middle 1/3. Finish by folding the bottom 1/3 of the poster up over the middle 1/3.^{[2]
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- This is called a letter fold because it’s the typical way you fold a letter to mail it. It’s also known as a trifold.
- You can fit a poster folded this way into a large envelope if you want to mail it.

Question 2 of 6:

Can you flatten a folded poster?

Yes, you can very carefully use an iron to flatten the poster. Start by opening up the poster on a flat, clean surface. Next, moisten the creases with a damp, not wet, paper towel. Plug an iron in and set it to warm, not hot. Place a sheet of regular paper, like printer paper, between the iron and the poster and iron over the creases to flatten them.^{[3]
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- Moistening the folds helps relax the fibers in the paper to flatten out the creases more. However, it’s very important you don’t use a dripping wet paper towel or you might damage your poster.
- Make sure to move the iron back and forth over the creases constantly. Don’t let it sit in 1 place or you might burn the paper.
- You can use this to turn folded things like brochures and maps into artwork to frame and hang on your wall.

Question 3 of 6:

How do you roll a poster without creasing it?

Roll the poster up in between 2 pieces of kraft paper. Lay 1 piece of kraft paper flat on a hard work surface and fold the bottom 2 in (5.1 cm) or so up. Place the poster in the center of the kraft paper with the bottom edge under the fold. Stick another piece of kraft paper on top of the poster, with the bottom edge in the fold, and roll everything up gently.^{[4]
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- To roll everything up super carefully, start by creating a large roll about 1/3 of the way up, then gradually make it tighter and tighter until the roll can fit inside a poster tube. You can check this while you work by comparing the diameter of the roll with the diameter of a poster tube’s cap.
- Secure the roll with 3 pieces of masking tape at even intervals on the outside of the kraft paper when you’re finished rolling.
- Stick the rolled poster and kraft paper inside a cardboard poster tube to protect it from creasing.

Question 4 of 6:

How do you flatten a rolled poster?

1
Roll the poster back on itself for one option. Unroll the poster and wrap the back of the poster around something cylindrical, such as a poster tube. Place a rubber band around the poster and tube to hold the poster in place, then wait 1 hour. Remove the poster.^{[5]
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- If the poster is still curling when you try to lay it flat, repeat the process until you can lay it flat.
2
Lay the poster flat and weigh down the corners for another option. Unroll the poster and lay it flat on a hard, clean surface. Place a flat, heavy object, such as a book, on top of each corner of the poster. Wait 24 hours, then remove the objects and check if the poster is flat.^{[6]
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- If the poster still doesn’t stay flat after being weighed down for 24 hours, repeat the process. Try using heavier objects in the corner if the poster is stubborn.
- To hang a poster without a frame, you can use double-sided tape on the back of the poster that does not damage paint.^{[7]
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- Put a transparent tape on the corners of the poster.^{[8]
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- Or insert sewing needles in the four corners. It will make tiny holes in the wall that will not be visible.

Question 5 of 6:

How do I ship a poster flat?

Sandwich the poster between 2 pieces of cardboard. Cut 2 pieces of cardboard slightly larger than the poster from an old box. Lay the poster flat on 1 of the pieces and put the other piece on top of the poster. Tape the edges of the cardboard to seal the poster inside. Slide the cardboard inside a plastic bag, fold the top of the bag down, and tape tightly around the bag to secure the poster inside and protect it from the elements.^{[9]
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- You can ship a poster this way with the USPS or a private carrier like UPS or FedEx.
- Tape a piece of paper or stick a printed sticker with the mailing address and postage to the outside of the bag to ship it.
- If you’re sending the poster as a gift, fold wrapping paper around the plastic bag and tape it in place for a nice finishing touch!

Question 6 of 6:

How do I ship rolled posters?

In a cardboard shipping tube. Carefully roll up the poster between 2 sheets of kraft paper, so that it is smaller in diameter than the shipping tube you plan to use. Secure the kraft paper with 3 pieces of masking tape, placed at regular intervals. Wrap a single layer of bubble wrap around the middle section of the poster and tape it in place. Slide the whole roll inside the shipping tube.^{[10]
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- Make sure you use a cardboard tube that won’t bend easily. Cardboard that’s at least 6 mm in thickness is a good choice.
- Stick some scrunched up bubble wrap in each end of the tube if there’s room.
- Place a shipping label and some “FRAGILE” stickers on the outside of the tube to ship it.