How to Fold a 16-Page One-Sheet Zine

There is more than one way to make a sixteen-page zine. This guide describes Maigz's one-sheet format: sixteen printed panels arranged in a four-by-four grid and folded into a small accordion.

An accordion fold alternates backwards and forwards, like a paper fan. This structure differs from the eight-page booklet with one slit in the middle. It also differs from a stapled sixteen-page booklet made from four double-sided sheets.

Start with a numbered practice sheet

Use a blank rectangle of ordinary paper. Fold it into quarters in one direction, unfold it, then fold it into quarters in the other direction.

Open the sheet. You should see sixteen equal panels.

Before adding artwork, use the following panel order. The arrows show which way the top of each finished page points while the sheet is flat.

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4
1 ↑	2 ↑	3 ↑	4 ↑
8 ↓	7 ↓	6 ↓	5 ↓
9 ↑	10 ↑	11 ↑	12 ↑
16 ↓	15 ↓	14 ↓	13 ↓

This is the unrotated Maigz layout. A template may rotate the whole arrangement for a different reading orientation.

Make three cuts

Keep the numbered side facing you.

1. Along the crease between rows one and two, cut from the left edge across three columns. Leave column four joined.
2. Between rows two and three, cut from the right edge across three columns. Leave column one joined.
3. Between rows three and four, cut from the left edge across three columns. Leave column four joined.

The sheet should remain one continuous strip that snakes back and forth. Do not cut through the last connection on any row.

Fold along the numbered path

Begin at page one. Fold between pages one and two, then reverse the direction at the next join. Continue alternating folds along the strip.

At the end of each row, the uncut connection takes you into the next row. Follow the numbers rather than treating each row as a separate strip.

Compress the folds gently into a stack. Check that you can open the accordion from one through sixteen without a torn connection.

Plan for how this format opens

An accordion can be extended to show several panels together. It does not behave exactly like a stapled book with separately turning leaves.

Design with that in mind. A sequence of pictures, a timeline or a route may make good use of the unfolding shape. Avoid describing this structure as a conventional sixteen-page booklet.

If you want pages bound along a spine, see Double-Sided Zine Printing Explained.

Check before using finished artwork

Keep this practice copy. Unfold it to confirm page order and orientation before printing the final sheet. Sixteen panels make small reading areas, so test your text at actual size.

The layout above follows Maigz's sixteen-panel sheet diagram. The numbered mock-up is essential for checking your own folds.

Sources and layout notes

The panel order and cut positions follow Maigz's sixteen-panel sheet diagram.

The panel maps follow Maigz's sheet diagram.