Scoring and folding: why does paper crack?

When white cracks appear along the fold of a beautifully printed brochure, card or invitation, the whole job looks cheap. The main way to prevent this is correct scoring and folding with the grain.

What is scoring?

Scoring (also called creasing) means pressing a channel into the paper along the line where it will be folded. The paper is not cut; the fibres are compressed in advance so the sheet folds easily and cleanly along that line.

When do you need scoring?

• On paper and board heavier than about 150–170 g/m²
• When folding against the grain
• On items with solid colour backgrounds or lamination
• On dark designer papers, where white cracks are especially visible

Scoring vs perforation

Perforation partially cuts the paper with small holes so it can be torn off (coupons, tickets). Scoring does not cut the paper at all; it only makes folding easier.

Rules for a clean fold

• Which side: fold so that the raised ridge of the score ends up on the inside of the fold; the outer surface is then not stretched and does not crack.
• Grain direction: plan folds to run with the grain whenever possible.
• Channel width: the thicker the paper, the wider the scoring channel should be.
• Humidity: very dry paper cracks more easily, so store it in normal room conditions.
• Multi-panel brochures: make panels that fold inside 1–3 mm narrower so the sheets do not buckle.

For small runs

For small jobs, a bone folder, a metal ruler or a manual scoring board is enough. Place the ruler on the fold line, run the bone folder firmly along it a few times, then fold slowly and burnish the fold.

Quick summary

• Always score heavy paper before folding
• Plan folds with the grain
• Keep the raised ridge of the score on the inside of the fold

Printshop offers designer papers, board, lamination film, foil and binding materials. For details and prices, call or message us on WhatsApp: 050 890 11 44. Address: A.Salamzade street, Baku.