How to fold A0, A1, A2, and A3 drawings to A4 according to standards

Managing large format documents like A0 or A1 requires method and precision. Engineers and architects often need to reduce bulky technical sheets into manageable A4 packets, ensuring they comply with international standards so the title block  remains visible for quick reference on-site or in the office.

The answer lies in international standards such as  DIN 824  , which defines the rules for reducing technical formats into perfectly archivable A4 packets (210x297mm). Folding correctly is not just about tidiness; it is a fundamental requirement for professional distribution and legal filing.

Tutorial: How to manually fold an A1 format (841x594mm)

The A1 format is one of the most common. If you don’t have an automatic folding machine, here is the correct procedure to reduce it to A4 in a few steps:

1.   The first V-fold:   Take the sheet (841mm long) and fold it exactly in half along its longest side. Ensure the printed side is folded inward, creating a “V” shape.
2.   Folding the title block:   Take the corner where the title block is located and fold it outward, aligning the edge of the block with the center fold made previously.
3.  Folding the tail:   Repeat the same operation with the opposite side of the drawing (the “tail”). You will now have 4 accordion panels, each approximately 210mm wide.
4.   Final closure:   Now that you have a 210mm wide packet (but still 594mm high), ensure the title block is at the bottom right. Fold the packet in half height-wise: you will achieve a final  210x297mm  format, ready for archiving.

Professional Folding Standards: DIN A, DIN B, and DIN C

Depending on the final use (shipping or filing), there are three main variants:

•  DIN A (190+20mm x 297mm): Ideal for ring binders; includes a 20mm margin for punching holes.
•  DIN B (190mm x 297mm): Trimmed compact packet, perfect for shipping envelopes.
•  DIN C (210mm x 297mm): The classic A4, the universal standard for simple distribution.

  GERA Innovation:   To eliminate human error, our folding machines use  XXL 80mm rollers  made of soft rubber, which eliminate the “curling” effect from plotters and guarantee millimetric precision.

Advantages of Folding vs. Rolling

Folding drawings is not just about aesthetics; it’s about logistics:

•   Space Saving:   A folded drawing takes up a fraction of the space compared to a bulky roll.
•   Efficiency:   The  title block remains visible  , allowing you to identify the project instantly without unrolling.
•   Consultation:   You can browse through drawings directly within a binder, ideal for technical inspections.

When should you switch to an automatic folder?

If you use more than  3 paper rolls per month  , manual folding becomes a hidden but heavy cost.

Folding one A0 costs about €1 in person-hours.

For those with low volumes who still demand professional perfection, a  used or refurbished folding machine  is the ideal solution to lower the initial investment and get perfect folds every time.