Paper folded in a zig zag fold has two or more parallel folds, each folding in opposite directions. Because they do not nest (as in a spiral fold) panels in a zig zag fold can be the same size. Seen from above, a zig zag fold resembles a Z or M or series of zigs and zags.
The zig zag fold is common with some tri-fold brochures. Many business letters, invoices, and monthly statements are also folded in a zig zag so that an address at the top or bottom of the letter will show through a window envelope, avoiding the need for address labels.


