In order to understand seismic response of folded structures, reflection modeling has been performed on various types of fold trains including single-order open folds, close folds and asymmetric inclined folds as well as multi-order folds. The synthetic sections show that, unlike large scale single-order open folds, multi-order folds and inclined folds cannot be correctly imaged by conventional reflection techniques. The reflections from fold limbs tend to be muted, leaving the crests and troughs that merge laterally into pseudo-horizontal reflections. These reflections bear no resemblance to folds but mislead, instead, the presence of subhorizontal reflections. The latter is often interpreted as subhorizontal layering or compositional lamination formed by crustal extension or underplating. The modeling results also suggest that the compositional lamination is not necessarily the sole source of subhorizontal reflections. Complex folded structures due to intensive shortening may also produce such subhorizontal reflections, but the latter are generally more discontinuous laterally and less dense than those caused by simple lamination. Interestingly, the reflections observed in cratons and fold belts are generally laterally shorter and less dense (except in ductile shear zones) than those observed in the extensional regions. This indicates that seismic lamination may correspond to laminated lower crust in extensional regions such as the Basin and Range (USA), but most likely to complex folded structures beneath both ancient and modern fold belts.