> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Brochures

> Create professional multi-fold brochures from start to finish

## Project Overview

Brochures are versatile marketing tools that fold for easy distribution. This guide covers tri-fold, bi-fold, and other common brochure formats.

<Note>
  **Time to Complete**: 1-3 hours (design + setup)
  **Difficulty**: Intermediate
</Note>

## Common Brochure Types

### By Fold Style

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Tri-Fold (Most Common)">
    **Configuration**: 3 panels, 2 folds

    **Flat size**: 8.5" × 11" (letter) or 11" × 8.5" (landscape)

    **Folded size**: \~3.67" × 8.5" or \~3.67" × 11"

    **Panel layout**:

    ```
    OUTSIDE:
    [Panel 1] [Panel 2-Cover] [Panel 3]

    INSIDE:
    [Panel 4] [Panel 5] [Panel 6]
    ```

    **Best for**: Product info, service brochures, handouts
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bi-Fold / Half-Fold">
    **Configuration**: 2 panels, 1 fold

    **Flat size**: 11" × 17" or 8.5" × 11"

    **Folded size**: 8.5" × 11" or 5.5" × 8.5"

    **Panel layout**:

    ```
    OUTSIDE:
    [Panel 1-Back] [Panel 2-Cover]

    INSIDE:
    [Panel 3] [Panel 4]
    ```

    **Best for**: Event programs, simple presentations
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Z-Fold">
    **Configuration**: 3 panels, 2 folds (accordion-style)

    **Flat size**: 8.5" × 11"

    **Folded size**: \~3.67" × 8.5"

    **Panel layout**:

    ```
    Folds like a 'Z' - alternating directions
    [Panel 1] [Panel 2] [Panel 3]
       ↓         ↑         ↓
    ```

    **Best for**: Step-by-step guides, timelines
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Gate-Fold">
    **Configuration**: 4 panels, sides fold inward

    **Flat size**: 11" × 17" or larger

    **Folded size**: \~5.5" × 11"

    **Panel layout**:

    ```
    [Left Door] [Inside Left] [Inside Right] [Right Door]
         →            ←            →            ←
    ```

    **Best for**: Premium presentations, reveals
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Standard Tri-Fold Brochure

### Specifications (Letter Size)

| Specification       | Value                                 |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Flat Size**       | 8.5" × 11"                            |
| **Flat with Bleed** | 8.75" × 11.25"                        |
| **Folded Size**     | \~3.67" × 8.5"                        |
| **Panel Width**     | \~3.67" each (may vary slightly)      |
| **Bleed**           | 0.125" (3mm) all sides                |
| **Safety Zone**     | 0.25" (6mm) from all edges            |
| **Fold Gutter**     | 0.0625" (1.5mm) safety from fold line |
| **Resolution**      | 300 DPI                               |
| **Color Mode**      | CMYK                                  |

### Panel Dimensions

**Outside (Front)**:

```
┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┐
│ Panel 1  │ Panel 2  │ Panel 3  │
│ (Inside  │ (Front   │ (Inside  │
│  Right)  │  Cover)  │  Left)   │
│ 3.67"    │ 3.67"    │ 3.67"    │
└──────────┴──────────┴──────────┘
```

**Inside**:

```
┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┐
│ Panel 4  │ Panel 5  │ Panel 6  │
│ (Inside  │ (Inside  │ (Back    │
│  Left)   │  Center) │  Cover)  │
│ 3.67"    │ 3.67"    │ 3.67"    │
└──────────┴──────────┴──────────┘
```

**Important**: Panels may be slightly different widths to account for paper thickness

## Panel Content Strategy

### Tri-Fold Content Plan

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Panel 2 - Front Cover" icon="door-open">
    **Purpose**: Grab attention, convey main message

    **Elements**:

    * Company logo
    * Headline/tagline
    * Eye-catching image
    * Minimal text

    **Size**: 3.67" × 8.5"

    **Design tip**: This is what people see first - make it count!

    **Example**:

    ```
    [LOGO]

    Your Complete Guide
    to Home Renovation

    [Hero Image]
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Panel 1 - Inside Right" icon="1">
    **Purpose**: Introduction, welcome

    **Elements**:

    * Welcome message
    * Overview
    * What reader will learn

    **Content**: 2-3 paragraphs

    **This is**: First thing seen when opened
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Panel 4 & 5 - Inside Spread" icon="book-open">
    **Purpose**: Main content

    **Elements**:

    * Key information
    * Product/service details
    * Benefits
    * Features
    * Images/graphics

    **Layout**: Can treat as one continuous 7.34" wide space

    **Design tip**: Main selling points go here
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Panel 6 - Back Panel" icon="address-card">
    **Purpose**: Contact and closing

    **Elements**:

    * Contact information
    * Address
    * Phone, email, website
    * Social media
    * QR code
    * Map (optional)

    **Often**: Space for mailing address (if sending via mail)

    **Critical**: Double-check all contact details!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Panel 3 - Inside Left Flap" icon="bookmark">
    **Purpose**: Additional info, call to action

    **Elements**:

    * Pricing (if applicable)
    * Call to action
    * Promotional offer
    * Additional details

    **Last seen**: Before closing brochure
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Design Considerations

### Fold Lines

**Critical**: Account for fold lines in design

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Fold Safety Zone">
    **Keep 0.0625" (1.5mm) clear on each side of fold**

    **Why**:

    * Text on fold is hard to read
    * Fold may crack ink
    * Slight misalignment possible

    **Example**:

    ```
    Panel 1     |  Panel 2     |  Panel 3
    <content>  ↔  <content>  ↔  <content>
              safe           safe
              zone           zone
              (1.5mm)        (1.5mm)
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Panel Width Adjustment">
    **Problem**: Paper thickness affects panel width

    **Standard letter tri-fold**:

    * Panel 1: 3.625"
    * Panel 2: 3.6875"
    * Panel 3: 3.625"

    **Why different**: Inner panel slightly wider to account for paper wrap

    **Most common**: Equal panels (3.67") work fine for standard paper

    **Ask printer**: For exact panel widths if using thick stock
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Score Lines">
    **What**: Indentations for easier, cleaner folding

    **When needed**:

    * Heavy paper (> 100 lb cover)
    * Large brochures
    * Premium finish

    **How**: Printer adds score lines at fold positions

    **Cost**: Small additional fee

    **Result**: Professional, crisp folds
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Typography

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Font Sizes" icon="text-size">
    **Recommended**:

    * Headline (cover): 24-48pt
    * Section headings: 16-24pt
    * Body text: 9-12pt
    * Fine print: 7-9pt (minimum)

    **Test**: Print at actual size - can you read it?
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Line Length" icon="ruler-horizontal">
    **Problem**: Narrow panels can create awkward line lengths

    **Ideal**: 45-75 characters per line

    **For \~3.67" panel**:

    * Font size: 9-10pt
    * Comfortable reading width

    **Too narrow**: Use larger font or multi-column

    **Tip**: Adjust margins to optimize line length
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Hierarchy" icon="layer-group">
    **Use clear visual hierarchy**:

    **Level 1**: Panel headings (largest)
    **Level 2**: Section headings (medium)
    **Level 3**: Body text (standard)
    **Level 4**: Captions, fine print (smallest)

    **Consistency**: Same styles across all panels
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Images & Graphics

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Image Placement" icon="image">
    **Across folds**: Avoid if possible

    **Why**:

    * Fold interrupts image
    * Misalignment visible
    * Looks unprofessional

    **If necessary**:

    * Use low-detail areas for folds
    * Test with physical mock-up

    **Better**: Keep images within single panels
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Background Images" icon="panorama">
    **Full-bleed backgrounds** work great

    **Requirements**:

    * Extend to bleed edges
    * 300 DPI at full size
    * Not too busy (text must be readable)

    **Tip**: Use subtle backgrounds for text areas
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Resolution" icon="expand">
    **All images**: 300 DPI minimum

    **Small images**: Can be lower DPI if very small

    **Large images**: Must be 300 DPI at printed size

    **Check**: Use Printery DPI Checker
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Step-by-Step: Tri-Fold Brochure

### 1. Set Up Document

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Outside Frame">
    **Size**: 8.75" × 11.25" (with bleed)

    **Name**: "Brochure - Outside"

    Press `F` for Frame tool

    **This is**: What shows when brochure is closed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Inside Frame">
    **Size**: 8.75" × 11.25" (with bleed)

    **Name**: "Brochure - Inside"

    Position next to Outside frame

    **This is**: What shows when brochure is opened
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Panel Guides">
    **For tri-fold** (3 panels):

    **Vertical guides at**:

    * 0.125" (bleed edge)
    * 3.792" (first fold, including bleed)
    * 7.458" (second fold, including bleed)
    * 8.625" (bleed edge)

    **Horizontal guides at**:

    * 0.125" (top bleed)
    * 11.125" (bottom bleed)

    **Safety guides** at:

    * 0.375" from all edges (0.25" safety + 0.125" bleed)

    **Fold safety** at:

    * 0.0625" on each side of fold lines
  </Step>

  <Step title="Label Panels">
    **Add text labels** (for reference, delete before export):

    **Outside**:

    * Left: "Panel 1 - Inside Right"
    * Center: "Panel 2 - Cover"
    * Right: "Panel 3 - Inside Left"

    **Inside**:

    * Left: "Panel 4 - Inside Left"
    * Center: "Panel 5 - Inside Center"
    * Right: "Panel 6 - Back"
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 2. Design Content

<Steps>
  <Step title="Panel 2 - Front Cover">
    **Create**:

    * Logo (top)
    * Headline
    * Subheading
    * Hero image or graphic

    **Keep simple**: This is first impression

    **Ensure**: All content in safety zone
  </Step>

  <Step title="Panel 6 - Back Panel">
    **Add**:

    * Contact information
    * Company details
    * Social media
    * QR code
    * Call to action

    **If mailing**: Leave space for address label
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inside Panels (1, 4, 5, 3)">
    **Panel 1 (inside right)**:

    * Introduction/welcome

    **Panels 4-5 (inside spread)**:

    * Main content
    * Product/service info
    * Benefits and features

    **Panel 3 (inside left flap)**:

    * Call to action
    * Pricing
    * Next steps
  </Step>

  <Step title="Visual Consistency">
    **Ensure**:

    * Consistent fonts across panels
    * Consistent colors
    * Aligned elements
    * Balanced white space

    **Use**: Figma components for repeated elements
  </Step>

  <Step title="Avoid Fold Lines">
    **Check**:

    * No important text on folds
    * Images don't cross folds (if possible)
    * 0.0625" clear on each side of folds

    **Test**: Print and fold a draft
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 3. Prepare for Print

<Steps>
  <Step title="Delete Reference Labels">
    Remove panel number labels used during design
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Bleed">
    **Verify**:

    * All backgrounds extend to edge
    * No white gaps
    * Design extends to 8.75" × 11.25"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Proofread Everything">
    **Check**:

    * Spelling and grammar
    * Contact information accurate
    * Dates correct
    * Prices correct
    * All content final
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export with Printery">
    **For each frame** (Outside and Inside):

    **Document**:

    * Bleed: 0.125" ✓
    * Crop marks: Yes ✓
    * Safety zone: 0.25" ✓

    **Color**:

    * CMYK: Yes ✓
    * Profile: ISO Coated v2 ✓
    * Black: Automatic ✓

    **Export**:

    * DPI: 300 ✓
    * Compression: 85% ✓
    * Format: PDF/X-1a ✓

    **Result**: Two PDFs (Outside, Inside)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Combine if Needed">
    **Some printers want**:

    * Single PDF with both pages

    **Use**: Adobe Acrobat to combine

    **Page order**:

    * Page 1: Outside
    * Page 2: Inside

    **Or**: Submit separately (ask printer preference)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Physical Mock-Up">
    **Highly recommended**:

    1. Print on regular paper
    2. Cut to size
    3. Fold as brochure
    4. Check panel alignment
    5. Verify all content visible
    6. Ensure folds in correct places

    **Adjust**: If any issues found
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Paper & Printing Options

### Paper Weight

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="80 lb Text / 100 gsm">
    **Type**: Lightweight

    **Folds**: Easily without scoring

    **Best for**: Simple brochures, mass distribution

    **Cost**: Most economical

    **Feel**: Standard, somewhat flimsy
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="100 lb Text / 150 gsm">
    **Type**: Medium weight

    **Folds**: Well without scoring

    **Best for**: Most brochures

    ✅ **Most common choice**

    **Feel**: Professional, substantial
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="80-100 lb Cover / 220-270 gsm">
    **Type**: Heavy weight

    **Folds**: Needs scoring for clean folds

    **Best for**: Premium brochures

    **Cost**: Higher

    **Feel**: Premium, thick

    **Note**: Ask printer about scoring
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Finishes

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Uncoated">
    **Surface**: Natural paper texture

    **Pros**:

    * Easy to write on
    * Professional feel
    * Less expensive

    **Cons**:

    * Colors less vibrant
    * Absorbs fingerprints

    **Best for**: Professional services, eco-brands
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Gloss">
    **Surface**: Shiny coating

    **Pros**:

    * Vibrant colors
    * Photo-quality
    * Eye-catching

    **Cons**:

    * Shows fingerprints
    * Can be glare-y

    **Best for**: Retail, photography, vibrant designs
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Matte / Dull">
    **Surface**: Flat, non-glossy coating

    **Pros**:

    * Sophisticated
    * Good color
    * No glare
    * Hides fingerprints

    **Cons**:

    * Slightly more expensive

    **Best for**: Corporate, professional

    ✅ **Popular choice**
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="UV Coating">
    **Surface**: Glossy areas on matte base

    **Process**: Spot UV highlights

    **Effect**: Premium, tactile

    **Cost**: Significantly higher

    **Best for**: High-end marketing, special occasions
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Common Brochure Mistakes

<Warning>
  **Top 10 Brochure Mistakes**:

  1. Text on fold lines (hard to read)
  2. Images crossing folds (misalignment visible)
  3. Wrong panel dimensions (doesn't fold correctly)
  4. Content too close to edges (cut off)
  5. Inconsistent design across panels
  6. Too much text (overwhelms reader)
  7. Low-resolution images
  8. Wrong page order when printing
  9. No physical mock-up (discover issues too late)
  10. Incorrect contact information
</Warning>

## Ordering & Pricing

### Quantity Recommendations

| Quantity | Unit Cost   | Total (approx) | When to Order        |
| -------- | ----------- | -------------- | -------------------- |
| 100      | \$1.50-3.00 | \$150-300      | Small event, testing |
| 250      | \$1.00-2.00 | \$250-500      | Medium distribution  |
| 500      | \$0.75-1.50 | \$375-750      | **Most common**      |
| 1000     | \$0.50-1.00 | \$500-1000     | Large campaigns      |
| 5000+    | \$0.30-0.60 | \$1500-3000    | Mass marketing       |

**Cost factors**:

* Paper weight
* Coating/finish
* Quantity (bulk discounts)
* Additional services (scoring, folding)

### What to Tell Your Printer

**Specifications to provide**:

```
Quantity: [500]
Size: Letter tri-fold (8.5" × 11" flat)
Sides: Double-sided (outside + inside)
Paper: 100 lb text, coated
Finish: Matte
Scoring: Yes (2 score lines for tri-fold)
Folding: Finished folded (or deliver flat)
Files: 2 PDFs (Outside, Inside) with 3mm bleed
Timeline: [When needed]
```

## Advanced Brochure Formats

### Multi-Page Saddle-Stitch Brochure

**Configuration**: Multiple sheets folded and stapled

**Common sizes**:

* 8 pages (2 sheets)
* 12 pages (3 sheets)
* 16 pages (4 sheets)

**See**: [Booklets Guide](/use-cases/booklets) for details

### Large Format Brochures

**Sizes**:

* 11" × 17" tri-fold → 5.67" × 11" folded
* 11" × 25.5" tri-fold → 8.5" × 11" folded (oversized)

**Use for**: Real estate, travel, high-impact marketing

### Gate-Fold Premium

**Special features**:

* Doors fold inward
* Reveal center spread
* Premium presentation

**Use for**: Product launches, annual reports, luxury brands

## Brochure Checklist

Before sending to print:

* [ ] **Two PDFs created**: Outside and Inside
* [ ] **Correct dimensions**: 8.75" × 11.25" with bleed
* [ ] **Panel widths correct**: \~3.67" each
* [ ] **Fold lines marked**: Or communicated to printer
* [ ] **Safety zones respected**: 0.25" from edges, 0.0625" from folds
* [ ] **All text readable**: Minimum 8-9pt
* [ ] **Images 300 DPI**: All images high resolution
* [ ] **No content on folds**: Text/images clear of fold lines
* [ ] **Physical mock-up tested**: Printed, cut, folded
* [ ] **Proofread**: All content, contact info, dates
* [ ] **Colors CMYK**: Converted and verified
* [ ] **Crop marks present**: On both PDFs
* [ ] **Printer specifications met**: Confirmed requirements

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Booklets" icon="book" href="/use-cases/booklets">
    Multi-page bound brochures
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flyers & Posters" icon="file" href="/use-cases/flyers-posters">
    Single-sheet marketing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-Page Documents" icon="copy" href="/basics/multi-page">
    Page setup and sequencing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design Tips" icon="palette" href="/tutorials/design-to-print">
    Professional design principles
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Pro Tip**: Always print a physical mock-up before ordering! Fold it, check alignment, review content. It's the best way to catch errors.
</Info>