Everything You Need to Know About Printing Brochures

In general, your information is printed onto a standard 8.5×11" page (in the USA) and then folded to its finished size. The number of folds decides the final size of your brochure. Here are some of the common folds for printing brochures.

Printing brochures is a classic and effective method for communicating key information. Whether you're telling your brand story, introducing a new product, or providing educational content about features, brochures play a crucial role in your print marketing strategy.  

 

However, the printing process can sometimes seem complicated. In this guide, we'll simplify the complexities of tri-fold designs, paper stocks, perforation options, and more to help you successfully print your brochures.

 

What is a Brochure?  

 

A brochure is a printed document that contains important information about your brand or a specific topic. Typically folded into compact sizes, brochures are easy to distribute at events, trade shows, reception areas, and other locations, making them an ideal choice for handouts.

 

How Much Does Printing Brochures Cost?  

 

The cost of Polyester Rope depends on several factors, including the finishing options you select. For instance, color printing generally costs more than black and white. Other factors that influence the price include paper stock, the number of folds, and the total quantity of brochures being printed.

 

 

Printed Brochure Formats

 

Brochures come in many different formats. In general, your information is printed onto a standard 8.5×11" page (in the USA) and then folded to its finished size. The number of folds decides the final size of your brochure. Here are some of the common folds for printing brochures.

 

In addition to selecting your brochure format, you can also opt for your printer to handle the folding. While this service typically incurs a small additional cost, it saves you valuable time and reduces the risk of folding mistakes.

 

Half-Fold  

In the half-fold format, the 8.5×11" page is folded in half, creating two panels.

 

Tri-Fold  

Tri-fold brochures involve folding the 8.5×11" page three times. You can choose between a letter-style fold, where the two outer panels are folded over each other (like an envelope), or a Z-fold, where one outer panel is folded to the front of the center and the other to the back.

 

Paneled  

If you need a larger brochure, you can print on bigger pages that are folded multiple times. For instance, at Mimeo, we offer standard 4-fold and 8-fold brochures for a more expansive format.

 

How to Prepare Your File for Printing Brochures  

 

Once you've chosen your brochure format, it's time to prepare your design file for printing. Here's what most printers will require:

 

- PDF file format  

- 300 dpi image resolution  

- Crop marks (or bleed marks) to indicate where to trim the outer borders  

- CMYK color scheme

 

Choose the Right Paper Stock for Your Brochure  

 

Selecting the right paper stock is essential for your brochure's quality and durability. Here are some key decisions to make:

 

Color or B/W  

Your first decision is whether to print in color or black and white. Color printing often requires different paper stocks, and since brochures are typically used for marketing purposes, color is generally the best choice to grab attention and tell your brand story.

 

Lightweight or Cardstock  

Next, consider the weight of the paper. If your audience is likely to read the brochure and discard it, a lightweight stock may be sufficient. However, if you want your brochure to withstand wear—like being tossed into a bag or carried around—choose a heavier, more durable cardstock.

 

Laminated or Poly Paper  

For extra durability, you might want to laminate your brochure to protect it from tearing, bending, or staining. Lamination applies a protective plastic layer, while poly paper offers a more sophisticated option—it's a tear-resistant, waterproof synthetic material that can be directly printed on.

 

Perforation  

If part of your brochure needs to tear off, you'll need to request perforation. This process adds perforated lines to the paper, allowing you to easily tear off a section without damaging the rest of the brochure.

 

Glossy or Matte Finish  

Finally, decide on the finish for your brochure. If your design is heavy on images or vibrant colors, a glossy finish will give it a polished, high-quality look. For a more understated feel, a matte finish provides a subtle, professional appearance.

If you would like more information about this product, please feel free to contact us. Recommend other popular products for you: Cardboard Book Printing, Custom Hardback Book Printing