Brochure shapes and sizes: Find the perfect fit

Brochures offer a unique opportunity to convey your brand message in a comprehensive and visually appealing way. However, with so many brochure shapes and sizes available, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you find the perfect fit for your brochure design.

Whether you prefer a traditional trifold design or want to create custom-shaped brochures to reflect your business’s identity, there’s a size and shape that will suit your needs. By understanding the different options available and how they can impact your content’s presentation, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your brochure.

In this article, we’ll explore the various brochure shapes and sizes, as well as the available options for binding, finishing, and paper stock. You’ll also learn when to choose a brochure over a flyer and how to make the most of your marketing materials and budget. Let’s get started!

Booklet & brochure sizes

When it comes to brochure sizes, there are a few common options to consider. Firstly, the A4 size is a popular choice for brochures that offer a lot of information, as it allows for ample space to present your content in a clear and concise manner. Alternatively, the A5 size is commonly used for smaller booklets or brochures that offer a more compact and portable option.

However, many printing services offer the option to customise the size of your brochure to suit your specific requirements. Creating a unique brochure size can help your marketing material stand out and reflect your brand’s personality. So, whether you want a large, square brochure or a slim, tall booklet, the possibilities are endless.

Consider the context and purpose of your brochure when selecting the perfect size. For example, if you’re designing for a trade show where your brochure needs to be portable, a smaller size might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you’re creating a brochure that will be featured in a presentation folder, a larger format might be more fitting.

Brochure fold types

When it comes to designing your brochure, the fold type plays a crucial role in its overall design and functionality. Here are the most common brochure fold types:

Half-fold	Also known as a bi-fold, this is when the brochure is folded in half, resulting in four panels. A simple and versatile fold type that is perfect for beginners.
Trifold	Divides the brochure into three equal parts and is great for presenting information in a logical sequence.
Gate fold	When folded, the two end panels of the brochure are folded inward to meet in the middle. This creates a larger central panel, perfect for showcasing compelling visuals and graphics.
Double gate fold	Similar to the gate fold, but with two folds on each end rather than one. This creates a dramatic reveal and is perfect for showcasing a centrepiece product or content.
Z-fold	When folded, the brochure creates a “Z” shape and has six panels. This fold type is perfect for presenting a story or step-by-step instructions.
Accordion fold	The paper is folded in a zig-zag pattern, with each fold facing in the opposite direction. Accordion folds can have many panels, depending on the size of the paper. This fold type is perfect for visual storytelling.
Roll fold	A roll fold, also known as a barrel fold, is repeatedly and progressively folded inwards on the same panel. Opening the brochure creates a reveal from one side to the other, ideal for long-form information.

Each fold type presents a unique way to present your content and engage your target audience. Consider the type of brochure you want to create and the message you want to convey, to select the right fold type for your marketing material.

Binding options

When designing your brochure, selecting the appropriate binding option is also crucial. Besides keeping the pages together, binding can impact the overall look, feel, and functionality of your brochure. Here are three popular binding options:

Stapled Binding

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly binding option, stapled binding might be the way to go. With this method, pages are stacked together, folded in half, and held in place by two staples on the spine. This option is ideal for brochures with fewer pages and a smaller size.

Perfect Bound

A more professional and refined look can be achieved with perfect bound brochures. This binding method involves gluing the pages together at the spine, creating a clean, square edge. Perfect bound brochures are suitable for larger brochures with more pages and are often used for annual reports, product catalogues, and magazines.

Wiro-Bound

If page-turning ease is a priority, wiro-bound brochures might be the way to go. With this binding option, pages are held together with a metal wire that runs along the spine. Wiro-bound brochures can lie flat, which makes them ideal for presentations and training manuals. This option is also great for brochures that will see frequent use, as the wire binding can withstand wear and tear better than other binding methods.

Binding option	Pros	Cons
Stapled Binding	Cost-effective Easy to produce Can work well for smaller brochures	Not as professional-looking Can fall off easily with a higher number of pages Limitation on the page count (max. 64 pages)
Perfect Bound	Professional look Clean square edge Suitable for larger brochures	More expensive than stapled binding Requires more time and expertise to produce Difficult to make changes once bound
Wiro-Bound	Easy to turn pages Great for frequent use Flat when opened	Can be more expensive than stapled binding Wires can get damaged with frequent use

Consider the nature of your content and the desired aesthetic when selecting the ideal binding option for your brochure printing needs.

Print finishes

Print finishing is the final touch that adds visual appeal and enhances the overall quality of your brochures. When it comes to print finishes, there are several options available for you.

One of the most popular finishes is gloss, which gives a shiny and reflective appearance to your brochure. Gloss finish is perfect for brochures that have vibrant, eye-catching images.

If you are looking for a softer finish, silk can be an excellent option. The silk finish has a subtle sheen that adds elegance to your brochure design.

A matt finish, on the other hand, appears flat and non-reflective, which can give your brochure a more professional look. Matt finishes are ideal for brochures with text-heavy content.

For a more dramatic effect, spot UV can be applied to highlight specific areas of your brochure. Embossing adds depth to your design by creating raised textures. Foil stamping adds a metallic finish to your design, making it stand out from the crowd.

Lamination, which involves applying a thin layer of protective film to your brochure, can enhance its durability and give it a premium feel. Lamination options include matt, gloss, and soft-touch finishes.

When choosing a print finish, it’s important to consider your target audience and the intended use of your brochures. A professional finish like perfect bound or wiro-bound can benefit from a matt or silk finish, whereas a more vibrant brochure could benefit from a glossy or spot UV finish.

Enhance your brochure design

A well-designed brochure can be a pivotal tool in showcasing your brand and communicating your offering.If you are looking to improve you brochure design, check out our top tips for best corporate brochure design

When to choose a brochure over a flyer

When it comes to promoting your brand, both brochures and flyers can be effective options. However, there are advantages to using a brochure over a flyer, especially when it comes to creating a lasting impression and providing in-depth information about your products or services.

Brochures are ideal for situations where you want to communicate your message in a more detailed and visually appealing way. They provide ample space for you to showcase your product range, tell your brand story, and create an emotional connection with your potential customers. This makes them an excellent choice for trade shows, events, and when including presentation folders.

In contrast, flyers are suitable for distributing promotional material quickly and inexpensively. They require little design work and can be produced in large quantities and distributed to a broad audience. Flyers work best for spreading awareness of an event, sale or offer, or as a call to action for a specific product or service.

	Brochures	Flyers
Best suited for:	In-depth product information, creating a lasting impression, trade shows, and exhibitions, presentation folders, coffee-table pieces	Promoting an event, sale, or offer, targeted calls to action, distributing information quickly and inexpensively, direct mail
Visual Design:	Provides ample space to showcase products and services, use of high-quality images and design elements	Speed and cost are typically more important than design
Production:	More time-consuming to produce, requiring more extensive design and layout work	Quick and easy to produce, requiring minimal design and layout work

Ultimately, whether to choose a brochure or a flyer depends on your marketing goals, budget, and timeline. Brochures can be more expensive to produce and require more design work, but they offer a more comprehensive and detailed presentation of your brand message. On the other hand, flyers provide a cost-effective and efficient way to spread awareness and promote your brand.

Standard flyer sizes

Before designing a flyer or brochure, it’s essential to consider standard flyer sizes to determine the ideal format for your promotional material. Three common formats include A4, A5, and DL.

A4 size flyers conform to international standards, measuring approximately 210mm x 297mm. They can be folded in half for distribution or displayed in a suitable brochure holder. A5 size flyers measure approximately 148mm x 210mm, making them an excellent option for quick distribution. These flyers can be used as handbills or inserts inside magazines and newspapers.

The DL format is a third of the size of an A4 sheet and measures approximately 99mm x 210mm. DL flyers are perfect for printing double-sided information as they can be easily folded in three parts. Their compact size makes them an ideal choice for letterbox distribution and a great way to get your message directly into the hands of your target audience.

Flyer Size	Dimensions
A4	210mm x 297mm
A5	148mm x 210mm
DL	99mm x 210mm

Keep in mind that standard flyer sizes only serve as a starting point for your design. Depending on your specific needs, you may prefer a custom-sized flyer.

Now that you’re familiar with standard flyer sizes, it’s time to start designing a flyer that showcases your brand’s message and attracts the attention of your target audience. Talk to us today for a free quote.

FAQ

What are the standard sizes for brochures?

The standard sizes for brochures include A4 (210mm x 297mm) and A5 (148mm x 210mm). However, many printing companies also offer custom sizes to fit your specific requirements.

What types of folds can be used for brochures?

Brochures can be folded in various ways, including trifold, half-fold, gate fold, double gate fold, Z-fold, accordion fold, and roll fold. Each fold style offers a different way to present your content and engage your audience.

What are the different binding options for brochures?

There are different binding options available for brochures, including stapled, perfect bound, and wiro-bound. Stapled binding is a cost-effective option that uses staples to hold the pages together. Perfect bound brochures offer a professional look with a square spine. Wiro-bound brochures have a metal wire binding that allows for easy page turning.

When should I choose a brochure over a flyer?

Brochures are ideal when you want to provide detailed information or create a lasting impression. They are perfect for trade shows, exhibitions, or when using presentation folders. Flyers, on the other hand, are more suitable for quick and cost-effective promotion.

What are some common print finishes for brochures?

Common print finishes for brochures include gloss, silk, and matt options, which affect the texture and appearance of the paper. You can also add special finishes like spot UV, embossing, foil stamping, or lamination to enhance the look and feel of your brochures.