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Project Overview

Brochures are versatile marketing tools that fold for easy distribution. This guide covers tri-fold, bi-fold, and other common brochure formats.
Time to Complete: 1-3 hours (design + setup) Difficulty: Intermediate

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Common Brochure Types

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By Fold Style

  • Tri-Fold (Most Common)
  • Bi-Fold / Half-Fold
  • Z-Fold
  • Gate-Fold
Configuration: 3 panels, 2 foldsFlat 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

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Standard Tri-Fold Brochure

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Specifications (Letter Size)

SpecificationValue
Flat Size8.5” × 11”
Flat with Bleed8.75” × 11.25”
Folded Size~3.67” × 8.5”
Panel Width~3.67” each (may vary slightly)
Bleed0.125” (3mm) all sides
Safety Zone0.25” (6mm) from all edges
Fold Gutter0.0625” (1.5mm) safety from fold line
Resolution300 DPI
Color ModeCMYK

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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

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Panel Content Strategy

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Tri-Fold Content Plan

Purpose: Grab attention, convey main messageElements:
  • 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]
Purpose: Introduction, welcomeElements:
  • Welcome message
  • Overview
  • What reader will learn
Content: 2-3 paragraphsThis is: First thing seen when opened
Purpose: Main contentElements:
  • Key information
  • Product/service details
  • Benefits
  • Features
  • Images/graphics
Layout: Can treat as one continuous 7.34” wide spaceDesign tip: Main selling points go here
Purpose: Contact and closingElements:
  • 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!
Purpose: Additional info, call to actionElements:
  • Pricing (if applicable)
  • Call to action
  • Promotional offer
  • Additional details
Last seen: Before closing brochure

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Design Considerations

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Fold Lines

Critical: Account for fold lines in design
  • Fold Safety Zone
  • Panel Width Adjustment
  • Score Lines
Keep 0.0625” (1.5mm) clear on each side of foldWhy:
  • 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)

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Typography

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?
Problem: Narrow panels can create awkward line lengthsIdeal: 45-75 characters per lineFor ~3.67” panel:
  • Font size: 9-10pt
  • Comfortable reading width
Too narrow: Use larger font or multi-columnTip: Adjust margins to optimize line length
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

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Images & Graphics

Across folds: Avoid if possibleWhy:
  • 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
Full-bleed backgrounds work greatRequirements:
  • Extend to bleed edges
  • 300 DPI at full size
  • Not too busy (text must be readable)
Tip: Use subtle backgrounds for text areas
All images: 300 DPI minimumSmall images: Can be lower DPI if very smallLarge images: Must be 300 DPI at printed sizeCheck: Use Print for Figma DPI Checker

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Step-by-Step: Tri-Fold Brochure

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1. Set Up Document

1

Create Outside Frame

Size: 8.75” × 11.25” (with bleed)Name: “Brochure - Outside”Press F for Frame toolThis is: What shows when brochure is closed
2

Create Inside Frame

Size: 8.75” × 11.25” (with bleed)Name: “Brochure - Inside”Position next to Outside frameThis is: What shows when brochure is opened
3

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
4

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”

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2. Design Content

1

Panel 2 - Front Cover

Create:
  • Logo (top)
  • Headline
  • Subheading
  • Hero image or graphic
Keep simple: This is first impressionEnsure: All content in safety zone
2

Panel 6 - Back Panel

Add:
  • Contact information
  • Company details
  • Social media
  • QR code
  • Call to action
If mailing: Leave space for address label
3

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
4

Visual Consistency

Ensure:
  • Consistent fonts across panels
  • Consistent colors
  • Aligned elements
  • Balanced white space
Use: Figma components for repeated elements
5

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

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3. Prepare for Print

1

Delete Reference Labels

Remove panel number labels used during design
2

Check Bleed

Verify:
  • All backgrounds extend to edge
  • No white gaps
  • Design extends to 8.75” × 11.25”
3

Proofread Everything

Check:
  • Spelling and grammar
  • Contact information accurate
  • Dates correct
  • Prices correct
  • All content final
4

Export with Print for Figma

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)
5

Combine if Needed

Some printers want:
  • Single PDF with both pages
Use: Adobe Acrobat to combinePage order:
  • Page 1: Outside
  • Page 2: Inside
Or: Submit separately (ask printer preference)
6

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

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Paper & Printing Options

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Paper Weight

  • 80 lb Text / 100 gsm
  • 100 lb Text / 150 gsm
  • 80-100 lb Cover / 220-270 gsm
Type: LightweightFolds: Easily without scoringBest for: Simple brochures, mass distributionCost: Most economicalFeel: Standard, somewhat flimsy

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Finishes

  • Uncoated
  • Gloss
  • Matte / Dull
  • UV Coating
Surface: Natural paper texturePros:
  • Easy to write on
  • Professional feel
  • Less expensive
Cons:
  • Colors less vibrant
  • Absorbs fingerprints
Best for: Professional services, eco-brands

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Common Brochure Mistakes

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

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Ordering & Pricing

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Quantity Recommendations

QuantityUnit CostTotal (approx)When to Order
100$1.50-3.00$150-300Small event, testing
250$1.00-2.00$250-500Medium distribution
500$0.75-1.50$375-750Most common
1000$0.50-1.00$500-1000Large campaigns
5000+$0.30-0.60$1500-3000Mass marketing
Cost factors:
  • Paper weight
  • Coating/finish
  • Quantity (bulk discounts)
  • Additional services (scoring, folding)

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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]

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Advanced Brochure Formats

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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 for details

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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

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Gate-Fold Premium

Special features:
  • Doors fold inward
  • Reveal center spread
  • Premium presentation
Use for: Product launches, annual reports, luxury brands

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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

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Learn More

Booklets

Multi-page bound brochures

Flyers & Posters

Single-sheet marketing

Multi-Page Documents

Page setup and sequencing

Design Tips

Professional design principles
Pro Tip: Always print a physical mock-up before ordering! Fold it, check alignment, review content. It’s the best way to catch errors.