Let Your Business’ Story Unfold With Custom Brochure Printing
Brochures provide comprehensive information about your business in an easy-to-read format. The 2-, 3-, and 4-panels organize lists lsuch as menu items, spa services, beauty products, or top selling homes. There’s also enough space to highlight images that showcase each product or service you’re offering.
Choose how you create your customizable brochures on PrintPlace. Upload a print-ready design to the site or download your preferred file template. You can also personalize the brochure on the Online Design Tool.
To create a memorable and useful brochure, you need to choose and combine the best options available. Read on to see what’s available and how you can maximize them in your final design.
Find the Best Brochure Folding Options
Brochure folds ensure you have enough space and make an impact upon revealing your business information. You can design the printed brochures according to the panels or adjust the information you have to flow according to folds available:
2-Panel Folds
The half-fold or bifold The half-fold or bifold brochure is folded in half, creating a total of four panels, with two on each side of the paper. Suitable for conferences or print presentations at a meeting.
3-Panel Folds
- The trifold brochure can break down information into different sections. Typically seen in restaurants, spas, and other product- or service-oriented businesses.
- The z-fold brochure has two parallel folds that result in six equally sized panels. Recommended for businesses promoting product details with images, graphics, and text, like real estate, finance, and marketing.
- The gate fold has two front panels that open to reveal a larger third one. The third panel has enough space for a large image highlighting a destination or several images laid out together.
4-Panel Folds
- The double parallel foldhas four vertical panels you can use to expound on several product lines.
- The accordion fold unravels like the instrument, enabling customers to read all four panels.
- The roll fold d is popularly used by retail stores, hospitals, and hotels.
- The double gate fold is like the gate fold but with more room for visuals. Perfect for museums, travel, and other services that employ images for their promotions.
- The French fold provides four equal panels that unfold into a large image like a map or a house interior.
Combine Brochure Printing Features That Distinguish Your Unique Products or Services
Match the size to the number of folds.
Several sizes are available: from the half-page 4.25” x 5.5”, fits-in-your-pocket 5.5” x 8.5”, letter-sized 11” x 8.5”, to the more spacious 14” x 8.5” and 17” x 11”. Use the image above as reference for the size comparison and see which measurements provide enough room for the brochure information.
Print brochures on durable paper or cardstock that lasts long after distribution.
Customers will read your brochures after receiving them. Choose a sturdy paper or cardstock that aligns with the overall image of your brand.
70 lb. Paper Uncoated
- The lightest among the paper and cardstock options
- Comes with a smooth, writable surface
- Arrives scored and folded upon delivery
80 lb. Paper
- Slightly thicker than 70 lb. paper
- Gloss or matte coating on both sides
- Arrives scored and folded upon delivery
100 lb. Paper
- Elegant matte or vibrant gloss coating on both sides
- The go-to choice for brochures sent in the mail
- Arrives scored and folded upon delivery
14 pt. Cardstock Uncoated
- Sturdy cardstock that is resistant to folds and creases
- Writable with a pen or marker on both sides
- Does not arrive folded but comes with scoring
14 pt. Cardstock
- Durable cardstock and resistant to folds and creases
- Shiny gloss coating or a subdued matte
- Available in extra-shiny high gloss on both sides or on one side with a gloss coating at the back
16 pt. Cardstock
- Slightly thicker and heavier than the 14 pt. cardstock
- Extra weight gives your business added credibility
- Add matte or gloss coating on both sides
Good to Know
Folding: Print your brochures on lightweight paper stock or thick cardstock. All paper stock and 10 pt. cardstock brochures are folded before delivery. Both 14 and 16 pt. cardstock orders are not folded but are scored for folding.
Add protective coating to keep the information and visuals fresh.
The following coatings are available depending on the material:
- Matte has the least glare while still protecting the surface from scuffs or scratches. Its satin-like, muted finish fits pastel, light, or similar neutral color combinations. The low glare also makes text easier to read, so this is highly recommended for brochures with long paragraphs or lists.
- Gloss has a shiny, bright finish that highlights bold colors. Perfect for contrasting or experimental color combinations that emphasize specific points on the design.
- High gloss has the brightest shine and is the most reflective among the options. This coating is also water-resistant, making them perfect for designs that need to pop out of the page and are exposed to moisture.
Choose a production time and review process that aligns with your quality check.
Same-day printing is available for rush orders. But if you want more time to review the brochure file online before production, we recommend the 1 to 3 business days options. All uploaded file orders come with a free PDF proof you can request and view online after sending us the brochure artwork.
Upload a ready-made design or use our brochure maker today. Our print experts are also available to discuss your brochure printing options.
Brochure Printing FAQs
What is the difference between the 10 pt. and 14 pt. cardstock?
The 10 pt. cardstock is heavier than paper stock, with a thickness of 0.010”. This material is also used for business cards and postcards.
The 14 pt. cardstock is made out of cardboard paper and has a thickness of 0.014”. It is similar to the paper used on folders.
What does “scoring” mean and how is this different from folding?
Scoring creates a crease in the paper to indicate where the fold should be. It serves as a guide for folding the brochure neatly.
Which orders are delivered folded and which ones come scored but not folded?
All paper stock and 10 pt. cardstock orders come scored and folded. All 14 pt. cardstock orders come scored but not folded, so customers will have to fold these themselves.
What should be inside my brochure?
Use the panel number to guide you through designing and organizing the information on your brochure. The first panel serves as your cover and should include your company name and logo. The second to third or fourth inner panels will discuss your business using visuals and engaging copy. Place all your contact information on the outermost back panel.
What are the most popular folding options and their best?
Trifold brochures can break down important information in three different sections. The French fold gives you four equal panels that unfold into a larger space that can fit a map or several schedules for a convention or week-long event. The accordion fold unravels like the instrument, enabling customers to read all four panels as a whole.
Can I approve a proof before printing?
Yes, you can view an online proof on your account after uploading the file. On the Upload page, select “I need a PDF proof” under “Proofing Options” to download the online proof from your shopping car or account. We will only proceed with production after receiving your online approval.
Can I approve a proof before printing?
Yes, you can view an online proof on your account after uploading the file. On the Upload page, select “I need a PDF proof” under “Proofing Options” to download the online proof from your shopping car or account. We will only proceed with production after receiving your online approval.
Do the brochures come folded upon delivery?
All paper stock and 10 pt. cardstock brochures come scored and folded. Scored means that the brochure comes with a crease that indicates where the fold should be. The thicker 14 pt. and 16 pt. cardstock come scored but not folded, so you’ll have to fold them based on the creases found in the flat, unfolded brochure.
What paper is best to use for brochures?
The 16 pt. cardstock is the sturdiest choice among the paper and cardstock options. It is slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock and comes with an increased rigidity that prevents creases and folds. It also comes in protective matte or gloss coating.
If you need a lightweight option, 100 lb. is the heaviest choice for a paper option. Its weight is sturdier than magazine paper but is lightweight enough to give away and for customers to fold after they receive your flyer. It comes in matte, gloss, or high gloss UV coating.
How much does brochure printing cost?
The cost of your brochure printing order depends on the number of pieces ordered. The larger the total number of brochures you order, the cheaper the price per piece. Our most affordable price per piece is as low as 2¢ each for 5,000 brochures.
How much does brochure printing cost?
The cost of your brochure printing order depends on the number of pieces ordered. The larger the total number of brochures you order, the cheaper the price per piece. Our most affordable price per piece is as low as 2¢ each for 5,000 brochures.
To find out how much you can save per brochure, input your specifications on our online calculator and the price per piece will come out under the total price
How long does it take to print brochures?
You can choose how long it will take to produce your brochures. Our fastest option is printing on the same day, which means we will produce the brochure the day of your order. The file has to be approved and sent to the press by noon central time so it can be shipped on the same day.
Brochures can also be printed in 1 business day. We also offer longer printing times from 2, 3, 4, to 5 business days, if you’d like to save more on your order, and aren’t in a hurry. For 2-day turnarounds, any job that is approved and sent to the press before midnight central time will begin printing the following business day. More information on our printing turnaround times can be found here.
Note that if you select the PDF proof option, the printing time starts after you’ve approved the file. All indicated production times represent the number of days required to produce your job. It does not include shipping transmit time or direct mail processing time.
What are the most popular folding options and their best uses?
Trifold brochures can break down important information in three different sections. The French fold gives you four equal panels that unfold into a larger space that can fit a map or several schedules for a convention or week-long event. The accordion fold unravels like the instrument, enabling customers to read all four panels as a whole.
Do the brochures come folded upon delivery?
All paper stock and 10 pt. cardstock brochures come scored and folded. Scored means that the brochure comes with a crease that indicates where the fold should be. The thicker 14 pt. and 16 pt. cardstock come scored but not folded, so you’ll have to fold them based on the creases found in the flat, unfolded brochure.
What paper is best to use for brochures?
The 16 pt. cardstock is the sturdiest choice among the paper and cardstock options. It is slightly thicker than the 14 pt. cardstock and comes with an increased rigidity that prevents creases and folds. It also comes in protective matte or gloss coating.
If you need a lightweight option, 100 lb. is the heaviest choice for a paper option. Its weight is sturdier than magazine paper but is lightweight enough to give away and for customers to fold after they receive your flyer. It comes in matte, gloss, or high gloss UV coating.
How much does brochure printing cost?
The cost of your brochure printing order depends on the number of pieces ordered. The larger the total number of brochures you order, the cheaper the price per piece. Our most affordable price per piece is as low as 2¢ each for 5,000 brochures.
To find out how much you can save per brochure, input your specifications on our online calculator and the price per piece will come out under the total price.
How long does it take to print brochures?
You can choose how long it will take to produce your brochures. Our fastest option is printing on the same day, which means we will produce the brochure the day of your order. The file has to be approved and sent to the press by noon central time so it can be shipped on the same day.
Brochures can also be printed in 1 business day. We also offer longer printing times from 2, 3, 4, to 5 business days, if you’d like to save more on your order, and aren’t in a hurry. For 2-day turnarounds, any job that is approved and sent to the press before midnight central time will begin printing the following business day. More information on our printing turnaround times can be found here.
Note that if you select the PDF proof option, the printing time starts after you’ve approved the file. All indicated production times represent the number of days required to produce your job. It does not include shipping transmit time or direct mail processing time.
What type of brochure files can I send or upload for printing?
PDF is the preferred file type for printing jobs. You can upload a file in PDF, JPEG, JPG, TIFF, TIF, or EPS format.
Templates are also available for download so you can open them in the following programs or formats:
- Publisher
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- JPEG
Brochure Direct Mail Services
Let us take care of your mailing. We can mail your brochures directly to customers and print their address on the back cover.
Depending on your brochure?s material, we include a wafer seal or brochure tabbing so that it is mailable and follows the mailing guidelines. To prepare it for mailing, the brochure will open from the top and the folded edge is at the bottom.
Click on the "advance options" link in our calculator to compute the price. To prepare it for mailing, the brochure will open from the top and the folded edge is at the bottom.
The wafer seal or brochure tabbing will appear as follows, depending on the material.
Brochures on paper
Brochures on cardstock
Our direct mail services include:
Processing of 1 mailing list
Duplication removal upon request
CASS certification
Inkjet addressing
Postal presorting
Delivery to the post office
Those who prefer to mail their brochures in an envelope can call our mailing experts for more details.
For details about mailing requirements such as size and tabbing specifications, read our Brochure Mailing Requirements. You can also clarify any questions with our print experts.
Brochure Marketing and Design Ideas
A brochure can give a lot of information without overwhelming the reader. Each fold organizes details and lets visuals tell the story in a compact format.
If you’re wondering what the best design tips for custom brochure printing are, refer to the steps below:
- Tell the story of your company – Break down your business origins and remind customers of your value. Showing the personal side of your business will make your customers feel welcome.
- Explain a popular service – Show how a particular service can be useful to your customer by giving them specific examples, such as the long-term benefits of a cleaning product.
- Illustrate how your product works – When a photo isn’t enough, more room for a product demonstration can come in handy. Brochures have enough panels to highlight the details of each illustration and step.
- Detail an upcoming event – Include the schedule and other vital information about an upcoming event. Anyone interested will hold onto your brochure and use it to guide them on the day itself.
Check out our other helpful blogs for more design tips:
