What is a brochure?

A brochure is a printed marketing piece designed to explain, persuade, and guide a reader toward a next step—like calling, visiting a location, booking an appointment, or scanning a QR code. Brochures can be flat (one sheet) or folded into panels that organize information into an easy-to-follow story.

Why brochures still work in 2026

• High attention: A printed piece can hold focus longer than a quick scroll.
• Trust & credibility: Professional print increases perceived legitimacy—especially for local services.
• Perfect for “in-person” moments: counters, events, trade shows, lobbies, direct outreach, and walk-ins.
• Easy to share: Brochures get handed to spouses, coworkers, and decision-makers.

Types of brochures (flat vs folded)

1) Flat brochures (single sheet)

Best when you want a clean, bold message: menus, price sheets, service lists, promotions, and event handouts. Flat brochures are often printed in popular sizes like 8.5"×11" and 11"×17" and can be displayed, handed out, or inserted into folders.

2) Folded brochures (multi-panel)

Best when you need structure: a cover, a story, feature sections, testimonials, and a clear call-to-action. Folded brochures are ideal for “explaining” services, showcasing packages, and guiding the reader panel-by-panel.

Most popular brochure sizes

• 8.5" × 11" (Letter): The most common, versatile, and easy to mail or hand out.
• 8.5" × 14" (Legal): More room for detail—great for menus, service breakdowns, and comparisons.
• 11" × 17" (Tabloid): High visual impact—excellent for large photos, maps, and product showcases.

Pro tip: If your brochure feels cramped, don’t shrink the font—upgrade the size or choose a fold that creates more panels.

Brochure fold types (and when to use each)

Tri-fold (3 panels)

The classic brochure: easy to scan, easy to carry, and great for most industries. Use it for “overview + benefits + proof + CTA.”

Z-fold (3 panels)

Similar to tri-fold but unfolds in a zig-zag. Great for step-by-step processes, timelines, and “this leads to that” storytelling.

Half-fold (2 panels)

Clean and premium. Great for short menus, high-end services, invitations, and minimal layouts.

Gate fold (4 panels)

Feels upscale and dramatic. Great for launches, luxury services, and portfolio-style showcases.

Choosing a fold is choosing a reading experience. If your information is sequential (Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3), Z-fold often wins. If it’s “categories,” tri-fold is a safe bet.

Paper stocks & finishes (what to choose)

Paper choice changes how your brochure feels in the hand—and how your brand feels in the mind. Here’s the simplest way to choose:

Gloss / semi-gloss

• Best for: photos, vibrant color, strong contrast, retail + events
• Look: punchy, modern, high-impact

Matte

• Best for: premium brands, text-heavy layouts, easy writing/notes
• Look: refined, smooth, less glare

Thicker 100# COVER paper (heavier stock)

• Best for: premium feel, durability, repeated handling at counters/events
• Tradeoff: slightly higher cost (often worth it for first impressions)

Rule of thumb: If your brochure is image-first, lean gloss/semi-gloss. If it’s luxury or text-first, lean matte.

Brochure design checklist (layout, copy, images)

Layout that converts

• One goal per panel: Don’t cram. Give each panel a job.
• Strong hierarchy: Headline → subhead → bullets → CTA.
• Use bullets more than paragraphs: Easier scanning = better retention.
• Leave white space: White space makes your design look more expensive.

Copywriting that works

• Lead with the outcome: “Get more leads in 7 days” beats “We offer marketing services.”
• Prove it: Add numbers, reviews, testimonials, guarantees, or key clients.
• Include a real CTA: “Book a free estimate” > “Contact us.”

Images that print well

• Use crisp photos (avoid blurry phone zoom images).
• Don’t stretch low-res images to fill big areas.
• Product/service photos should feel consistent (similar lighting + style).

Print file setup (bleed, safe area, color)

• Use bleed: Extend backgrounds beyond the trim edge so nothing prints with white slivers.
• Keep text in a safe area: Leave breathing room from edges and folds.
• Use CMYK when possible: Helps colors print more predictably than RGB.
• Embed fonts / outline text: Prevents font substitutions.
• Export as print-ready PDF: The go-to for clean professional results.

Pro tip: If your brochure has folds, don’t place critical text directly on the fold line—folds can shift slightly during production.

Proofing tips to avoid expensive mistakes

1. Read it out loud to catch missing words.
2. Check phone numbers, emails, addresses, and QR codes (test the QR code!).
3. Zoom in to confirm logos aren’t pixelated.
4. Print a draft at home and fold it (you’ll spot layout problems immediately).
5. Confirm dates + offers so you don’t print something that expires too soon.

Turnaround & shipping (how to get brochures fast)

If speed matters, choose a printer that prioritizes fast production and shipping. BlockbusterPrint.com promotes 24-hour brochure printing and notes that orders placed before a 10:00 AM cut-off can ship the next business day. 1

Fast-print tip: Have your print-ready PDF finalized before ordering—most delays come from last-minute file fixes.

How brochure printing is priced

Brochure printing cost usually depends on:

• Quantity: Higher quantities often reduce cost per piece.
• Size: Larger sizes use more paper and ink.
• Paper stock & finish: Heavier and specialty finishes cost more.
• Color (1-sided vs 2-sided): Two-sided full color typically costs more but often converts better.
• Fold type: Some folds add production steps.
• Turnaround time: Rush production can affect pricing (varies by provider).

Value tip: If the brochure is a primary sales tool (events, lobbies, high-ticket services), upgrade paper first. People feel quality instantly.

Best brochure use cases by industry

• Real estate: property highlights, neighborhood maps, agent bios
• Medical / dental: service menus, new patient info, insurance guidance
• Restaurants: takeout menus, catering packages, seasonal promos
• Home services: package tiers, before/after photos, financing options
• Events: schedules, sponsor pages, venue maps, programs
• Retail: product spotlights, bundles, loyalty programs

Order custom printed brochures online

If you’re ready to print, start here:

Custom Brochure Printing at BlockbusterPrint.com

From flat brochures to folded options, you can choose your size, quantity, and paper to match your budget and your brand. 2

FAQ: Custom Printed Brochures & Brochure Printing

What is the best paper for brochures?

For photo-heavy brochures, semi-gloss/gloss often looks most vibrant. For a premium, text-friendly look with less glare, choose matte. If you want a more upscale feel, upgrade to a heavier stock.

What’s the most popular brochure size?

8.5" × 11" is the most common because it’s versatile, familiar, and works well for both flat and folded brochures.

Should I choose tri-fold or Z-fold?

Choose tri-fold for category-style information (services, benefits, proof, CTA). Choose Z-fold for sequential content like steps, timelines, or process explanations.

Can brochures be printed fast?

Yes. Some printers offer 24-hour turnaround and next-day shipping when orders meet their cut-off time (for example, BlockbusterPrint.com notes a 10:00 AM cut-off for next-business-day shipping). 3

What file format should I upload for brochure printing?

A print-ready PDF is usually best. Include bleed, keep important text away from edges/folds, and embed fonts to prevent unexpected changes.

How many brochures should I print?

For events, plan around expected attendance plus extras for follow-up. For ongoing counters/lobbies, start with a quantity that lasts 4–8 weeks so you can adjust messaging based on results.