Brochures

Worth knowing before you design

Panel widths are not equal — this is the #1 brochure file error. On a tri-fold, the panel that folds inward must be slightly narrower or it buckles against the fold. For a standard 8.5" × 11" tri-fold: Panel 1 at 3.6875", Panel 2 at 3.6875", fold-in panel at 3.625".

Set up folded pieces as flat spreads — one file for the front, one for the back, with fold positions marked on a separate guide layer. Don't send panels as separate files.

Keep content 1/4" away from every fold. Text running across a fold is hard to read, and heavy ink coverage right on a fold will crack when folded. On 100lb cover we score before folding to prevent this — especially important through dark solids.

Choosing stock: 80lb gloss text folds most easily and is the standard choice for a mailer or handout. 100lb gloss text has more substance. 100lb gloss cover feels premium but is stiff enough that scoring matters. 60lb offset white is the economical uncoated option and the right pick if people will write on it.