Choose your design software
Canva
If you are looking to design a brochure and ease of use is on the top of your priority list, Canva may be the perfect option for you. Canva is packed with plenty of templates, stock photos, graphics, stickers, and more to make designing your brochure a breeze. Canva offers a free version and a paid subscription.
Microsoft Publisher
If you are familiar with and subscribed to Microsoft Office and looking to keep brochure design simple, Microsoft Publisher is a great tool for designing brochures. Microsoft Publisher does require a paid subscription.
Adobe InDesign
If you are more tech and design-savvy, Adobe InDesign is a widely capable design software that can be used to create brochures. It comes with document formatting options to fit phones and computers, plenty of stock photos, and so much more. Adobe InDesign does require a paid subscription.
Determine your fold style before designing your brochure
To make sure your design is crisp and cohesive, determine your fold style before designing your brochure. You want to make sure that you know exactly where each bit of information and styling will show up on your brochure based on how it is folded.
When choosing a folding style, keep in mind how you plan to distribute your brochure. For example, if you plan to send your brochure through the mail, you would likely choose the traditional tri-fold so that your brochure can fit inside of an envelope. Here is a list of popular brochure fold styles:
- Bi-fold
- Tri-fold
- Z-fold
- Accordion fold
- Gatefold
- Double Gatefold
- Double parallel fold
- Roll fold
- French fold
Complete your design
To ensure you create a unique, high-quality design, be sure to make intentional style choices that will compliment your message.
Keep color in mind
Whether you are trying to establish mood or reinforce branding, color is a great tool you can use to set the tone. If you are creating a brochure about a new program for kids, consider using bright, happy colors. If you want to help establish a brand, make sure that you incorporate your brand colors in the brochure.
Use high-quality photos
No matter what you are trying to communicate through your brochure, using high-quality photos will strengthen the quality of your design and convey professionalism.
Select your paper
Consider thickness
Do you want a brochure that people can easily fold up and put in their pocket? Do you want a brochure that is sturdy and will last? Ask yourself what tactile “feel” you want for your brochure and pick a paper that will fit that feel. If you are looking for more flexibility, choose a thin paper. If you are looking for more resilience, choose a thick paper or cardstock.
Consider finish
Do you want your brochure to shine or are you looking for a more subdued look? Knowing the answer to this question will help you select the finish that best suits your color, fold, and overall design choices.
Print your brochure at AMA Design & Print for printing
The final step of designing your brochure is sending it to AMA Design & Print for printing. Keep in mind how long the printing process will take to ensure you hit your deadline. Once you receive your brochures from AMA Design & Print, it is time to share your design with the world!
For more information about AMA Design & Print, visit https://printama.com/index.html.
