Bi-Fold brochures

Bi-Folds are brochures that are folded in two, therefore presenting four panels –one at the front, two inside and one at the back. In contrast to Flyers, Bi-Folds offer the chance of including more information. It is possible to include a description not only of the product or service offered but also about the company itself, so that the audience gets information about the philosophy and activities of the company he will be dealing with if he chooses to hire that service.

The panel at the front is usually used to present the company and the product advertised. It includes the logo of the company and a brief description of the product or service offered. It must be visually appealing in order that the audience feels tempted to open the brochure and see what is inside. Inner panels include a more detailed description of this product or service. They may include illustrations, graphics, and pictures, depending on the aim of the brochure. The back panel is that including the URL of the company, its telephone number or address.

Bi-Folds are frequently made of high-quality paper, since they are meant to last longer than other types of brochures such as Flyers or Leaflets. They are sometimes used as Catalogues, displaying information on the range of products of a company and its respective prices. It is paramount that the paper is strong so that it is not damaged by the passing of time and so that text does not fade, and images are clearly defined. This is very important if we consider that the audience may want to keep this type of brochure in order to contact the company at any time in the future.

Tri-Fold Brochures

This type of brochure is very common. Tri-Folds are pieces of paper folded in three, therefore presenting six panels in which information can be arranged. Depending on the information that wants to be displayed, the different panels may contain diagrams, pictures or text. It is paramount that the information is properly arranged so that the audience can easily visualize the name of the company or organization and the product or service it offers.

When fully opened, standard-sized Tri-Folds are sized 8.5’’x 11’’. Each panel has the same standard size of 3.67’’ x 8.5’’. Although most Tri-Folds are printed in standard-sized prints –usually LTR or LGL- they may also be printed in larger or smaller sizes depending on the function they are meant to perform. Bigger Tri-Folds may be used to produce a greater visual impact, while in smaller ones the aim is to emphasize its content and the message it conveys.

This type of brochure may be printed on different types of paper, depending on its function and on the audience at whom it is aimed. It may be printed on newsprint, which is the one used for Flyers, or it may be printed on higher-quality papers like glossy and matte text paper. Contrary to Flyers, Tri-Folds are frequently printed in colors, although it is possible to find them in black and white or in one single color ink. Like in any other type of design, the designer may make use of colors for different purposes such as making certain words or phrases stand out from the rest.

Since a lot of information can be displayed in six panels, it is important to include headlines in order that the audience understands the brochure and does not feel confused by it. Each panel may include one or more headlines, depending on the content of the Tri-Fold. Since brochures are meant to advertise a product or service, or an event, it is paramount that the information is properly arranged and clear. Too many details may make audiences lose the focus of attention and not read the brochure completely.

The fact of having six panels is one of the main advantages of this type of brochure, since they cause intrigue and people feel tempted to open them and find out what is inside. The first panel usually includes the logo of the company advertised by the brochure, and of course its product, service, or event that wants to be presented. If the design is efficient, the person to whom the Trifold is handed out will most probably open it and read the content written in the inner panels.

Another advantage of Tri-Folds is their size. When printed in standard sizes this type of brochure can be folded and sent by post, since its size fits envelopes. This makes their distribution easier, since they can be either handed out or posted. Both if handed out on the street or if sent by post, brochures that have a good design and printing will most probably be kept.

Z-fold Brochures

Like Tri-fold Brochures, Z-folds are folded three times. The difference is that while Tri-folds are usually folded vertically, Z-folds are folded in a z-formation -maps, for instance, are usually folded in a z-formation. They produce the same effect as Tri-folds –they attract people’s attention and invite the reader to open the folds and read the information presented in the inner panels.

This type of brochure is used instead of Tri-folds when information is better organized in a z-structure. They can be presented in smaller or bigger sizes, depending on their function. They are usually printed on high-quality paper and their design usually includes colors –although they may also be printed in black and white.

Z-folds can be printed using different processes: digital printing or full-color printing. The first one is used when printing small numbers of brochures –up to 1000 copies. It produces clear prints that are highly accurate to avoid differences between copies, and print samples that are identical. Full-color printing is a process that is frequently used to print larger numbers of brochures –more than 1000 copies. It produces brilliant Z-folds with bright colors.