Brochure Design Layout

[schultel]

At work I am revising a brochure that was created way before I started. I noticed that one of the panels is smaller width wise than the other panels. I was told that they think it was done so the brochure folds easier. Is this common to do when creating brochures? I thought all the panels should be the same size.

I have created at least 2 new brochures since I started and both of them had all the panels the same size and the printer was able to fold them.

So when design brochures should I make the one inside fold smaller than the rest?

[Virgo Nightingale]

I always do, by 1/16th of an inch. Doesn't mean you have to as well. It does make it a little easier to fold. I have a basic template ready to go when I have to do a tri-fold brochure just so I don't have to keep figuring out where the scores will go.

[CkretAjint]

Yes this is common practice. When I create a brochure each panel that folds into another one is 1/16" shorter then the one it folds into. This will assure the brochure doesn't bunch up when folded.

[Sweet Tee]

I've seen both ways in brochures. For me personnally, I think I would make it slightly shorter so that it fits nicely in the fold. I guess that's one of those things that depends on the designer! Maybe try both ways one different brochures and see which way you feel most comfortable doing.

[Virgo Nightingale]

For my template, the folds go:

OUTSIDE of brochure: 3.625" and 7.312"
INSIDE of brochure: 3.687" and 7.375"

[schultel]

The brochure that I am working on, the panel has a difference of 3/16". Maybe I can change it so it is less of a difference and not as noticeable.
Thanks for your help!

[Virgo Nightingale]

3/16" is a bit much. Try the fold locations in my last post. The shorter panel is just short enough to not interfere with the folding process, but still looks like a full panel.

[schultel]

The brochure I am working on is a larger size brochure where each panel is 8 1/2 x 11 except for the smaller panel.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Aha. I guess my folds won't help you then. :D

[budafist]

I work in mm. The right panel of a gate fold or C or U fold (when opened) should be 2-3mm smaller than the others. Folding machines won't fold all panels exactly the same.

With Z fold brochures the panels should be identical in width.