Before anyone starts designing a brochure, two decisions should be made: how big it is and how it folds. Get these wrong and you will be redoing the layout later. This guide covers the common options, when to use each, and a few print tips we give every client at our Gurgaon studio.
Common brochure sizes
Sizes in India usually follow the A series. Printers may use slightly different finished sizes, so always ask for their template.
| Format | Flat size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A4 flat sheet | 210 × 297 mm | Flyers, single-page hand-outs |
| A4 tri-fold | 210 × 297 mm folded into 3 | Service brochures |
| A4 bi-fold | 210 × 297 mm folded to A5 | Short company introductions |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | Leaflets, inserts |
| DL | 99 × 210 mm | Slim leaflets that fit a standard envelope |
Bi-fold brochure
One fold in the middle, giving four panels. Good for short company introductions, price lists and event programmes. Watch out for limited space: if you need more than four panels of content, it will feel crowded.
Tri-fold brochure
Two folds, giving six panels. The most common choice for businesses. Good for clinics, schools, services, real estate and product ranges. Watch out for the inside flap, which is slightly narrower so the brochure closes neatly. Text laid out at equal panel widths will not fit. A designer should handle this.
Z-fold brochure
Three panels that fold like a Z. It opens in one smooth pull. Good for step-by-step information, timelines and processes. Panel order matters, so plan the story so each panel works as the reader unfolds.
Gate-fold brochure
The outer panels open inwards like doors, revealing a central panel. Good for premium projects such as property launches or product reveals. Watch out for higher printing and folding costs.
Multi-page brochures and catalogues
Stapled or perfect-bound booklets with 8, 12, 16 or more pages. Page counts usually work in multiples of 4. Good for product catalogues, company profiles and portfolios. More pages means more content, more design time and a higher printing cost.
Choosing the paper
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre).
100 to 130 GSM: light, economical, good for flyers.
130 to 170 GSM
a common range for brochures, with a good balance of feel and cost.
200 to 300 GSM: thicker, for covers and premium pieces.
Finish matters too. Gloss makes colours pop and suits photo-heavy designs. Matt looks quieter and reads more easily. Ask your printer for a sample so you can feel it.
Print preparation checklist
- Add 3 mm bleed on all sides so there are no white edges after cutting
- Keep important text at least 5 mm inside the trim
- Use CMYK colours, not RGB
- Use images at 300 dpi at the printed size
- Convert text to outlines or embed fonts so nothing changes at the printer
- Ask for a proof before a large print run
How many to print?
Digital printing suits short runs, for example 50 to 500 copies. Offset printing becomes more economical as quantities grow. Your printer can advise on the break-even point for your design and paper.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need to... | Try |
|---|---|
| Hand out a quick introduction | Bi-fold |
| Explain several services | Tri-fold |
| Show a process step by step | Z-fold |
| Make a premium impression | Gate-fold |
| Present a full range or the whole company | Multi-page booklet |
If you are still unsure, tell us what the brochure has to do and who it is for, and we will suggest a format. Call +91 87870 46964.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size of a brochure?
A4 flat, folded into a bi-fold or tri-fold, is the most common.
What paper is best for brochures?
For most, 130 to 170 GSM art paper. Your printer can show samples.
How many panels are in a tri-fold brochure?
Six: three on each side.
Can I edit a brochure later?
Only if you receive the editable file. Ask for it before the project starts.
Email us your brief at contact@vectographics.in or call +91 87870 46964.
See our Brochure Design service
