Custom Brochures

A brochure is a folded printed marketing piece that presents a company's products, services, or events across multiple panels in one hand-out. Packaging Vista prints custom brochures in the four standard fold styles (bi-fold, tri-fold, gate-fold, Z-fold), on 80-100 lb text or 100 lb cover stock (approximately 120-270 gsm), in standard letter (8.5 x 11 in), tabloid (11 x 17 in), or panorama (11 x 25.5 in) sizes. Everything runs full-color CMYK with Pantone spot matching and finishes in matte, gloss, soft-touch, or spot UV. No setup fees, low minimums, free design, free digital proof, and free US shipping in 8-10 business days.

What are custom brochures?

Custom brochures are folded print pieces designed to present a brand's products, services, or events in a single, tactile hand-out. Unlike a web page, a brochure stays in a prospect's hands, on a desk, or in a bag – which is why fold, stock, and finish matter as much as the copy. Packaging Vista prints them press-grade in full CMYK with Pantone matching, on a range of weights from light text stock to substantial cover stock, with no setup fees and a free proof before anything runs.

Brochure fold styles (panel count and dimensions)

The fold decides how your story unfolds and how many panels you have to work with. Panel counts and unfolded sizes for the four standard folds:

Standard brochure sizes

• Letter (8.5 x 11 in) - the most common flat size, folds to standard rack-card and DL mailer dimensions.
• Legal (8.5 x 14 in) - adds extra panels for longer content.
• Tabloid (11 x 17 in) - larger canvas for hero images and premium spreads.
• Panorama (11 x 25.5 in) - accordion or Z-folded pieces for storytelling.
• Square (8 x 8 in, 10 x 10 in) - modern, retail-friendly format for fashion and lifestyle.

Paper stocks and weights

Heavier cover stocks over 300 gsm need scoring before folding to avoid cracking - included on every order at no extra charge.

Print finishes

• Gloss aqueous or lamination - vivid color and photo-friendly shine.
• Matte lamination - clean, modern, low-glare finish.
• Soft-touch lamination - velvet feel, premium retail and executive brochures.
• Spot UV - selective gloss on logo or hero image over a matte base.
• Foil stamping - metallic accents on cover-weight brochures.

How do you design an effective brochure?

A brochure earns its keep when it is easy to scan and act on. A few principles:

• One job per panel. Give each fold a single message so the piece reads in a glance, not a study.
• Lead with benefit, close with action. Open with the value and end every brochure with a clear next step or contact.
• Design for the fold. Lay out artwork around the dieline so nothing important lands on a crease – we build the dieline free and proof it before printing.

If you only have a logo and some copy, our free design team will lay out a print-ready brochure for you – just describe it on your quote request.

Other printed marketing we produce

Brochures are one piece of a consistent brand presence. We print the rest of your printed marketing to match, and pair it with your packaging for a cohesive look.

Pricing, minimums, and turnaround

Packaging Vista charges no setup fees and keeps minimums low, so small batches and test runs stay affordable. Every order includes free design support and a digital proof, with standard production in 8–10 business days after approval and free US shipping. Learn why brands choose us on why choose us, then request your free quote or contact our team.

Frequently asked questions about brochures

What is the standard brochure size?

The most common brochure starts flat as 8.5 x 11 in (letter) and folds to a rack-card size around 3.67 x 8.5 in (tri-fold) or a 5.5 x 8.5 in bi-fold. Larger 11 x 17 in tabloid brochures fold to 8.5 x 11 in and give you a bigger canvas for hero images.

How many panels does a tri-fold brochure have?

A tri-fold has 6 panels total - three on each side of the sheet. From a standard 8.5 x 11 in sheet, each folded panel is roughly 3.67 x 8.5 in, which fits a standard DL envelope for direct mail.

What is the difference between a tri-fold and a Z-fold?

Both use 6 panels on an 8.5 x 11 in sheet, but a tri-fold folds inward so one panel tucks inside, while a Z-fold accordions so all panels unfold in a straight line. Z-folds are better for step-by-step storytelling.

What paper weight is best for a brochure?

100 lb gloss text (about 150 gsm) is the professional sales-brochure standard - substantial without being stiff. Choose 80 lb text for high-volume mailers, 100 lb cover for executive brochures, or 14 pt C2S for luxury real-estate and hospitality pieces.

Which fold should I choose, and is there an extra charge?

Bi-fold for product overviews, tri-fold for direct-mail rack cards, gate-fold for a dramatic reveal, Z-fold for sequential how-to content. We do not charge extra for fold style, and the dieline and scoring are included.

Can I add a gloss, matte, or soft-touch finish?

Yes. Gloss lamination makes colors pop, matte is clean and modern, and soft-touch adds a velvet feel. Spot UV and foil are available as premium accents on the cover.

Do you print double-sided brochures?

Yes. Every brochure prints 4/4 (full color both sides) by default, since a fold produces at least two panels per side. Single-sided prints on request for budget mailers.

What file format should I send for a brochure?

PDF/X-1a with fonts outlined, images at 300 DPI, CMYK color, and 1/8 in bleed on every outer edge. Include a separate dieline layer showing your fold panels, or request our template. Our free design team sets up the file if you do not have print-ready art.

What is the minimum order and turnaround?

Minimums start low so small batches stay affordable. Standard production is 8-10 business days after proof approval, with rush available. US shipping is free.

Can you match my brand Pantone colors?

Yes. We print full-color CMYK with Pantone (PMS) spot-color matching so brand color stays consistent across brochures, business cards, folders, and packaging.

Are your brochures recyclable?

Yes. Uncoated and aqueous-coated brochures on FSC-certified stock are curbside recyclable. Soft-touch and matte laminated pieces are also widely recyclable through most municipal streams.

Can brochures and inserts be added to my packaging?

Yes. Printed brochures, flyers, and thank-you inserts pair naturally with custom boxes to enrich unboxing. We produce them together so they share one look.