Why Brochures Still Work

Even in a digital-first world, brochures are still thriving across industries. They give your reader something physical, a final product that can be kept, shared, and referred to later. Unlike flyers or postcards, brochures allow more space to include detailed specifications, strong images, and clear graphics. With well-chosen panels, professional layout, and high-quality print, brochures are your portable sales team, able to present your story anywhere.

Popular Brochure Fold Styles

Tri-Fold Brochure

A tri fold brochure is one of the most recognisable formats in marketing. It’s made from a single sheet of paper folded into three panels, creating six sides for content. With its compact size it balances convenience and space for information. A tri fold is perfect for business overviews, product services or event promotions.

Advantages of a tri fold brochure:

• Fits into envelopes, stores or pockets

• Six panels for images and content

• Standard print dimensions

• Simple tri fold templates in Word and design tools

• Cost effective for any quantity

Gate-Fold Brochure

The gate fold brochure is known for its striking folding style. It opens like gates in the centre, revealing a dramatic inner display. A gate fold brochure often feels more premium, with wider panels perfect for large images or impactful artwork. This fold brochure is especially common in luxury industries like fashion, hospitality or high end services.

Advantages of a gate fold brochure:

• Expansive space for bold graphics

• Perfect for high resolution images

• Strong first impression for prospects

• Works well with quality paper stocks

• Multiple gate options: standard gate, double gate or custom folds

Z-Fold Brochures

Z-fold brochures are folded in a zig-zag style with three equal panels on each side. They open like an accordion, making them highly interactive and easy to follow. A z fold brochure is perfect for step-by-step process explanations, event schedules or services that need clear sequencing.

Advantages of z fold brochures:

• Logical flow for step-by-step content

• Easy to customise for different industries

• Works well with infographics and timelines

• Distinctive folding pattern for memorability

Bi-Fold Brochure

A bi fold brochure uses a simple half-fold, creating four panels. It’s ideal for business profiles or services that don’t require as much detail as a tri fold or gate fold brochure. A bi fold provides a balance between a flyer and a detailed brochure, often used for postcards, menus or price lists.

Spot Varnish

Spot varnish is a premium finishing technique that applies a glossy or matte coating to specific areas of your brochure rather than the entire surface. This creates contrast, draws attention to key elements, and gives your brochure a tactile, high-end final product. You can highlight logos, headlines, or images with a subtle shine or a soft matte feel, making the fold brochure not only visually striking but also memorable to the touch. Spot varnish adds depth, elevates the design, and helps your brand leave a stronger first impression on your target audience.

Die-Cut

Die-cutting is a process where parts of your brochure are cut into custom shapes, beyond the standard square or rectangular size. A die-cut can create unique windows, curved panels, or intricate cut-out graphics that reveal or frame parts of your content. It transforms a traditional tri fold brochure, gate fold brochure, or bi fold into an interactive, dimensional experience that captures attention. By using a die-cut, your brochure stands out on the display, encourages the reader to engage, and makes your final product feel one-of-a-kind.

The Brochure Design Process

Designing an effective fold brochure requires attention to every element: from font size and layout to images and artwork. At Creatibly, we begin by learning about your target audience and your goals—whether it’s promoting a new service, launching a product or building your brand.

Steps in the process:

1. Plan the fold style (tri fold, gate fold brochure, z fold, etc.)

2. Select paper size, stock and bleed requirements

3. Build the layout for panels and space

4. Add professional graphics, artwork and images

5. Ensure content is concise with strong headlines and message

6. Prepare print-ready files for delivery

Panels, Layout and Content

The number of panels varies depending on the fold brochure format. A tri fold has six panels, a gate fold brochure can have four or more depending on customisation. Z fold brochures use equal panels which work great for process explanations.

Key considerations:

• Keep font size readable for the reader

• Balance text and images to maintain crisp clarity

• Leave space for contact details and calls-to-action

• Use templates to maintain consistency across multiple brochures

Why Work With a Professional Graphic Designer like Scott Luscombe

A skilled graphic designer understands how design elements work together to make an impact. Instead of relying solely on free online templates, working with designers ensures your brochure order is built from scratch with proper layout, quality and final product precision.

Advantages include:

• Tailored templates that match your brand

• Reviewed proofs before print

• Professional artwork and high resolution images* Advice on paper quality, folding and delivery

Brochure Printing and Delivery

Once the design is complete, the print stage is critical. Choosing the right paper size, quality and folding style makes the difference between an average brochure and one that grabs attention. At Creatibly, we prepare print-ready files with bleed so your brochure delivers smoothly and looks flawless.

Options include:

• Tri fold brochures for high volume quantity

• Gate fold brochures for premium events

• Bi fold or z fold brochures for business use

• Unfolded for posters or display page inserts

Customisation and Templates

While free brochure templates exist, they rarely reflect your company’s unique needs. At Creatibly, we provide editable working files so you can update size, quantity or content in the future. Whether you need to customise a tri fold template or a gate fold brochure, our designers ensure every file is professional, branded and print-ready.