Brochures are a popular format for sharing detailed information in a highly presentable way. They are usually colorful and folded, so they are an efficient format for providing information about your company, its products, and services.
To order "brochures" that require more than one piece of paper, please go to the catalogs section of this site.
Recommendations
Brochures:
The most common order options are 11" x 8.5" before folding on 100# Gloss Text paper. Almost always, brochures are printed full color on both sides (4/4) and are coated AQ 2 sides. The most common folds are Tri-Folds, Z-Folds, and Half-Folds. Tri-Folds and Z-Folds give you 6 panels to display your information. Half-Folds give you 4 panels.
Marketing Tips
Brochures are a classic marketing weapon for a reason. They are an efficient way of getting valuable marketing messages in both images and text directly into the hands of potential customers. Brochures allow customers to quickly get a feel for products or services, while also finding answers to many of their initial questions. Brochures are great to include in a sales kit or pass out in high-traffic areas.
Standard Sizes
Any Trim Size
Standard Sizes
Our standard sizes, listed below, are the most popular in the industry:
8.5" x 11"
Each size (above) indicates the size of the flat sheet, so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options.
Any Trim Size
You can order custom sizes by using the "Any Trim Size (Edit Below)" option in the pricing calculator. First select the standard size option which is larger in both dimensions (height and width) than your desired custom size. In the "Any Trim Size (Edit Below)" box on the pricing calculator (shown below), type in your desired dimensions. Please remember if you are ordering "Any Trim Size" for a product that is folded, "Any Trim Size" dimensions are for the product before it is folded.
Be mindful of the custom trim when submitting a file to prevent any part of your design from being trimmed away. It's extra important to look at a proof when ordering custom trim.
100# Gloss Text
80# Gloss Text
Sample Books
100# Gloss Text
You may be familiar with this type of stock from the covers of many popular magazines like People and Time.
This paper strikes a balance between thickness and foldability, while the glossy finish on both sides gives your text a professional appearance.
80# Gloss Text
This type of stock is lighter than 100# Gloss Book. Has more flexibility for folding.
Sample Books
Every Zoo customer may order one free 4-Color Offset sample book. Additional sample books and a complete kit can be ordered by clicking here.
4/4 (Full Color Both Sides)
4/1 (Full Color Front / B&W Back)
4/0 (Full Color Front Side Only)
4/4
Full color on both sides of the sheet. This option can reproduce the range of colors you see in a typical photograph out of the standard 4 printing colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Typical examples of this are magazine covers and high-end catalogs.
4/1
Full color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as above) on the front and black on the back. A typical example of this is a flyer.
4/0
Full color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as above) on the front and no printing on the back. A typical example of this is a poster.
AQ 2 Sides
AQ 2 Sides
AQ is short for Aqueous Coating. This is a semi-gloss, environmentally friendly, water-based coating applied over the entire front and back of the printed piece. It provides additional gloss and protection, and it can be written on with a ballpoint pen.
Turnaround Times:
Upload Files Before:
Proofs Approved By:
SAME DAY
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
NEXT DAY
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
1-2 DAYS
10:30 AM
1:00 PM
2-3 DAYS
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
5 DAYS
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
5-7 DAYS
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
7 DAYS
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
7-10 DAYS
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
Folding
Shrinkwrap and Rubber Bands
Choose Folding Type:
None: This option is a flat piece of paper like a flyer.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For a flyer (which has no folding), the final size will match the selected size in the calculator.
A classic brochure fold, this option creates three two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that one panel is slightly shorter than the others in order to tuck inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened. Sometimes this folding option is also referred to as a 3 Panel Roll Fold.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 11" x 8.5" brochure with a Tri-Fold has a finished size of 3.6875" x 8.5" (3 11/16" x 8 1/2" which creates a portrait orientation.
This option creates two two-sided panels with the fold at the top and oriented horizontally. (If you would like the fold vertically on the left, please look at Vertical Half-Fold.)
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 8.5" x 11" brochure with a Half-Fold has a finished size of 8.5" x 5.5" which creates a landscape orientation.
This option creates three two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that the middle panel is not visible on either side until the brochure is opened. Sometimes this folding option is also referred to as a 3 Panel Accordion Fold.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 11" x 8.5" brochure with a Z-Fold has a finished size of 3.668" x 8.5" which creates a portrait orientation.
This option creates four two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that two panels are slightly shorter than the others in order to tuck inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, a 17" x 11" brochure with a 4 Panel Roll Fold has a finished size of 4.3125" x 11" (4 5/16" x 11") which creates a portrait orientation. Since a 4 Panel Roll Fold tucks in upon itself, the interior panels are shorter than the exterior panels. In this example, panels 1 and 2 (which form the outside of the folded brochure) are 4.3125" x 11". Panel 3 is 4.25" x 11" and panel 4 is 4.125" x 11".
This option creates four two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that two panels are folded inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, a 17" x 11" brochure with a Double Parallel Fold has a finished size of 4.25" x 11" which creates a portrait orientation.
This option creates two two-sided panels with the fold on the left and oriented vertically. (If you would like the fold horizontal on the top, please look at Half-Fold.)
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 8.5" x 11" brochure with a Half-Fold has a finished size of 4.25" x 11" which maintains a portrait orientation.
Shrinkwrap and Rubber Bands
Shrinkwrap is a thin, plastic wrapping designed to group the items you order into desired quantities. Additionally, it helps your order arrive in tip-top condition because it reduces rubbing during shipping. It is called "shrinkwrap" because after the plastic is placed around each bundle, it is shrunk with gentle heat for a better fit.
Orders can also be grouped using rubber bands.
Options:
25 per package
50 per package
100 per package
Please note that if your order quantity and the number of pieces per package will result in more than 200 individually shrinkwrapped packages, your order may require an additional 1-2 days for fulfillment.
For other quantities, please submit a custom estimate.
Quantity
When to choose Offset
Custom Orders
Quantity
Quantity availability is dependent on the order specifications you choose. To see available quantities, complete all order specifications in the pricing calculator and click on the "Quantity" dropdown menu.
Due to our production process, we print in specific increments. If you would like an amount not listed in the pricing calculator, request a custom estimate for the quantity needed.
Generally, we print more than the quantity ordered. Due to this being a manufacturing process, the total finished quantity may vary. These quantities can vary +/- 5%, with the norm typically being more than less. Standard industry procedure considers this range "shipment in full."
When to choose Offset
4-Color Offset printing is ideal for lower prices on large quantity orders or any time you would like coating on your products.
Almost always, people choose this option when ordering large quantities.
Custom Orders
If you would like to order product options not available in the pricing calculator, simply request a custom estimate. To request a custom estimate, click on "Estimates" located at the top of the page.
In many cases, it is more affordable to order one of our specified quantities rather than placing a custom order. Custom orders are most commonly placed for order specifications not listed in the pricing calculator.
Get Templates
File Preparation
File Orientation
Bleed and Safe Area
Proofs and File Check
Please Select Template Below:
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This template can be imported into: InDesign, Quark Express, Illustrator, Corel Draw, and many other content creation programs.
JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and is a basic raster file format. This template is recommended for Photoshop.
EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. This template is recommended for advanced Illustrator users only.
File Preparation
In order to ensure your files are print-ready, we recommend that you upload them in PDF format. When you generate a print-ready PDF, your computer will use the settings in Adobe Acrobat Distiller or any other PDF generating programs you may use. Please make sure that these are set properly before generating your PDF file.
If you are uploading PDF files created in Photoshop, please be sure all layers are flattened.
We also accept .JPG (JPEG), .EPS and .TIF (TIFF) file types, however PDF is the preferred format.
Check your file to make sure it meets our file creation guidelines. This will help speed up the production of your project and give your printed piece the best results.
Use the CMYK colorspace (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, blacK). These are industry standard printing colors. CMYK colors are different than RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which are used to display colors on your screen.
Use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for image files.
Specify trim area with crop marks. (Don't place crop marks inside the work area.)
Artwork should have 1/8" (0.125") bleed extending past the trim line. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
Safe Area is the 1/8" (0.125") area inside the trim line. Do not put critical information or images within the Safe Area. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
If you want printed borders, they must be placed a minimum of 1/8" (0.125") inside the trim line and include bleed. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
File Orientation
Please click the link below for an explanation of file orientation.
We require that you extend any images that run up to the trim line a minimum of 1/8" (0.125") past the trim line to create "bleed". Depending on what program you use to create your file, this may or may not change the total image area of your file. Programs like Photoshop that do not allow the creation of "bleed" or the addition of crop marks will require an image area that is 1/4" (0.25") larger than your desired final overall image area in both dimensions.
Safe Area is the 1/8" (0.125") area inside the trim line. Do not put critical information or images within the Safe Area. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge. If you choose to make less than this minimum clearance, we will NOT be responsible for items that are cut off in this area.
Proofs and File Check
We offer three proof options:
Online PDF Proof: You will be sent a link to view your proof via email. Please keep in mind that this is only a proof for content and positioning; the color on your screen may vary from the color of your final product, depending on your monitor and viewing conditions.
Hard Copy Proof: The Hard Copy Proof can either be picked up on-site or shipped to you. Please keep in mind that this is a proof for content and positioning and is not printed on your actual job stock. Color may vary slightly when printed on the stock you ordered. When ordering a Hard Copy Proof, you will receive a complimentary Online PDF Proof, as well.
No Proof, Run As-Is: This option is for the industry professional who is certain their project is ready to hit the press and does not require the additional security of a proof.
File Check:
If our prepress department sees anything questionable with your file, we will contact you via email with our concerns. Should prepress email you, please note that your job is not considered fully submitted until you respond to this email. This should be factored into your turnaround time.File check does not apply to No Proof, Run As-Is. No Proof, Run As-Is jobs print from the exact file(s) you upload unless it is not possible to print because your supplied file does not match the specifications ordered.
How to check your Online PDF:
The black crop marks indicate the final trim size. The Red line ( Dashed ) indicates the (Score) The Green line ( Dashed ) indicates the (Perf). The Red Line (Solid) indicates the ( Cut or Trim ) line.
The verbiage on the file, this will indicate the page position after folding.
Please Note: The charge for our technical team to review your file when first submitted is included in the price of your order. If they note technical concerns with your file, they may email you with their concerns so you can upload a corrected file. If subsequent uploads still contain errors, you may be charged an additional prepress fee to review your file again.
Design Online
How to Use Design Online Video
Design Online
You can create a personalized design in just a few minutes. Once you click the "Start Your Design" button, you're taken to a huge library of design templates. You can search by specific category or select "generic" for personal use. Making changes to the text, font size and uploading a picture or logo on your chosen template is as easy as using a basic computer program. After you're done making changes, you are able to instantly view an online proof and order it for print.
There are professional design templates for almost any personal and business need.