Paper Folds

Standard Business Brochure Paper Sizes

Letter Brochure: 8.5 x 11 inches
Legal Brochure: 8.5 x 14 inches
Tabloid Brochure: 11 x 17 inches

Tri-Fold Brochure:

Also known as "Letter-Fold"

A standard tri-fold brochure makes use of a single sheet of paper (commonly letter or legal size) which is folded twice, creating 6-panels to place text and graphics. Of the six panels, only four are normally used for content as the cover requires one panel and the back panel is generally reserved for a call to action and company contact information. This is also the most common format used for a direct mail brochure in which the back panel is used for mailing address and postal endicia.

Common Tri-fold Brochure Sizes:

Letter (folds to 3.65" x 8.5")
Legal (folds to 4.65" x 8.5")
Great for creating small compact color brochures but can also be used for larger designs.

Z-Fold Brochure

Also known as "Fan-Fold", "Zig-Zag Fold", or "Accordian-Fold" brochure.

This is a slight variation from the Tri-fold brochure. Since the panels do not fold into each other, the shape of the brochure takes on a fan-like appearance.

Common Z-Fold Brochure Sizes:

Letter (folds to 3.65" x 8.5")
Legal (folds to 4.65" x 8.5")

Double Parallel Brochure

Also known as "Parallel Center" or "Double Fold"

The style of this brochure is produced by folding a document in half, and then in half once again creating 8-panels.

Common Double Parallel Brochure Sizes:

Letter (folds to 2.75" x 8.5")
Legal (folds to 3.5" x 8.5")

Half-Fold Brochure:

Also known as a Book-Fold

The Half-fold brochure is very popular. As each sheet of paper is folded in half, it creates 4-panels or sides. The flexibility of its format allows it to be used for a variety of marketing solutions including informational booklets, catalogs, newsletters, and response cards.

Common Half-Fold Brochure Sizes: