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A good brochure template gives you a starting layout, not a finished brochure. Choose the fold and finished size first, plan the panel sequence, then replace the sample text and images with concise content for your audience. Before printing, check the requirements of the printer you will actually use.
Choose a fold that fits the content
The fold determines how many panels readers see and the order in which they encounter them. Pick it before customizing a template: two designs both called “tri-fold,” for example, may have different panel order or fold direction.
| Fold | How it works | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Half-fold (bi-fold) | One fold divides the sheet into two halves. | A simple, image-led or artistic presentation. |
| Tri-fold | Three panels fold over one another. | Information grouped into several sections. |
| Z-fold | Alternating folds create a three-panel zigzag. | A timeline, map, image sequence or content revealed progressively. |
| Accordion fold | Alternating folds create four panels. | Content that benefits from unfolding in sequence. |
| Gate fold | Two outer panels fold inward toward a larger central panel. | A presentation with a central reveal when opened. |
| Roll fold | Panels tuck inward, often with each tucked panel slightly narrower. | A compact piece that closes by rolling panels inward; confirm panel widths with the printer. |
These format descriptions and common uses are outlined in Canva’s brochure design guide. Treat them as planning guidance, not production specifications: the printer’s fold template determines the exact panel order and dimensions.
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Set the size for the finished piece and market
Brochure size examples vary by market. Canva lists the following formats, but the dimensions alone do not tell you the panel widths, bleed, safe areas or finishing tolerances for a particular print job.
| Market | Size | Dimensions listed by Canva |
|---|---|---|
| International | A3 | 29.7 × 42 cm |
| International | A4 | 21 × 29.7 cm |
| International | A5 | 14.8 × 21 cm |
| International | DL | 11 × 22 cm |
| North America | Letter | 27.94 × 21.59 cm |
| North America | Legal | 21.59 × 35.56 cm |
| North America | Half Letter | 21.59 × 13.97 cm |
| North America | Tabloid | 27.94 × 43.18 cm |
Ask whether the quoted dimensions refer to the flat sheet or the folded, finished brochure. Use the printer’s template or specifications to confirm panel widths, trim, bleed and safe areas before laying out final artwork. Canva’s guide is a starting point for size selection, not a substitute for those job-specific details.
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Plan the panel sequence before editing
Decide what a reader should see first and what action they should take. Sketch the flat sheet, mark the front cover, inside reading order and back panel, then fold a rough proof to check that the sequence makes sense. This catches panel-order errors before you invest time in polishing the design.
- Define the purpose: Is the brochure for a business, event, service, organization, class or personal project?
- Name the audience and action: Decide who should read it and what you want them to do next.
- Choose distribution: A handout, rack card, mail piece, event-table brochure and digital PDF can call for different content and production choices.
- Choose fold and size: Match the format to the amount and sequence of information, and confirm it is supported by your printer.
- Map the panels: Mark the cover, inside panels and back panel on a folded dummy before putting copy into a template.
Customize the template with clear, branded content
After choosing a layout with the right panel count and enough room, replace all placeholder copy and graphics. Microsoft’s Publisher guidance describes selecting a brochure from its template gallery, then changing text or graphics and customizing colors, fonts and backgrounds in its brochure-template workflow.
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- Use a clear headline and concise copy; break details into short paragraphs, headings or bullets.
- Choose relevant, high-resolution images rather than leaving generic sample photography in place.
- Keep colors and type choices consistent with the organization or project’s branding.
- Include the contact details readers need and a clear call to action.
- Leave enough white space for the panels to remain easy to scan.
These content recommendations are also covered in Canva’s brochure-maker FAQ. Review the design at its actual size, not only enlarged on a screen, and keep essential text away from folds and trim. Ask the printer for the safe area it requires.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Prepare the file for home or commercial printing
Printing at home
Check the selected printer, paper size, duplex setting and printable margins before making copies. Microsoft Support’s instructions for printing a brochure with Publisher say to “make sure you are printing one page per sheet, have chosen the correct paper size, and are printing on both sides of the paper” (Microsoft Support, “Print a brochure using Publisher”).
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A margin setting cannot make every printer print to the edge: printable areas vary, and many devices leave an unprinted border. Keep artwork within the printer’s printable area unless your printer supports an appropriate borderless or finishing workflow. Microsoft explains these limitations in its guidance on printers that do not support borderless printing.
Using a commercial printer
Get the printer’s file specifications and template before finalizing the layout. Export format, bleed, crop marks, color handling and text treatment can depend on that provider’s workflow. Microsoft documents a Publisher Pack and Go route that creates PDF and Publisher files for a commercial printer, but another printer may request different formats or settings; see Microsoft’s Pack and Go instructions.
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Canva’s developer export reference describes options for bleed and crop marks, along with PDF options such as CMYK conversion and outlining text. That documentation describes an integration interface, so it should not be taken as a guarantee that every option appears in every consumer editing workflow. Check the export controls available to you and follow the printer’s requirements: Canva’s export reference.
Quick Recap
Use a final preflight checklist
- Does the fold match the content and the printer’s available finishing options?
- Are the flat sheet size, finished size and panel widths confirmed?
- Does a folded proof show the intended cover and reading order?
- Have you replaced every placeholder and checked contact information and the call to action?
- Are essential words clear of folds and trim areas, using the printer’s safe-area guidance?
- Does the export match the printer’s specified file type and settings?
- For home printing, are sheet size, one-page-per-sheet layout, duplex and printable margins set correctly?
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