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Types of Brochures: The Ultimate Guide with Examples & Templates

Olujinmi Oluwatoni
Written by Olujinmi Oluwatoni
Published at Mar 14, 2025
Edited by: Unenabasi Ekeruke
Reviewed by: Victoria Taylor
Types of Brochures: The Ultimate Guide with Examples & Templates

In the last few decades, marketing has largely shifted towards digital formats.

But the good ol’ brochure isn’t going anywhere.

If anything, this classic marketing tool just got better with a wider variety of formats and styles.

Yet, when it’s time to design a brochure, many of us automatically default to the Letter Fold (Tri-Fold) as if it were the only option on the menu.

There’s a whole lineup of creative folds and formats that may be better suited for specific purposes and audiences.

But if you’re not sure which one to choose, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the different brochure types, explaining when and why to use them so you can make the right choice for your needs.

We’ve also handpicked some professionally designed templates that you can easily customize to create any of these types of brochures.

 

Table of Contents

Quick Read

  • Types of brochures include Bi-fold, Tri-fold, Z-fold, Double Parallel, Accordion Fold, Gate Fold, Closed Gate Fold, Roll Fold, French Fold and Die-cut Brochure.
  • The right brochure type depends on your purpose, audience and budget. For instance, if you’re creating a brochure with simple information, a bi-fold works well, but if you want to make a strong impression, a gate fold or die-cut can be a better choice.
  • It’s important to strike a balance between design and content. While having detailed information is great, clear and concise text paired with a thoughtful design ensures the brochure is engaging without overwhelming the reader.
  • Visme offers a wide range of templates, features and tools to help you create professionally designed brochures. Sign up here to get started.

 

What is a Brochure?

A brochure is a versatile, printed or digital marketing tool you can use to inform customers about your products, services, organization, event or cause. It’s typically designed to be compact, visually appealing and easy to distribute.

You’ll find brochures in folded multi-panel formats or as multi-page booklets.

Below is a great example of a bi-fold brochure.

Create your Brochure with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

Looking for inspiration for your next design project? In this article, we've compiled 20 stunning brochure examples & templates to spark your creativity.

 

10 Types of Brochures to Create a Lasting Impression and Win Businesses

Brochure Types Fold Details  Best Used For
BI-fold Single fold down the middle, creating four panels Simple brochures with minimal content or promotional material
Tri-fold Two parallel folds, creating six panels Informative brochures for product details, event flyers, or business info
Z-fold Two folds in a zigzag pattern creating six panels Step-by-step guides, product showcases, or maps that unfold sequentially
Double Parallel Folded twice in the same direction, creating eight panels Detailed brochures for complex products or services
Accordion fold Folded in a series of parallel folds, creating multiple panels Brochures with extensive content, schedules, or detailed product lists
Gate fold Two end sides fold inward to meet in the center High-end product showcases, event promotions, or luxury services
Closed gate fold Similar to a gate fold but with an additional fold to seal the brochure completely Teasing offers or secretive content, then revealing a detailed message
Roll fold Brochure Multiple parallel folds that roll into each other Sequential content, such as event programs, step-by-step guides, or timelines
French fold Paper is folded in half both horizontally and vertically, creating eight panels Elegant brochures for premium services or products, often for invitations
Diecut brochure fold Custom shapes created by cutting the paper in unique forms Creative marketing materials or brochures for artistic promotions

 

 

1. Bi-Fold Brochure

A bifold, also called a half-fold brochure, is a classic and widely used type of brochure. It’s simple, versatile and effective for conveying information in a clean and organized way.

A bifold brochure is created by folding a single sheet of paper in half, resulting in four panels (two on the front and two on the back).

Unlike most brochure examples that divide content into multiple narrow sections, a bi-fold brochure has  larger panels, which allows more space for bold visuals. It resembles a small booklet or pamphlet, making it great for corporate presentations, product catalogs and professional services.

Dimension

8.5” x 11” or 8.27” x 11.69”

Pros

  • Provides spacious panels for bigger images, charts, or detailed content.
  • The simple two-fold structure makes it intuitive for readers, reducing clutter and improving readability.
  • Compared to tri-fold or accordion-fold brochures, a bi-fold holds up better since it has fewer folds that might get creased or worn out over time.

Cons

  • Since it has fewer folds, the design must be visually compelling to avoid looking like a simple flyer.
  • Since there are fewer sections to break up content, it’s easy to end up with large blocks of text if the design isn’t carefully planned.
  • If the brochure needs to cover many different aspects (e.g., multiple services, locations, or step-by-step guides), a bi-fold may not be the best choice.

Expert Tip

Chris Calo, a Design & Creative Executive at Vulcan agency shared the following insights about creating a Bi-fold brochure.

“For a bi-fold brochure, which is essentially a booklet-style fold, I recommend always using very high-quality photography and a really neat layout. Of all the four panels, the main thing to work with when using a bi-fold is the placement of content. I like to keep one side a bit more visual-heavy, while the other focuses on informing text. The cleanest and simplest works best here, so it doesn't come off as cluttered.”

 

Real-Life Example of Bifold Brochure

This bi-fold brochure is a great example of clean, stylish and effective design. Its front cover catches the eye with a bold layout and an enticing discount offer that makes you want to flip inside. Although the inner panels are text-heavy, they’re very easy to read, thanks to bold headers and bullet points. Outside, there are clear headers that highlight the contact details so readers know exactly where to go next.

Make Your Own

Create your Brochure with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

Customize this educational bi-fold brochure template to match your brand by tweaking the colors, fonts, logos and text. With Visme’s Brand Wizard tool, it’s super easy. Enter your website URL and the wizard will pull in your brand assets and add them to your brand kit for a seamless, professional look.

 

2. Tri-Fold Brochure

A trifold brochure is one of the most widely used marketing tools and for good reason. It follows the classic letter fold style (or C-fold); the right and left panels fold inward, overlapping in the middle. It’s compact, easy to carry and fits neatly into display racks, making it a go-to choice for businesses, restaurants, travel guides and event promotions.

The elegance of a trifold lies in its layered reveal. The cover draws people in, the inside panels tell the story and the final section delivers the key takeaway or call to action.

Pros

  • When folded, it’s small and easy to carry, making it great for events, trade shows and direct mail campaigns.
  • Since it’s made from a single sheet of paper, it’s affordable to print in bulk compared to multi-page brochures.
  • The structured format ensures that content is presented in a natural, sequential order, making it intuitive for the reader.

Cons

  • Divides content into smaller sections, which might not work for highly visual materials.
  • It’s a common brochure example, hence, an average design might not stand out among competitors.

Expert Tip

Here’s what Chris has to say regarding designing Trifolds:

“A tri-fold brochure is really one of the most common formats, and yet careful planning is required. The greatest mistake I see is not making sure the folds are serious when a designer makes perforations-hurt most on text getting lost in the creases. I like to use the first panel hook, fill the middle sections with key details, and close it off with a strong call to action on the last panel. A mix of bold headlines, bullet points, along with images ensures that the message could be skimmed through and still receive.”

Dimensions

8.5” x 11”, 8.5” x 14” and 11” x 17”

Real-Life Example of Trifold Brochure

This vacation trifold brochure takes you on a smooth journey from panel to panel. The beach-themed images paired with wave-like dividers create a captivating visual experience. I love the luxurious feel of the front cover, with an attention-grabbing text. Inside, there are clear details about the service and the company without feeling cramped.

Design your own

Create your Brochure with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

This Visme template makes creating a trifold brochure simple. Any of the outside side panels can form the front cover, while the middle panel becomes the back page.

Feel free to unleash your creativity in the inside panels that hold your main content. For instance, you can add your own images, 3D animations, illustrations or pick from Visme’s library of thousands of stock photos to make it unique.

 

3. Z-Fold Brochure

A Z-fold brochure opens literally like the letter "Z." You create it by folding a single sheet of paper into three equal sections that zigzag back and forth, creating a continuous flow from front to back.

Unlike a trifold, where panels tuck into each other, a Z-fold opens out in one smooth motion. What makes this brochure format special is that the reader gets a full view of the content without having to flip or fold back.

Since all panels are equal in size and open flat, Z-fold brochures are ideal for designs that need to stretch across the entire brochure without interruption, like maps, event programs, or product showcases.

Dimension

8.5" x 11, 11" x 17" and 8.5" x 14"

Pros

  • The zigzag fold creates a logical reading path, perfect for step-by-step guides, timelines, or process breakdowns.
  • Because panels open in a line, large images or infographics can span the full width for maximum visual impact.

Cons

  • If panels aren’t designed or printed precisely, images or graphics that span panels might not align perfectly when folded.
  • Since it unfolds openly, sensitive or personal content may not stay concealed, unlike closed formats like gate folds.

Expert Tip

Kevin Liu, VP of Products at Octoparse shared the following insights about creating Z-folds:

“One of my biggest tips when creating Z-folds is to think of each panel as a progression, each fold should build on the previous one, leading the reader through a journey. At Octoparse, we’ve used this format to explain how our web scraping tool works, dedicating one panel to each stage (setup, automation, and data export). High-quality visuals and icons can make a big difference here. Since the reader unfolds the brochure in a continuous motion, the design should feel seamless and connected.”

Real-Life Example of Z-Fold Brochure

What immediately caught my eye in this Z fold brochure is the royal blue monochrome background—talk of class and elegance. The first panel inside serves as the front cover, while the last page on the outside is the back cover, creating a nice Z-overlap effect.

As a jewelry eCommerce platform, the flow chart showing how to shop from the website is a smart and unique way to show, not just tell.

 

4. Double Parallel Fold Brochure

A double parallel fold brochure is a multi-panel format where you fold a sheet of paper in half, then fold again in the same direction, creating four panels on each side. The key feature of this fold is that both folds run parallel, giving it the name "double parallel."

How does a double parallel fold stand out? It offers more space than common folds like bi-folds or tri-folds yet remains compact and easy to handle. This unfolding process naturally lends itself to progressive storytelling, such as step-by-step instructions or product comparisons.

Dimension

8.5" x 14"

Pros

  • Folds down to a slim, easy-to-carry size, perfect for handing out at events or displays.
  • The unfolding action feels interactive and memorable, making it more engaging than a flat design.
  • Works well for brochures that need sections, such as product catalogs, instructional guides, or service breakdowns.

Cons

  • Since the panels fold into each other, misplacing content could make the brochure harder to follow.
  • The sequential reveal is great for storytelling but might frustrate readers looking for instant information.

Expert Tip

Here’s what Kevin shared regarding creating Double Parallel folds.

“From my experience, the key is hierarchy and clarity; each fold should introduce a new idea without overwhelming the reader. Since this format has four panels per side, I recommend using the first panel for a compelling hook and then dedicating each subsequent panel to different aspects of your message. Also, avoid placing important text at the folds, if the content is misaligned or cut off, it can make the design look unprofessional.”

 

Real-Life Example of a Double Parallel Fold Brochure

The simple design and calm colors of this double parallel fold brochure create a soothing, clean look. It ensures the two end panels form the front and back pages, making it easy to fold into the intended shape. The way the packaging box images cross from front to back cover makes for a perfect visual counterpart.

 

5. Accordion Fold Brochure

An accordion fold brochure is similar to a Z-fold in that both unfold in a zigzag pattern. However, the accordion fold typically creates more panels, allowing for a more expansive layout that mimics the pleats of an accordion.

When folded, it’s compact, but once fully opened, it reveals a much larger brochure, making room for flowing content without interruption.

Dimension

8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17” and 11” x 26”

Pros

  • Each panel can function independently or as part of a larger design, allowing for a mix of individual sections and full-spread visuals.
  • Since the panels unfold in a straight line, you can create large, eye-catching graphics that stretch across multiple sections.
  • When folded, the brochure remains small and portable, but when opened, it offers plenty of space to work with.

Con

  • Some brochure racks and display stands are designed for tri-folds or bi-folds, meaning an accordion fold might not fit as neatly into certain marketing setups.

Expert Tip

Chris Calo shared the following has to say about designing Accordion:

“For an accordion fold brochure, I like to embrace a very strong, sequential design. This format is really designed for very step-by-step instructional events or even infographics. I tie each panel school together with a visual connection of colors and other design elements, so that a reader can intuitively go through it with minimal stress of feeling overwhelmed.”

 

Real Life Example of Accordion Fold Brochure

This brochure design is colorful and well-suited for a primary education admission brochure. Since it needs to provide enough information to help parents decide, the fold choice is perfect. The first panel already holds a lot of content, with plenty of space inside for more details.

One thing I would change is the placement of the contact information. The back cover's last panel is the best spot for it; people will find it easier.

 

6. Gate Fold Brochure

A gate fold brochure is a visually striking format where two side panels fold inward to meet in the center, like opening a gate. The act of opening the "gates" creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, making it perfect for showcasing high-value products, launching new services, or presenting premium content.

A common design strategy is to use the front "gates" to tease the reader with an intriguing message, logo, or image. The inside panel then delivers the main message or product showcase in a bold, eye-catching way.

Dimension

8.5" x 11" and 11" x 17"

Pros

  • The unfolding motion creates a sense of anticipation, making the reveal more impactful than traditional folds.
  • Because it feels elegant and interactive, it’s often used for high-end product launches, invitations, or exclusive promotions.

Cons

  • The design requires precise folding and alignment, making it more costly than simpler folds like tri-folds or Z-folds.
  • If content placement isn’t strategic, the reveal effect won’t have the intended impact.
  • Since the focus is on bold visuals and minimal copy, it may not work well for information-dense brochures.

 

Real Life Example of a Gate Fold Brochure

This is one annual report that won’t go unread. From the bold color contrast to the striking title and the image that spans both sides of the gate, it grabs attention right away. I like that the contact details are placed on one of the gates instead of the back.

To better align the design with the content, I’d suggest centering the main details in the middle panel and placing supporting information on the sides.

 

7. Closed Gate Fold Brochure

A closed gate fold brochure is a variation of the standard gate fold. Unlike the traditional gate fold, where two side panels fold inward and meet in the center, this version includes an extra fold down the middle. This additional fold fully encloses the brochure, eliminating visible edges or flaps and making it even more compact.

To open it, you first unfold the sealed section, which reveals the gate fold panels leading to the central panel. This extra step creates a sense of anticipation and exclusivity, making it an excellent choice for high-end marketing materials, VIP invitations and product unveilings.

Dimension

8.5” x 14” and 11” x 17”

Pros

  • The sealed design creates a sense of luxury and exclusivity, making it perfect for high-end branding or premium campaigns.

Cons

  • The luxurious feel and striking design make it better suited for special occasions rather than everyday marketing needs.
  • The complex folding and sealing process often requires specialized printing, which can be more expensive.
  • Planning the layout for the sealed section, gate fold panels and central panel can be challenging, especially for beginner designers.

Real Life Example of a Closed Gate Fold Brochure

This brochure is the perfect example of how design should align with the fold. I love how the images spread seamlessly across the entire outside panel works beautifully. The simple, uncluttered text adds to the appeal, while the destination images introduce an extra layer of sophistication to the design.

8. Roll Fold Brochure

A roll fold brochure is a beautifully layered and sequentially unfolding brochure, where each panel folds in on itself, much like rolling up a scroll. Think of it as opening a letter one section at a time, with each new panel revealing a fresh piece of information.

Typically, a roll fold has at least four panels, but you’ll often see five, six, or even more, depending on how much content you need to include. As the panels "roll" inward, each one must be slightly narrower than the outermost one to ensure everything folds neatly without bulging. The design is more complex but allows you to pack a lot of information without overwhelming the reader.

Dimension

8.5" x 11" and 8.5" x 14" or 11" x 17"

Pros

  • More panels mean more space to break down information clearly, without stuffing everything into small sections.
  • The design naturally guides the reader’s attention, preventing them from jumping around and missing key details.
  • The unfolding experience feels elegant and thoughtful, giving an impression of a well-crafted presentation.
  • Despite having multiple panels, a roll fold folds down into a neat, handheld size that’s easy to distribute or display.

Cons

  • If someone wants to quickly find a specific piece of information, they’ll need to unfold all the panels to get to it, making it less user-friendly for quick browsing.
  • Since the order of panels matters, you’ll need to map out your content strategically to maintain a smooth flow.
  • If you opt for a heavier paper stock, the multiple folds might make it bulky or difficult to fold properly.

Real Life Example of a Roll Fold Brochure

A museum tour promotion brochure has never looked more bold and beautiful. Bursting with vibrant, attention-grabbing images, this piece keeps your interest alive at every turn. The dynamic color contrasts from panel to panel harmonize beautifully with the roll fold format, allowing each section to shine with its unique message. I especially love how the bold all-caps headings stand out, pairing perfectly with the gentle elegance of the lowercase text below.

 

9. French Fold Brochure

A French fold brochure, also known as a cross fold brochure, is an elegant format that folds a single sheet of paper twice, once horizontally and once vertically, creating four equal panels when folded.

Unlike other brochures that use parallel folds (like tri-folds or Z-folds), the French fold creates a square or rectangular piece that opens up in two motions, almost like unwrapping a gift. When fully opened, you get a large, uninterrupted canvas, perfect for bold visuals, big text messaging, or full infographics.

Dimension

8.5” x 11” or 8.27 x 14” folding down to approximately 3.67” x 8.5” or 3.76” x 8.27” respectively

Pros

  • The unfolding action creates an element of surprise and engagement, making it perfect for special events, invitations and promotions.
  • When fully opened, you have one continuous, spacious area, ideal for large images, diagrams, or maps.
  • Despite offering a large display when open, it folds down to a small, manageable size, perfect for mailers or handouts.
  • Since it's made from one sheet with two folds, it’s relatively affordable to print and assemble, especially in bulk.

Cons

  • You essentially get four panels, so if you need more segmented sections for detailed content, a trifold or roll fold may serve better.
  • If the folds are even slightly off, the panels may not align perfectly, which can affect the aesthetic and professional feel.

Real-Life Example of a French Fold Brochure

This A3 French fold brochure grabs your attention both inside and outside. What stood out to me immediately was the striking Art Deco-inspired design on the front and back cover. I also love how the attention-grabbing text and the geometric patterns elevate the design appeal.

 

10. Die-Cut Brochure Brochure

A die-cut brochure uses a specialized tool to cut paper or other materials into custom shapes. Unlike traditional brochures that are rectangular or square, a die-cut brochure can take on any shape you can imagine, whether it's curves, waves, windows, or even silhouettes like a bottle, car, or logo. This format immediately grabs attention by breaking away from the typical, straight-edged designs.

Dimension

Die-cut brochures don’t follow fixed dimensions.

Pros

  • Feels premium and thoughtful, showing that care and creativity went into the marketing piece.
  • People are naturally drawn to touch, explore and play with uniquely shaped or cut interactive brochures.
  • Shapes and openings can enhance storytelling. For example, a cutout in the shape of a key for a locksmith service, or a window revealing a product image inside.

Cons

  • Involves custom tools and more complex production, making it more expensive than standard brochures.
  • Takes longer to produce, especially if you need a custom die made from scratch.

Expert Tip

Bully Max’s CMO, Maris Laatre shared the following insights.

“A die-cut brochure is all about standing out, but it’s easy to overdo it. The trick is to make the die-cut shape work with your branding and messaging. At Bully Max, we once created a die-cut brochure shaped like a dog bone, instantly recognizable and fun for our audience. When designing one, think about how the cutout enhances the content. It should add to the experience, not make it harder to read. Also, test your folds and cuts, sometimes what looks great on screen doesn’t fold or stack properly in real life. And always use high-quality, sturdy paper so the unique shape holds up well.”

Real-Life Example of a Die-Cut Brochure

Imagine a brochure that captures the essence of creativity and thoughtfulness in every detail – that’s what you get with this stunning hospital opening die-cut brochure design.

The page-sized trifold features a striking high-rise hospital silhouette on the front cover. Though it’s text-heavy, the unique design and sophistication make you want to open it and read through every word.

 

How to Choose the Perfect Brochure Type for You?

After learning about each of these, you might already have a brochure idea that suits your needs.

To validate your choice, here are the key factors to consider:

  • Purpose and Audience: Be clear on why you're creating the brochure and who it's for. Is it for promoting a product, explaining services, or guiding customers through a process? If your audience wants quick facts, a compact trifold is ideal. But if you're showcasing luxury products or visuals like art or real estate, a gate fold or die-cut will leave a stronger impression. Choose what makes sense for your audience, not just what looks good.
  • Design Process and Tools: Decide how you'll create the design. If you want something simple and DIY, Visme offers great templates for standard folds like trifolds and bifolds. If you're short on time, Visme’s AI brochure maker can generate a polished design in seconds—just describe what you want and it does the rest. For complex layouts like accordion fold, tools like Adobe InDesign give you more control.
  •  Technical Specifications: Before diving into design, talk to your printer to know what's possible within your budget and timeline. Complex folds like die-cuts require precision and not all printers handle them. Clarify dimensions, bleed areas and paper types upfront to avoid costly mistakes. Also, ask how the folds impact the layout, such as which panels are seen first and which are hidden.
  • Practical Details: Think about how and where the brochure will be used. Will it be handed out at events, mailed, or displayed? Trifolds and bifolds are compact and easy to distribute, while larger formats like booklets or double parallel folds offer more space but are harder to store and ship. Also, keep budget in mind; more complex folds and finishes cost more to print and assemble.

 

Types of Brochure FAQs

8.5” x 11” (letter size), 8.5” x 14” (legal size) and A4 (8.27” x 11.69”)

The three types of brochures are Bi-fold, tri-fold and Z-fold

4-fold brochures are called double parallel fold

Examples of brochures are travel brochures, real estate brochures and product catalogs.

The most popular type of brochures are trifold brochures.

The differences between brochures and flyers are:

  • Brochures are folded, flyers are flat.
  • Brochures provide detailed info, flyers are more for quick announcements.
  • Brochures are printed on thicker paper, while flyers are on thinner paper.

Oh, absolutely! Brochures are still very much a thing—and they’re not just surviving, they’re thriving. Sure, digital marketing is everywhere, but nothing beats the impact of a well-designed, tangible brochure. It’s something people can hold, flip through, and revisit—way more memorable than another ad they scroll past.

And the best part? Modern brochures are anything but boring. From sleek designs to interactive elements, they’ve evolved into powerful marketing assets.

Create Your Next Brochure in Minutes, Not Hours, with Visme

Brochure design options are vast, from simple bi-folds to intricate die-cuts, each makes a unique impact. To choose the right one, consider your audience, message and practical factors like technical specs such as paper types and dimensions. With these in mind, you’ll confidently select a format that delivers results.

With Visme, creating your professionally designed brochures is a walk in the park. You can access a wide range of templates and intuitive features such as interactivity, branding, data visualizations, collaboration tools, analytics and more. What’s more, you can easily resize your canvas to fit different types of brochure formats.

Apart from creating brochures, Visme offers an extensive template library and design tools for creating business assets such as flyers, infographics, reports, social media graphics, training guides, proposals, presentations and more.

Sign up now to start creating impactful brochures.

Olujinmi Oluwatoni
Written by Olujinmi Oluwatoni

Olujinmi is passionate about helping B2B and SaaS brands with great products tell their stories. She creates data-driven content that’s helpful, inspires brand trust and drives engagement. When she’s not writing, she enjoys composing songs or trying out new recipes. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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