Can Brochures be distributed with Canada Post?
Yes, Canada Post is an ideal option for brochure distribution. A few factors and requirements will need to be taken into account if Canada Post will be used, however.
Firstly, there are the size and weight limitations per piece for each class of postage. The maximum size for Standard postage (as opposed to Oversized, which costs more) is 12"x6", and the maximum weight is 500 grams. For brochures, the weight restrictions are not as much of a factor as they would be for items like catalogs, where it would be much easier to reach that limit. However, the maximum dimensions can be an issue if the piece is designed at a size that would be too large. For example, a 17"x11" folded to 8.5"x11" would be too large. However, the size is measured when the piece is folded, not flat. This means that 11x17 could be folded differently to bring it down below the maximum of 12"x6".
The other factor that will need to be considered is the bundling requirements. Canada Post requires the bundles be no more than 6" thick. Still, the standard is to put 100 pieces per bundle (i.e. 10 bundles of 100 is 1000, rather than putting exactly 6" bundles and having to figure out how many that is). For items larger than 8.5"x5.5", Canada Post usually requires that the bundles have 2 elastics, or they might reject the mailing.
Are the Brochure sizes listed flat or folded?
The sizes listed in the product configurator are the unfolded, flat size of the brochure. Most people design a brochure at the flat size, rather than one document per panel. The same flat size can be folded in many different ways. For example, a 14"x8.5" could be tri-folded, half-folded, 4-panel accordion folded, etc., with each option producing a different folded size.
What are the most common folds for Brochures?
The most common fold for a Brochure would be the classic Tri-Fold. This will be familiar from take-out menus, product pamphlets, promotional brochures at information centres, and many other applications. It is ideal for mailing and can easily be inserted into envelopes.
A "Lettefold" is just a portrait Tri-Fold but has a different name because it is mostly used for letters and documents inserted into a #10 envelope.
A frequent variation of the Tri-Fold is the Z-fold, where instead of the last panel being tucked into the brochure, it is folded outwards, forming a "Z" shape. Z-fold is usually chosen for bilingual items, as each side of the brochure can be a different language. When it is folded, you will see, for example, French on one side and English on the other.
The second most popular fold would be the half-fold, as it is simple, easy, and economical. It is not as popular as the Tri-Fold because it only allows 4 panels in which to arrange content, rather than the 6 of a Tri- or Z-Fold. It is frequently used for newsletters, product handouts, and small maps or guides. It can also be used for inserts into catalogs, coupon flyers, or menus. Because there is only one fold, thicker stocks can be used, and additional finishes like lamination can be added without affecting the fold's functionality.
Can I get fold options that are not listed on the site?
The options available on our site are the most common options for Brochures and will cover most applications. However, if you have a custom project with a fold that is not listed on the site, you can email [email protected] to see if the fold can be done and for a custom quote.
Why did the fold I wanted disappear after I changed my paper or size?
Suppose you are comparing paper and size options and see the fold you want is no longer available. In that case, the fold is not compatible with either the size or the paper that you have chosen.
For example, a Quarter Fold is possible on a 10pt or 12pt card stock, but not on 14pt. Quarter Fold requires the paper to be folded until there are 4 layers at the central fold, and the 14pt is too thick.
Another example would be the Double Gate Fold, which is not available for 11"x8.5" or 9"x12" but is available for 8.5"x14" and up. The 4 panels on a Double Gate Fold are not the same size. There needs to be sufficient length for the two outer panels to be shorter than the inside panels, but still large enough for a reasonable amount of content.
Are there any special margins required for Brochures?
As with most items, a minimum of .125" or 1/8" margin should be allowed from all cut edges. With Brochures, all important content should also be a minimum of .125" or 1/8" from all folds. This is for aesthetic reasons as well as practical ones. Suppose there is a nice even margin around the content. In that case, it will be pleasingly centred on each panel and look more professional. It also helps delineate the content on each panel. It makes sure that nothing will fall into any of the folds or run over onto another panel. This can be especially problematic if the panel in question is on the outside, and the content runs onto one of the inside panels so that it is only fully visible when the brochure is unfolded.
I’m not sure how to correctly set up folds and text orientation on my design file.
You can use our design templates to help you get started. Choose your product options on the brochures product page, and once you are done with the selection, you will automatically get 3 design files that correspond to your selected product options. These files can be found for download on the right side of your screen. They are all the same files, but 3 different file types (AI, IDML and PDF), depending on which software you use for your design. These files contain guides that indicate where the folds are, as well as the orientation of the panels and the safe zones.
