Trifold brochures are a great way to put a lot of information on one sheet of paper. This type of brochure is easy to make, and once you've mastered the technique, you can create a more unique brochure, for example with Z-shaped folds.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Folding Brochures
Step 1. Prepare paper with a size of 22 x 28 cm (letter size paper)
If you want the brochure to be printed, you must first create the design on a computer and then print it. Learn how to do this by clicking here. If you want the brochure to be drawn and written by hand, prepare the paper and keep reading.
A good option is heavy paper, such as cardstock, but you can also use other types of paper, such as asturo paper or plain printing paper
Step 2. Place the paper on a flat surface in a landscape position
The short edges of the paper should be on the right and left. One of the long sides should be facing you. If the paper is already written on, make sure the side of the paper with the writing is on the inside and facing you.
Step 3. Use a pencil and ruler to divide the paper into three
Place a ruler along the top edge of the paper. Put 2 marks along the top edge of the paper. Make the first mark on of the paper, and the second on of the paper.
- You can do this by looking at the numbers on the ruler. To be more accurate, you can use a calculator to calculate how many of the number 28 (the length of the paper).
- Make a second mark a few millimeters closer to the right side of the paper. This makes the panels slightly narrower, which will make folding them easier.
Step 4. Fold the right side of the paper towards the center with the guide of the pencil mark
Gently fold the right side of the paper of the way, with the guide of the pencil mark. Make sure the top and bottom edges of the paper are aligned with the bottom layer of the paper. Sharpen the crease by moving your fingernail over the crease.
- If both marks are made exactly at the and points of the ruler, the edge of the paper will align with the first mark.
- If the second mark is made a little closer to the right side of the paper, the edge of the paper will not touch the first mark.
Step 5. Repeat this process on the left side of the paper
Bend the left side through the center with the guide of the pencil mark. Make sure the edges align with the creases on the right side of the paper. Flatten the folds, then sharpen them with your fingernail.
Step 6. Flatten and fold the side edges of the paper one more time, then erase the pencil marks
Move the nail up and down along the right and left edges of the paper fold. Unfold the brochure, then erase the pencil marks made in the previous step.
Step 7. Write the contents of the brochure you want
People usually make the cover from the left front panel, but you can make it from the right side of the fold. When folding the brochure back up, fold the side of the paper that will be covered at the last moment so that it is on top.
Method 2 of 3: Designing Brochures Digitally
Step 1. Create a new document with landscape position containing 3 columns
Create a new document in a word editing program. Change the paper orientation to landscape, then make 3 columns there. Each column (including margins) will be made into 1 panel.
- Choose paper with letter size (22 x 28 cm).
- How to do this will depend on the image editing program you are using. Read the user guide or the Help section of the program you are using.
- As an alternative, you can use a trifold brochure template in your word-editing program.
Step 2. Select the side panel to be part of the brochure
The trifold brochure has 3 panels, namely left, center, and right. The right and left panels will overlap each other. You can make the right or left pane the inside. This is not a problem.
If the left side of the paper is folded first, this will be the inner panel. If what is folded at the beginning is the right side of the paper, it means this side will be the inner panel
Step 3. Make the inner panel slightly narrower than the other 2 panels
Paper takes up little space when folded. If the inner panel isn't made a little narrower, the flyer won't look flat after you fold it. Make one of the panels 9.2 cm wide, and the other 2 9.3 cm.
You can adjust the column width using the settings menu. If you can't find it, drag the ruler slider at the top of the page
Step 4. Create a second page to serve as the back of the brochure
The brochure will contain 6 panels, namely 3 front panels and 3 back panels. You can enter information in these 6 panels, or leave the center panel on the back (panel 5) empty.
- Panels 1, 2, and 3 are displayed on the front, while panels 4, 5, and 6 are on the back.
- How to create a second page will depend on the software used. In most cases, you can click the bottom of the last column and insert a page break.
Step 5. Duplicate the margins between the columns
A margin of 0.6 cm may be enough to divide 2 columns, but if the brochure is folded, the margin will shrink to 0.3 cm in each panel. This will probably be too narrow. Set the desired margin width, then double it. Adjust the gutter (space) between the columns as needed.
How to do this will depend on the word editing software you are using. In general, you should look for " column " in the toolbar. Look at the guide in the program you are using
Step 6. Write text and insert images into the brochure as desired
Define what you want to appear on the brochure after it is folded later. Panels 1, 2, and 3 will be placed on the inside of the brochure, and are only visible when the brochure is opened. Panel 5 is in the middle of the back. Panels 4 and 6 will fold over each other. The panel on top will be the cover.
You can make a cover from panels 4 or 6
Step 7. Print the brochure
Use the same paper to print the front first before you print the back. If using a top loading printer, turn the paper over so the blank side is facing you. In a bottom loading printer, reinsert the paper into the printer with the printed side up.
- If you want to make multiple brochures, you can save printing time by photocopying them. Don't forget to use the double-sided copy option.
- If the printer has a brochure printing option, you can take advantage of this feature.
Step 8. Fold the paper into a brochure
Turn the paper over so panels 1, 2, and 3 are facing you. Fold the narrower panel first, then fold the outer panel over it. Make sure that the side edge of the outer panel overlaps the crease edge of the inner panel. Move the nail along the crease to make it beautiful and sharp.
For more details, read the process described in the previous method
Method 3 of 3: Making Another Type of Trifold Brochure
Step 1. Make a simple trifold brochure by folding it overlapping
Place the paper in landscape orientation. Bend the left and right sides of the paper toward the center so that they overlap. Make sure the side edges of the paper are aligned with the folded edge, then flatten the paper. Sharpen the crease by moving your fingernail over the folded edge.
Step 2. Turn the trifold brochure into a Z-shaped fold by bending the last panel back
Make a regular trifold brochure, but make all the panels (3 panels) the same width. Fold one of the side panels back, not forward. When viewed from above, this brochure will form the letter Z.
Step 3. Make a gate fold brochure by folding the two edges of the paper into the middle
Position the paper horizontally and find the center point. Fold the left and right edges towards the center. You will get 2 small side panels and 1 wide center panel.
Tips
- You can save on printer ink by printing the brochure once, and photocopying the rest as needed.
- Don't neglect the print quality. Choose the best available setting. To get better results, you can order brochures at a printing or screen printing shop.
- Heavy paper will result in a brochure that is more durable and nicer than plain paper. You can buy this type of paper (and other printing paper) at a stationery store.
- Practice printing and folding the brochure first before you make the final version.
