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Trifold Brochures

Trifold brochures are the workhorse of the marketing world. They offer the perfect balance of portability and information, allowing you to tell a complete story in a compact, pocket-friendly format.

When a business card isn't enough but a booklet is too much, the Trifold Brochure is the perfect solution. With six distinct panels to work with, you have the space to introduce your brand, detail your services, and provide a clear call to action—all in a professional, easy-to-carry package.
 

The Anatomy of a Great Trifold

  • Panel Logic: Organize your content seamlessly. Use the front cover for a bold hook, the inside panels for your "meat and potatoes" content, and the back for contact info and maps.

  • Compact Convenience: Folded to a standard 3.75" x 8.5", these brochures fit perfectly into #10 envelopes, literature racks, and countertop displays.

  • Tactile Engagement: Unlike a digital ad, a brochure is a physical reminder of your business that customers can touch, save, and refer back to.
     

Professional Grade Finishing

We don't just print; we ensure your brochures look and feel premium:

  • Precision Folding: Our automated folding equipment ensures every "gate" and "wing" is perfectly aligned for a crisp, flat finish.

  • Paper Weights: Choose from lightweight 80lb gloss text for high-volume mailers or heavy-duty cover stock for a high-end, "sit-on-the-desk" feel.
     

Ideal For:

  • Product Catalogs: Showcasing a seasonal lineup.

  • Service Menus: Perfect for spas, contractors, and consultants.

  • Event Programs: Schedules and maps for conferences or weddings.

  • Onboarding Kits: Essential information for new clients or employees.
     

Pro Tip: To prevent the paper from "cracking" along the folds (especially on heavy cardstock), we recommend adding a score to your order. This creates a clean, professional crease every time.


 

Common Folding Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest challenge with trifold brochures is ensuring the panels fold correctly without overlapping or leaving uneven gaps. Here are the top things to watch out for:

  • Uneven Panel Sizes: In a standard trifold, the "in-flap" (the panel that folds inside) must be slightly narrower (usually by 1/16" to 1/8") than the other two panels. If they are all exactly the same size, the brochure will "bow" or won't lay flat.

  • The "Cracking" Spine: When printing on heavy cardstock, the paper fibers can break at the fold, creating a jagged white line. Solution: We recommend "scoring" (pre-creasing) for any paper over 100lb text weight.

  • Text in the Fold: Keep all important text and logos at least 1/8" away from the fold lines. Text that lands exactly on a fold is difficult to read and looks unprofessional.

  • Incorrect Orientation: It’s easy to accidentally flip the back-panel content upside down during design. Always do a "dummy fold" with a piece of scrap paper to verify your layout.
     

Standard Sizes & Specifications

Choosing the right size depends on how much information you need to share. We offer three industry-standard formats:

 

Size (Unfolded)         Size (Folded)               Best Use Case                                                                    

8.5" x 11" (Letter)       3.66" x 8.5"                  Standard marketing, menus, and mailers.

8.5" x 14" (Legal)        4.66" x 8.5"                  Detailed service guides or localized maps.

11" x 17" (Tabloid)      5.66" x 11"                   Portfolio showcases or large-format event programs.

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Need help with your design?

Contact our graphic designer for a custom design.

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