Leaflets

A leaflet is a small text printed on sheets that acts as an informative or advertising instrument. Basically it is a simple and economical way to advertise a company, product or service, or simply enhance a brand image.

Leaflets can be distributed by post, by mailing, by inserting in a newspaper or distributing them directly among the customers.

Leaflets are generally characterised by containing short texts written in a simple and concise language, accompanied by graphics and photographs with a suitable design.

Format

Leaflets can be printed in any custom format as required, usually depending on the content and/or design. In any case, we have to talk about open format or closed format, that is, the measurements of the leaflet before and after being folded.

These are the most common leaflets:

  • Flyer: Small unfolded leaflet. (2 pages)
  • 4-page leaflet: Basic leaflet folded in the middle or 2 bodies (4 pages)
  • 6-page leaflet: Leaflet folded in 3 parts or bodies (6 pages) 
  • 8-page leaflet: Leaflet folded in 4 parts or bodies (8 pages) 
Printing

Leaflets are generally printed on both sides and in any of the ways listed below:

  • colour (four-colour)
  • in black
  • in two colours
  • in Pantone colours
  • a combination of all of them

In some circumstances, Pantone colours or special inks are used to be able to extend the range of colours and to attract attention with bright colours or simply to adapt to the corporate colours of the corresponding company.

We can also use finishing techniques such as stamping, selective UV varnish, drip off varnish, plastic coating/laminating and embossing, among others, to give the leaflets extra added value.

If we combine these techniques with a good design we can produce much more attractive leaflets and we will be able to convey a good brand image.

Medium

The most commonly used media for printing leaflets are very varied, but coated paper, offset paper and recycled paper are generally used.

We can also find leaflets printed on special paper to try to offer a different finish that sets us apart from our competition or simply looking for originality, which is quite common particularly in company image leaflets.

There is very wide range of weights to be used in printing a leaflet, depending on the use of the leaflet.
If the leaflets must be sent by post, the weight to be used must be taken into account; going over on the weights could lead to an increase in the postal rate - as the case may be.

Generally the most common weights are medium and high weights, ranging from 135 up to 350 grams, although there is no real limitation in this regard and any weight can be chosen from those available in the different papers for printing a leaflet.

Tips

When printing a leaflet, some considerations should be taken into account:

  • Choose the most appropriate format carefully for the type of information you want to include. A format that is too small will cause more confusion since the information will appear crowded making it difficult to understand.
    A larger format will highlight our design by making the information easier to read and arranging it correctly within the leaflet.
  • Using the right medium can contribute to considerably increasing the final quality of the product. In this sense, the use of special paper is another design factor to consider.
  • Laminating the leaflet is highly recommended to protect it from scratches and daily use. Particularly on leaflets in which the design is based on dark backgrounds or heavily loaded with ink.
  • Making a crease in all leaflets in which the paper weight exceeds 170 g, to prevent the paper from breaking when folded.