Artwork for folded brochures

Check the cover positions, reading order and fold lines before exporting your PDF.

A5 brochure: two PDF pages
Back coverFront cover297 × 210 mm
PDF page 1: back cover on the left, front cover on the right.
Page 2Page 3297 × 210 mm
PDF page 2: inside pages. The dashed line shows the fold; do not print it.

Steps in brief

  1. Select the folded product and size.
  2. Prepare the artwork at the unfolded size.
  3. Add bleed to backgrounds that reach the trimmed edge.
  4. Keep important text away from the fold line.
  5. Save and review the PDF before ordering.

Use the correct unfolded size

A folded brochure is usually designed as an open sheet. The finished folded size and the unfolded size must be distinguished from each other.

Leave space around the fold

Keep small text and logos away from the fold line. Folding has a small production tolerance.

Check the reading direction

Open the finished PDF and make sure that the front and back sides are facing the right way and the pages are in the right order.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between folded and unfolded size?

The finished size is the size of the folded brochure in the hand. The unfolded size is the size of the entire sheet before folding.

Can I send the brochure page by page?

It is often recommended to send a folded brochure as an open sheet. If in doubt, ask before production.

Does a folded brochure need bleed?

Yes, if the background, image or color goes all the way to the edge of the brochure.