If you are designing a brochure and want to make your life easier, then consider using a template. But be aware that there are two different types of templates available – a creative template and a print template.
A creative template is a pre-designed layout that usually shows you where to place the photos and text. This type may also give you colors and designs to choose from but may handicap you by limiting the amount of text you can include or lock you into a specific type of font.
A print template’s main purpose is to provide you with the actual size of the piece and layout the margins, folds, gutters and trim lines. This gives you more leeway for creativity while giving you the borders in which to work. On-line print companies, such as Conquest Graphics, print millions of brochures each year so can supply you with many different styles of templates for use on your project. Just look for the library of available templates before you begin designing your piece. Here are some tips to consider when working with a print template:
1) Think about the size of the brochure you want to create before looking for a template. Take a look at our last blog on choosing the right template for your project.
2) Look at the template to see which will be the front panel (or cover), inside pages, and back cover before starting your layout. Again, it helps to take a copy of your template and actually fold it into the finished size so you can more easily visualize which panel is the cover and how the inside pages look after folding.
3) Place the photos, graphics and text within the margin area. Keep everything you want your potential customer to see within these lines or you will risk getting some important information cut off in the final piece.
4) Watch the margin lines near the folds (this is also called the gutter). If you want to have any photos or copy bridge over the gutter area, be aware that cracking may appear during the folding process. This happens more often on heavier weight paper stock. Also, look at tip #1 again to be sure you don’t have a photo that starts on the cover and folds onto the back page.
5) Consider using a “bleed” when you design your brochure. A bleed is when the ink extends past the margin area as opposed to a white border that runs outside the margin area. A bleed can be solid colors or the non-important part of a photo that is trimmed off in the final product. Look at the trim lines on the template as an estimate of where the brochure will be cut. Do not put any copy or pictures into the bleed area that you want a customer to notice.
If you have any questions, it is always best to ask the experts. On-line printers such as Conquest Graphics have a lot of experience printing different styles of brochures. They can help you decide on the right template may work best for your particular project and answer any questions you may have about printing the brochure.
To view some print templates, go to http://www.conquestgraphics.com/Help-Center/Brochure-Templates to get an idea of the wide variety available.