Creating an effective brochure on Microsoft Word is easier than you think. With some simple design principles and Word’s built-in tools, you can make a professional-looking brochure to promote your business, event, or cause. This article will provide step-by-step instructions to make a tri-fold brochure from scratch using Word.
Know Your Audience and Goals
Before starting your brochure design, define your target audience and goals. Who do you want to reach with this brochure and what action do you want them to take after reading it? Getting clear on this will inform design choices like color scheme, images, and messaging.
For example, a summer camp may target parents of school-aged children and aim to compel them to enroll their kids. Key messages would focus on fun activities and safety precautions. Images might show happy kids doing arts and crafts or kayaking.
Tailoring content to your audience is vital for an effective brochure.
Choose a Template or Create Your Own
Microsoft Word provides many pre-made tri-fold brochure templates you can customize. Using a template saves time and provides professionally designed layouts.
To find brochure templates:
- Open Word
- Type “brochure” in the search bar
- Select a template you like
- Replace placeholder text and images with your own
Alternatively, you can create your own custom brochure from a blank 8.5 x 11” document. This allows complete creative freedom.
Set Up Columns and Margins
Since most brochures are tri-fold, you’ll need to divide your document into 3 equal columns.
- Go to the Layout tab
- Click Columns
- Select 3 columns
- Adjust column widths so each column fills 1/3 of page
Next, go to Margins and set them to Narrow to maximize space.
Add Eye-Catching Images
Well-chosen images make a huge visual impact in brochures. After setting up margins and columns:
- Place cursor where you want an image
- Go to Insert > Pictures
- Select a photo from your files and insert
Be sure to include images that appeal specifically to your target demographic.
Use Text Boxes Strategically
Rather than having text awkwardly split between columns, use text boxes to your advantage.
Text boxes give you more flexibility with text wrapping and placement. Insert them as needed into your design.
Experiment with Layout
Think beyond each column as a long block of text. Get creative with different text box alignments between columns.
Some ideas:
- Place a large text box across top 1/3 of brochure for eye-catching header
- Align boxes left, right and centered down each column
- Overlap boxes between columns
Select Fonts and Colors
Consistency is key for font choices. Stick to one or two complementary fonts throughout your design.
Some good font combinations:
- Sans serif (Arial) + serif (Times New Roman)
- Script/display font + simple sans serif
Use color strategically to create visual hierarchy. For example, make key headers in bright brand colors and body text dark gray.
Add Finishing Touches
Finally, pull together all design elements with finishing formatting touches:
- Number pages
- Add borders or lines between sections
- Include contact info and logos
- Check for grammar, spelling, consistency
Print Professionally
Once complete, use professional double-sided printing for best results. Home printers often don’t print brochure folds accurately.
For quality brochure printing, order from online printers like Vistaprint, PS Print, or UPrinting.
Conclusion
Creating brochures in Word is easy with templates and layout tools. Define your goals, tailor content to your audience, and use images, text boxes, fonts and color strategically.
With some creativity and these tips in mind, you can design beautiful, professional brochures that effectively promote your business.
