How to Set Up Your Document for Brochure Printing: A Complete Guide

Your brochure is more than a visual representation of your brand—it's a tactile, physical experience. Getting the technical aspects right ensures your design looks as good in print as it does on screen. From bleed and margins to ink density and luxurious finishing touches, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to prep your brochure for flawless printing.

Choosing the Right Page Size

Before diving into design, consider what page size suits your content, audience, and purpose.

Popular sizes include A4 (210 x 297mm), A5 (148 x 210mm), and square formats like 210 x 210mm.
A4 is great for professional brochures and catalogues, while A5 is often used for event guides or product booklets.

We also offer bespoke sizes for a truly custom look. But keep in mind—non-standard sizes can affect how efficiently your job fits on a press sheet, potentially increasing printing costs.

Page Layout: Inner Pages & Covers

Organise your brochure into two key parts: the cover and the inner pages.

Covers are your first impression. They can be printed on thicker stock and often feature premium finishes like soft-touch lamination, Spot UV, or metallic foiling.
Inner pages carry your message and should flow logically. Ensure they’re aligned correctly, particularly for folded or bound formats.

Design your layout as single pages, not facing spreads, unless your printer specifies otherwise.

Bleed: Avoid White Edges After Trimming

A common rookie mistake? Forgetting the bleed.

Bleed is the 3mm extension beyond your document’s trim line. It ensures no unprinted edges appear after trimming.
Backgrounds, colours, and full-page images must extend into this area.

Without bleed, even the most precise trimming can leave unsightly white slivers.

Image Resolution: Print-Ready Clarity

Print needs crisp, clear images—so quality is non-negotiable.

All images and graphics should be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) at the final print size.
Avoid upscaling low-res images—they’ll blur and pixelate.

Resolution makes or breaks your print’s visual impact.

Colour Settings: RGB vs CMYK

Digital screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue), but commercial printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).

Convert all elements to CMYK before exporting your file.
Colours that look vibrant on screen may dull if not converted properly.

Work in CMYK from the start or use soft-proofing to preview colour shifts.

Ink Density: Balance is Key

Ink coverage matters for drying time and finish.

Aim for a maximum ink density of 300%—going over can cause smudging or sticking.
For rich blacks, use a CMYK build like 60C 40M 40Y 100K, rather than just 100K.

Your design should look rich—not over-inked.

Margins & Safe Zones: Protect Your Content

Margins aren’t just about aesthetics—they protect your content during trimming.

Maintain a minimum 5mm margin from the edge of the page.
Keep key content like logos, headings, or calls-to-action well within this “safe zone”.

Text and important visuals should never be too close to the edge.

Page Numbers: Function and Flow

Adding page numbers is more than a courtesy—it improves readability.

Position them consistently—bottom left, right, or centred in the footer.
Decide if covers or blank pages will be numbered for alignment.

Especially useful in multi-section brochures or service guides.

Binding Options: Choose the Right Finish

The way your brochure is bound affects both durability and aesthetics.

Saddle-stitched: Staples through the fold—great for brochures up to 48 pages.
Perfect bound: A square spine with glue binding—ideal for thicker, premium brochures.
Wiro bound: Spiral style binding—perfect for manuals or lookbooks that need to lay flat.
Case bound: Hardcover finish for luxury lookbooks and corporate publications.

Each binding option supports a different reader experience—choose based on content volume and brand feel.

Finishing Touches: Add a Premium Edge

Special finishes help your brochure stand out in a crowded market.

Spot UV: Highlights key elements with a glossy, raised texture—ideal for logos or callouts.
Foiling: Adds metallic sheen in gold, silver, copper or custom shades—used to suggest luxury.
Lamination: Gloss, matt, or velvet-feel soft touch—protects covers while enhancing look and feel.
Embossing/Debossing: Adds texture by raising or sinking design elements into the page.

Finishes not only elevate aesthetics—they make your brochure a tactile experience.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your brochure for print is all about balance—between creativity and technical precision. Get the file setup right, and you’ll ensure every fold, colour, and finish represents your brand at its best. From page sizes to Spot UV, this is your roadmap to high-impact, print-perfect brochures.