Format
Dimensions
Brochure sizes overview
Brochures are printed documents designed to be folded, which means correct sizing is critical. While bi-fold and tri-fold brochures may share the same flat dimensions, the internal panel layout differs and must be designed with folding in mind. Using standard brochure sizes helps prevent misaligned panels, uneven margins, and content being cut off after printing and folding.
A4 bi-fold brochure
Recommended vs supported sizes
A4 bi-fold brochures are designed at 2480 × 3508 pixels, which corresponds to an A4 sheet at print resolution. The sheet is folded once, creating two interior panels.
Best practices for visibility
Design content so it flows naturally across the fold. Keep text and images away from the center fold line to avoid visual breaks.
Quality and export considerations
Always design at full resolution and export at exact dimensions to maintain sharp text and clean folds.
A4 tri-fold brochure
Recommended vs supported sizes
A4 tri-fold brochures also use 2480 × 3508 pixels, but the sheet is divided into three vertical panels that fold inward.
Best practices for visibility
Panel width must be planned carefully so the content aligns after folding. Avoid placing critical text near panel edges or fold lines.
Quality and export considerations
Tri-fold layouts are sensitive to alignment. Export at full size and avoid resizing after layout is complete.
US letter bi-fold brochure
Recommended vs supported sizes
US Letter bi-fold brochures are designed at 2550 × 3300 pixels, matching a Letter-size sheet at print resolution.
Best practices for visibility
Use a clear panel hierarchy so readers understand the fold sequence. Leave sufficient margins near folds.
Quality and export considerations
Export at the exact pixel dimensions to avoid scaling issues during printing.
US letter tri-fold brochure
Recommended vs supported sizes
US Letter tri-fold brochures also use 2550 × 3300 pixels, divided into three vertical panels.
Best practices for visibility
Design with folding direction in mind and keep key information within the central areas of each panel.
Quality and export considerations
Consistent spacing and exact sizing help ensure panels align after folding.
DL brochure (folded)
Recommended vs supported sizes
DL brochures are designed at 1169 × 2480 pixels and are commonly used for folded leaflets and mail inserts.
Best practices for visibility
Because DL brochures are narrow, keep layouts simple and avoid dense text. Ensure key messages remain readable when folded.
Quality and export considerations
Export at the final size and high quality to prevent softness in small text.
Pro tips for brochure design
- Always design brochures at their flat, unfolded size
- Keep important content away from fold lines
- Plan the panel order before designing
- Avoid resizing brochure layouts after design
- Export at 300 DPI print resolution for best results
How to design and resize brochures using Picsart
Picsart helps you design brochures using exact pixel dimensions, making it easier to prepare layouts that fold correctly and print cleanly.
Start with brochure templates to open layouts already sized for common bi-fold and tri-fold formats. This helps ensure panel proportions are set correctly from the beginning.
If you’re working with an existing design, the Image Resizer allows you to resize your layout to the correct brochure dimensions while maintaining proportions.
For detailed layout adjustments, the AI Photo Editor lets you reposition elements, adjust spacing, and refine alignment so panels line up accurately after folding.
Always export brochure files at the final pixel dimensions and highest quality to maintain print accuracy.
FAQ
What are the most common brochure sizes?
What size should I use for a tri-fold brochure?
Tri-fold brochures typically use A4 or US Letter flat sizes, divided into three vertical panels.
What is the difference between a bi-fold and a tri-fold brochure?
A bi-fold brochure folds once into two panels, while a tri-fold brochure folds twice into three panels.
Why do brochures need specific sizes for folding?
Incorrect sizes cause panels to misalign, overlap, or be cut off after folding.
Why does a brochure look misaligned after printing and folding?
Misalignment usually happens when panels aren’t sized correctly, or margins don’t account for folds.
Why do printers ask for A4 or Letter even for folded brochures?
Brochures are printed flat on standard sheets before being folded.
How do I choose the right brochure size for my content?
Choose based on how much content you need and how the brochure will be folded.
How do I design a brochure so panels line up after folding?
Plan panel widths carefully and keep content away from fold lines.
How do I resize a brochure without breaking the layout?
Resize to the flat brochure size and avoid stretching individual panels.
How do I export brochure files correctly for print?
Export at the exact pixel dimensions and highest available quality.