Brochure printing formats, binding and page counts
Brochures are the one print job where a small specification decision changes the whole cost structure. Page count and binding come first, and everything else follows from them.
Page counts have to work in fours
A saddle-stitched brochure is built from folded sheets, so the total page count must be divisible by four. Planning 14 pages means paying for 16 - so either fill the extra pages usefully or edit down to 12.
Saddle stitch versus perfect binding
Saddle stitch, stapled through the spine, is the standard for brochures up to around 48 pages and lies flat when opened. Perfect binding glues a square spine and looks like a paperback, which suits higher page counts and premium catalogues.
- Saddle stitch - up to roughly 48 pages, economical, lies flat
- Perfect bound - 40 pages and up, printable spine, premium feel
Cover and inner stock combinations
A heavier laminated cover over a lighter inner is the standard combination: it protects the brochure and gives it structure without pushing the weight and cost of every page up.
Layout rules that avoid expensive surprises
Keep critical content away from the spine, allow for creep on thicker saddle-stitched documents, supply pages as single pages in reading order, and remember that the back cover is a page too - it is prime space for contact details.
Frequently asked
What is the minimum sensible brochure run?
Digital printing makes short runs of a hundred or two viable. Litho becomes the better value option as volumes climb.
Can I get a proof before the full run?
Yes. For multi-page work we strongly recommend one, because page order and imposition errors are hard to spot on screen.
How long does a brochure take to produce?
Longer than a flat leaflet - binding and finishing add production passes. Share your deadline early and we will build the schedule backwards from it.
Speccing a brochure or catalogue?
Send us the page count and we will advise on binding, stock and the most economical format.