The barrel fold tri-fold brochure can be used to provide a varied array of information especially when it comes to marketing and because it fits nicely in a #10 envelope. Therefore, it is the size of an 8½ by 11 piece of paper. The information is the same whether you are working in Adobe Indesign or in Quark.

From a Graphic Designer perspective a little, more can be said about the tri-fold brochure. First, it has six panels, three on one side, and three on the other. This brochure uses the barrel fold. One panel on each side is always smaller than the other two (the smaller panel is folded inside the other two).

If you are unsure about how things should be laid out on your brochure, one of the best things you can do in terms of brainstorming is a storyboard.

The measurements below were done in picas. 6 picas are equal to 1 inch. There are 12 points to a pica, and 72 points in 1 inch.

Information is laid out in the manner in which the audience is going to read it. They will be reading each panel one by one, in the manner of the basic fold in an up-and-down motion in the same manner in which each panel is numbered.

Panel 1 is the front cover. This is the item is introduced that you are selling or are looking to inform people about. An image or logo is usually placed on the upper center third of this page along with a tagline.

Panels 2, 3, 4 and 5 should all hold information about the product you are trying to sell and what makes it differentiates it from other products of its nature.

Panel 6 should have contact information or should state who you are.

Not every barrel fold brochure follows this format exactly; there will always be companies who will break the mould. If you are interested in samples a good place to head is Starbucks. You may also find some at your local doctor’s office or hospital.