Brochures are small flyers or pamphlets that advertise products or services or that provide information. Printed on one sheet of paper and then folded, a brochure has several surfaces for text and graphics. A single-fold brochure has four surfaces (two on each side of the paper), and a double-fold brochure has six (three on each side of the paper). The folds may run the length or the width of the paper.

The front panel (or panel 1) includes the product or service name or the information title, a slogan, a logo or other suitable material as well as graphic illustration.

The inside spread explains the reasons to buy a product or service, contains key aspects of the information presented or similar information as well as graphics (In a two-fold brochure, panel 2 is read before the inside spread, so it must be considered as a panel to be read on its own.)

The back panel (or panel 6) might include a map, address and telephone number, directions and other similar material.

As is true of any other genre that combines words and images, a brochure must be designed. That is, you must consider the placement of text and image so that the effect is attractive and the content is readable. Choose images that complement your content, purpose and intended audience. Choose colors that communicate the feelings you hope to evoke. Leave enough white space (or empty space) to give the eye rest.

Before composing a brochure, it would be wise to look at some. Get in the habit of picking them up wherever you go. You'll be surprised how easy it is to find them. Check out your dentist's office, the zoo or your local bookstore, for instance.

Some helpful web sites include Baker's Dozen Quick Tips, Creating a Tri-Fold Brochure in Word, Tips for Designing a Brochure, How to Design and Write a Basic Brochure, and Tips on Designing Brochures (a truly useful site by Robin Williams!).

Microsoft Publisher has several brochure templates that can be customized for your use.