Where to Make a Brochure in Microsoft Word: Steps

To make a brochure in Microsoft Word, open File > New and search for “brochure” to start with a template. For a custom tri-fold, create a landscape page and arrange its content in three panels; Word’s templates are usually the quickest route, while a blank document gives you more control over layout and printing.

Find a brochure template in Word

In Word for Microsoft 365 on Windows, select File > New, enter brochure in the template search box, and choose a design that suits your purpose. Select the template to preview it, then choose Create to open an editable copy. Template names and availability can change, and some designs may require an internet connection to download.

On a Mac, open Word and use the template search on the New screen, or select File > New from Template if that command appears in your version. Search for “brochure,” choose a result, and create the document. The exact start screen can vary by Word release, but searching the available templates is the same basic approach.

A template provides a starting arrangement of text, headings, colors, and image areas; it does not automatically supply accurate information about your business or event. Replace all sample wording, check the details, and review every panel before sharing the file. If Word does not show a suitable template, use a blank document or look for a template from a source you trust. Make sure any downloaded file is compatible with Word and does not contain unexpected content.

Choose between a template and a blank document

A template is usually the practical choice when you need a polished brochure quickly or do not have a specific panel design in mind. It can save time on spacing and visual hierarchy, and it may already include placeholders for headings and pictures. The trade-off is that its layout may not match your printer’s paper size, folding method, or brand guidelines. Treat it as a design starting point, not a guarantee that the document is print-ready.

A blank document makes sense when you need exact control over the page, have a printer’s specifications, or want a simple brochure with your own structure. It takes longer to set up, especially if you need to keep text and images aligned across several panels. You can also begin with a template and simplify it: remove decorative elements, change the colors and fonts, and keep only the layout features that help readers understand the information.

Choose a template for a fast start, a familiar brochure format, or design ideas.
Choose a blank file when the print dimensions and panel arrangement must follow specific instructions.
Ask the printer first if the brochure will be professionally printed or folded by a machine.

Set up a custom tri-fold page

A common tri-fold brochure uses two sides of one sheet, with three panels on each side. For a typical letter-size sheet, the page is landscape, but do not assume that size: the right paper, finished dimensions, and fold allowance depend on the printer and intended use. Before building a custom file, check whether the brochure needs letter, A4, or another paper size.

Start with a blank document and select Layout > Orientation > Landscape.
Choose Layout > Size and select the paper size you will use.
Open Layout > Margins and select a suitable margin setting, or use Custom Margins if you have exact specifications.
Arrange three panels on each side. You can use Layout > Columns > Three for flowing text or insert a three-column table for more independent panel control.
Use a second page for the other side of the sheet, then check the panel order and print settings before producing copies.

Word’s three-column setting is useful when the text should flow from one column into the next. To move text to the next panel at a particular point, place the cursor there and select Layout > Breaks > Column. A column break is more reliable than pressing Enter repeatedly, since extra returns can shift content when you edit a heading or change a font. However, flowing columns can be awkward if each panel needs its own distinct mix of text, images, and captions.

Arrange panels with columns, tables, or text boxes

For a simple text-led brochure, three columns are often enough. Word divides the page into columns and flows text through them; the columns are not three completely separate pages. This behavior is convenient for continuous copy but may not match the way readers expect to see a folded brochure. Use column breaks to control where a section starts, and check that a change on the first side has not pushed content onto an unexpected page.

For panels that need independent layouts, a table can provide a more predictable grid. Select Insert > Table and create a table with one row and three columns on each page. Put the content for each panel in its own cell, then adjust the column widths and cell margins. Table borders can be removed or made unobtrusive using the table design controls. Keep a copy with visible borders while designing if the panel boundaries help you align objects, then remove those borders before printing if they should not appear.

Text boxes are another option when you want to position a headline, short caption, or image label separately. Use Insert > Text Box, then set wrapping and position carefully. Floating objects can move when text changes, so avoid using many separate boxes unless you are prepared to review the whole page after edits. For a beginner, one consistent method—columns, tables, or a supplied template—is generally easier to maintain than mixing several layout systems.

Plan the front, back, and inside panels

Before adding detailed copy, sketch the six panels on paper or label them in a draft. A tri-fold typically has an outside and an inside. On the outside, the front cover is often the right-hand panel when the sheet is laid flat with the printed side facing you, while the back cover and folded-in flap occupy the other panels. The exact arrangement can depend on the fold and printer, so use a printer’s template or folding diagram when available rather than relying on a generic layout.

Put the most important promise or subject on the cover, then use the inside panels to explain the offer, process, products, or event. The back panel is a natural place for contact details, hours, a location, or a call to action. A local café, for example, might use the cover for its name and a strong food image, the inside for menu highlights and hours, and the back for its address and ordering information. Keep each panel focused; readers should be able to scan headings without having to work through a wall of small text.

For the inside, make the reading order obvious. A sequence of numbered steps, a short set of service descriptions, or a map with a clear label can help people navigate the content. Avoid placing essential text directly over a fold, and leave room around edges where printers may trim or where folding may hide part of a design. If a panel is intended to fold inward, it may need to be slightly narrower than the other panels. Follow the printer’s measurements rather than forcing three equal widths.

Format text and images for readability

Choose a small set of type styles and use them consistently: one style for the main heading, one for panel headings, and a readable body style. A brochure is often read at arm’s length, so body text that looks fine on a large monitor may be too small on paper. Print a draft at actual size and check it in ordinary lighting. If you have to lean in to read it, increase the type size or shorten the copy.

Use images that are relevant and clear at the size they will appear. To add one, select Insert > Pictures and choose the appropriate source. After inserting it, use the picture formatting options to crop or resize it while keeping important details in view. Avoid stretching an image out of proportion. If you use a logo, check that it remains legible at its printed size. Also make sure you have permission to use photographs, illustrations, and logos; a picture being easy to download does not automatically mean it is free to reproduce.

Color can distinguish sections, but contrast matters more than decoration. Pale text on a light background may be difficult to read, especially on an ordinary office printer. Use a clear contrast between text and background, and do not rely on color alone to communicate meaning. For example, label a special offer in words rather than indicating it only with a colored box. Keep a copy of the original file before major layout changes so you can return to it if an edit causes problems.

Check printing, folding, and PDF output

Before printing a stack, print one test sheet. Confirm that the paper orientation is landscape, the design appears on both sides if required, and the back side is oriented correctly after folding. Duplex options vary by printer, and “flip on long edge” or “flip on short edge” can produce different results. The right choice depends on how the sheet is oriented and folded, so test the actual printer rather than assuming one setting will work for every brochure.

In Word for Windows, use File > Print to review the preview, page range, paper size, and available printer settings. On a Mac, use File > Print and check the settings presented by Word and the printer driver. Some printers support automatic two-sided printing; others require you to reinsert the paper manually. Follow the printer’s instructions for manual duplexing, and label a test sheet if the page order is confusing.

To share a stable version, save or export a PDF using File > Save As or File > Export, then choose PDF where available. Menu wording can vary slightly by platform and Word version. A PDF is useful because it helps preserve the page layout on other devices, but it does not correct an incorrect panel order or bad print settings. Open the PDF and inspect every page before sending it to a print shop. Ask the shop whether it wants a particular PDF size, bleed, or color setup; Word may not provide the specialist prepress controls required for every commercial job.

Common problems and practical fixes

Text jumps to another panel: Remove extra blank paragraphs and use a column break or a separate table cell to control placement. Check whether a large image or heading is forcing the move.
The outside panels print in the wrong order: Review the printer’s folding diagram and the print preview. Make a labeled test copy, fold it, and adjust the document or duplex setting before printing more.
A picture moves after editing: Check its text-wrapping and position settings. Inline pictures are usually more predictable in a text flow; floating pictures allow flexible placement but may need repositioning after edits.
The design does not fit the paper: Confirm the document’s paper size and printer paper size match. Do not reduce the whole document blindly if that makes the body text too small.
The brochure looks different on another computer: Export a PDF for viewing or printing, and inspect it before sharing. Fonts unavailable on another computer can affect a Word document’s appearance.

A common misconception is that selecting Layout > Columns > Three automatically creates a finished tri-fold brochure. It creates three text columns, not a complete six-panel design with a guaranteed fold order, cover, and back panel. You still need to plan both sides, control the content, and test the physical fold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the brochure option in Microsoft Word?
Open File > New and search for “brochure.” Choose a result to preview and create it. If no suitable template appears, start with a blank document and set up the panels yourself.

Can I make a tri-fold brochure in Word?
Yes. Start with a brochure template or set a blank page to landscape and arrange three panels on each of two pages. Use columns for flowing text or a table when each panel needs independent content, then test the fold and print order.

How do I make a brochure in Word without a template?
Create a blank document, select landscape orientation and the correct paper size, and divide each side into three panels with columns or a table. Add the inside and outside content on separate pages, check the panel order, and print a test sheet.

Can I make a brochure in Word for free?
Whether Word is available to you without an additional payment depends on your software access, license, and institution or organization. Word may offer templates, but template availability does not determine whether you have access to the Word application itself. Check your account or the software options available to you.

Is Word good enough for a brochure?
Word works well for many straightforward brochures, especially when a template or simple panel layout meets the printing needs. For complex folds, precise commercial printing requirements, or detailed graphic design, a dedicated page-layout application or a printer-supplied template may be more suitable.

When another tool may be a better fit

Word is a reasonable choice for a school handout, event flyer folded into panels, service overview, or small-business brochure that uses familiar page sizes and straightforward printing. Its main advantages are editable text, common file compatibility, and templates that can speed up a basic design. The main limitation is that Word is a word processor: it can position images and text, but it is not built around professional brochure imposition and print production.

If a print shop provides a specific template, use that template and follow its instructions even if the panel setup differs from a standard tri-fold. For elaborate layouts, exact bleed requirements, or several kinds of folds, consider a page-layout tool or ask the printer what file format it prefers. For a simple document, though, Word’s template search is the place to start, and a carefully checked PDF or test print can help you catch layout issues before the brochure reaches readers.

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