Start with a blank document or a template

Open Google Docs and create a new blank document, or search the template gallery for "brochure" to see pre-designed layouts. The templates save time because they already have columns, text boxes, and placeholder images arranged in a three-fold or two-column format. If you use a blank document, you will build the layout yourself using tables or text boxes.

Templates are not required — many people create effective brochures from scratch by inserting a table with the right number of columns and rows. A three-fold brochure typically uses a table with three columns (one for each panel when folded) and multiple rows for different content sections.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Docs templates for brochures come pre-formatted with columns and sections, saving you from building the layout from scratch.
  • You can create a custom layout by inserting a table with three columns for a tri-fold brochure or two columns for a bi-fold design.
  • Add images, text, and shapes by using the Insert menu, and resize or position them by clicking and dragging or using alignment tools.
  • Export your finished brochure as a PDF before printing to preserve the layout and prevent formatting shifts on different computers.
  • Google Docs brochures work best for small print runs or digital sharing; for large quantities, professional printing services offer better color accuracy and paper options.

Choose your brochure fold type and set up the page

Decide whether you want a tri-fold brochure (three panels when folded), a bi-fold brochure (two panels), or a single-page design. A tri-fold is the most common format for business brochures and fits on a standard 8.5 by 11 inch sheet folded into thirds. A bi-fold uses the same paper size but folds in half, creating four usable panels (front cover, inside left, inside right, back cover).

Set your page orientation to landscape if you are making a tri-fold, because it gives you more horizontal space for three columns. Go to File, then Page Setup, and select Landscape. Keep the margins at 0.5 inches on all sides so your content does not run off the edge when you fold and trim the paper.

Insert a table to create the column structure

For a tri-fold brochure, insert a table with three columns and as many rows as you need for your content sections. Click Insert, then Table, and select 3 columns and 4 rows to start. You can add more rows later by clicking inside a cell and using Insert to add rows below.

Adjust the column widths so they are equal — click and drag the column borders to make them the same size. For an 8.5 by 11 inch page in landscape, each column should be roughly 3.3 inches wide. Right-click on the table to access options for adjusting cell padding, border color, and background color if you want to customize the appearance.

Add text, images, and design elements

Click inside any table cell and type your text directly. Use the toolbar to change font size, color, and style. For a professional look, stick to one or two fonts throughout the brochure — a larger, bold font for headings and a smaller, regular font for body text.

Insert images by clicking Insert, then Image, and choosing from your computer, Google Drive, or a web search. Drag the image corners to resize it, and position it within the cell. Add shapes like rectangles, circles, or lines by clicking Insert, then Shape, to create visual separation between sections or to highlight important information. You can fill shapes with color or leave them as outlines.

Organize your content for each panel

Think about what goes on each panel before you start writing. The front cover (first column) should have your business name, a headline, and an image. The inside left and center panels (second and third columns) hold your main content — services, features, pricing, or a call to action. The back cover (the reverse side of the front cover when folded) typically includes contact information, a logo, or a closing message.

Keep text short and scannable. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs, and break up text with images or colored backgrounds. Readers spend only a few seconds looking at a brochure, so make the most important information stand out visually.

Preview and export as PDF before printing

Before you print, read your brochure as a PDF to see how it will look on paper and to prevent formatting changes when you print from different computers. Click File, then read, and select PDF Document. Open the PDF in your browser or PDF reader to check that text is readable, images are positioned correctly, and colors look right.

Print a test copy on regular paper first to check the fold lines and make sure content aligns properly. If you are printing at home, use a paper cutter to trim the edges after folding. For larger quantities or professional results, upload the PDF to a printing service like Vistaprint, Minted, or your local print shop — they can print on higher-quality paper and handle folding and trimming for you.

Common design mistakes to avoid

Do not overcrowd panels with too much text or too many images. White space (empty space) makes a brochure easier to read and more professional-looking. Avoid using more than three colors, because too many colors look chaotic. Make sure text has enough contrast with the background — dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background is easiest to read.

Check that your brochure folds evenly by measuring the fold lines before you print. If your table columns are not exactly equal, the brochure will not fold straight. Test the fold on a printed copy before printing your final batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google Docs to design a brochure if I have never done graphic design before?

Yes. Google Docs templates handle most of the design work for you, and you only need to replace the placeholder text and images with your own content. If you prefer to start from scratch, a straightforward table layout is straightforward — insert three columns, add your text and images, and adjust spacing as needed.

What is the best way to fold a tri-fold brochure printed from Google Docs?

Print on standard 8.5 by 11 inch paper in landscape orientation. Fold the right third toward the center, then fold the left third over it so the three panels stack evenly. Use a ruler or bone folder (a flat tool used in paper crafts) to crease the folds sharply so they stay in place.

Can I share my Google Docs brochure with someone else to edit?

Yes. Click the Share button in the top right, enter the email address of the person you want to collaborate with, and choose whether they can view, comment, or edit. They will see your changes in real time if you are both working on the document at the same time.

Should I print my brochure at home or use a professional printing service?

Home printing works for small quantities (under 50 copies) and internal use. Professional printing services produce better color accuracy, offer higher-quality paper options, and handle folding and trimming, making them worth the cost for larger runs or client-facing brochures.

What file format should I use if I want to print my brochure somewhere other than my home printer?

read your brochure as a PDF before sending it to a print shop. PDF preserves your layout and fonts exactly as they appear in Google Docs, preventing unexpected changes when the printer opens the file on their computer.