How to Make a Brochure in Word (Template or Folded Layout)

A printed brochure still earns its place at a networking event, on a shop counter or tucked into a client pack. If you already have Word, you can make a smart one without learning a new design tool. Microsoft's own advice boils down to two routes: start from a ready-made brochure template, or set up a folded layout yourself.

I'd use a template for a quick, polished leaflet, and the folded booklet layout when you need several pages that read like a mini magazine. Here's how both work, plus printing tips so the pages line up when you fold them.

Gather your brochure content before opening Word

You'll save a lot of time if the words and pictures are ready before you touch a template. Write a headline for the cover, three or four short sections about what you offer, a few lines of social proof such as a client quote, and your contact details. Pick your best photos and your logo, and keep them in one folder so they're easy to insert.

Two ways to build a brochure in Word

Route	Good for	Where to start
Brochure template	A quick, designed leaflet you fill in	File, New, and a brochure or booklet template
Book fold layout	A multi-page folded booklet you design yourself	Layout, Margins, Custom Margins

Starting a brochure from a template in Word for the web

Microsoft's brochure guide is written for Word for the web, which is handy because it works in any browser:

1. Choose a brochure template, open it and select Edit a copy.
2. If you're already in Word for the web, go to File, then New, then Browse templates to find one.
3. Click into each placeholder and type your own headings and text.
4. Delete the placeholder pictures you don't want, then insert your own pictures from your computer.

Microsoft notes you don't need to save manually in the browser version. Your changes are kept as you work.

Finding a booklet template in desktop Word

In the desktop app, Microsoft's booklet template steps are: go to File, then New, type booklet in the search box, select a template and choose Create. Then use File, Save a copy so you keep the original template untouched for next time.

Templates come with fonts, colours and picture frames already in place, so most of your effort goes into the words and photos, which is where it should go.

Setting up a folded brochure layout in Word yourself

If you'd rather design from a blank page, Word can arrange pages so they fold in the middle like a booklet. According to Microsoft:

1. Go to Layout, then Margins, then Custom Margins.
2. Set Multiple pages to Book fold. Word turns the page sideways automatically.
3. Increase the Gutter if you want extra room on the inside fold for binding or staples.
4. On the Paper tab, choose your Paper size.
5. Select OK and start adding content.

Microsoft explains that the finished booklet is half the width of the paper you choose. So pick your paper size with the folded size in mind.

Designing brochure pages that look professional

• Put your strongest message and a clear photo on the front cover, not a list of services.
• Keep body text to short paragraphs and bullet points, because people skim brochures.
• Use one or two fonts and stick to your brand colours on every page.
• Leave white space round pictures so the pages don't feel crammed.
• Finish with one clear next step on the back page, such as a website address or how to book.

Printing a Word brochure on both sides

Folded brochures need double-sided printing, and this is where they go wrong. Microsoft's steps:

1. Go to File, then Print.
2. If your printer supports it, choose Booklet under the two-sided option.
3. If it doesn't, choose Manually Print on Both Sides, then flip the sheets on the short edge.

Microsoft's top tip, which I'd follow every time, is to print 4 pages as a test first. If something's upside down, you've only wasted one sheet.

From Word for the web, press Ctrl and P and wait for the Print dialog. Microsoft says that if no dialog appears, open the PDF version and use that program's Print command instead.

If your Word brochure pages print in the wrong order

• Book fold wasn't set before you added content. Set it in Custom Margins and recheck each page.
• Pages appear upside down on the back. Flip the sheets on the short edge, not the long edge, as Microsoft advises.
• Text vanishes into the fold. Increase the Gutter in Custom Margins.
• The test print looks wrong. Fix it on screen and test again before printing the full run.

Brochure copy and images that work for small businesses

The layout gets attention, but the words make people keep the brochure. Write headlines about what the reader gets, not about you, and keep the tone the same as your website and emails. A brand voice document makes that much easier when more than one person writes for you. If you're placing your logo over a coloured panel or a photo, a version without a white box behind it looks far cleaner, and you can create one by following my steps for a transparent background in Canva.

Frequently asked questions

Does Word have brochure templates?

Yes. In Word for the web, choose a brochure template and select Edit a copy. In desktop Word, go to File, New and search for booklet to find templates.

How do I make a folded brochure in Word?

Go to Layout, Margins, Custom Margins and set Multiple pages to Book fold. Microsoft says Word turns the page sideways automatically and the finished booklet is half the paper's width.

How do I print a brochure on both sides in Word?

In File, Print, choose Booklet under two-sided printing if your printer supports it, or Manually Print on Both Sides and flip the sheets on the short edge.

Why should I do a test print first?

Microsoft suggests printing 4 pages as a test so a mistake only wastes one sheet.

Can I make a brochure in Word for the web?

Yes. Microsoft's brochure guide uses Word for the web: pick a brochure template, select Edit a copy, swap in your text and pictures, and print with Ctrl and P.