Once you've selected your brochure template and established your message,
it's time to get down to the business using HP's Microsoft
Word brochure templates. Even if you decide to create a brochure using
other software, these tips and guidelines for writing, designing, and printing
can still help you produce a professional-looking piece.
Insert your
headlines and copy |
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Replace the sample text in the brochure with your own text. And remember
to proofread after you're done (even if it's been edited once before.) An
easy way to catch typos is by reading the text and headlines to yourself
out loud. Ask someone else to read it too, looking both for errors as well
as phrases that might be confusing.
Add photos
and artwork |
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Some of the templates come with a Photo Socket, which is a placeholder for
digital . To add your art, first select and delete any text in the
box. Then go to the Insert menu, and select Picture. If you're using Microsoft
Clip Art, choose Clip Art. More likely you're using digital pictures or
charts. Choose Insert > Picture > From File, then browse your hard drive
to locate the right picture.
Before you insert the picture, choose from one of three options:
- Autocrop to Selection Size - This automatically fits your photo
into the Photo Socket. It may crop the edges of large photos.
- Center in Selection Space - This centers your photo in the
middle of the Photo Socket.
- Align with Top Left Corner - This places your photo in the
top left corner of the Photo Socket.
Remember to touch up, crop, or otherwise improve your image using your favorite
photo- or image-editing software before inserting the image in Microsoft
Word.
Communicate
with color |
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Don't feel obligated to use the colors suggested in the templates. Experiment!
You might consider choosing your brochure colors the way you'd choose your
work clothes -- deep, rich, darker colors for more conservative and traditional
industries, or light, vibrant, and modern shades for businesses that emphasize
a friendly, personal touch. Try to limit the number of colors you use to
two or three, and choose complementary colors that go with the hue and lightness
of your art.
Save your
work |
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Brochure files can be quite large when you add image files. If you make
several brochures to target different audiences, consider making a back-up
on CD to save your hard drive space. Also, be sure to save your Microsoft
Word document every few minutes to help prevent disasters in the event that
the computer crashes or the power suddenly goes out.
Print a
test copy |
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Producing a "proof" on plain paper allows you to check your picture placement
and color. It also helps you practice your two-sided printing directions
and saves the valuable specialty paper you'll use for the final brochure.
Using plain paper, follow the directions for two-sided printing in Microsoft
Word. Try marking the top of the paper before you print. (This may help
you visualize how both sides of the paper flow through the printer.)
For your test copy, it's fine to print in draft mode to save ink and money.
But when you print your final pieces, you'll want to use the highest-quality
setting, especially if your using artwork or photos.
While you're making corrections, take the time to have someone check the
text -- again -- for typos.
Choose the
right paper |
|
You've spent the time and energy producing a beautiful electronic file,
but now it's time to bring your brochure to life -- on paper! Your paper
choice can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your final
piece. Look for a high-quality paper that's thick like a greeting card,
but that will allow the colors and pictures to really shine.
Your best media option for a laser printer is HP Soft Gloss Laser Paper.
It's a print shop-quality soft gloss paper that's coated on both sides for
vivid color and professional black text -- an ideal choice for brochures.
Print and
produce your brochure |
|
From the File menu, select Page Setup. Choose Best for the Print Quality,
and choose HP Professional Brochure & Flyer for the Paper Type. Then click
the Save Settings button.
Here are some more tips for getting the most from your new brochure:
- To avoid ink smears, set the pages aside to dry completely in between
printing on the front and back.
- Rather than printing several brochures right away, create a prototype.
This will allow you to make a final test of colors, placement, text,
and two-sided printing.
- After creating a prototype, write down any special directions if the
folding, binding, and cutting are complex.
- To extend the physical life of your brochures, store them in a dark,
dry place where harmful rays of sunlight can't damage them. Also, keep
them where the temperature won't fluctuate too much.
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Create marketing brochures |
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Related links |
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