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
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
Some of the templates come with a Photo Socket, which is a placeholder for digital images. 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:
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Autocrop to Selection Size - This automatically fits your photo into the Photo Socket. It may crop the edges of large photos.
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Center in Selection Space - This centers your photo in the middle of the Photo Socket.
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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
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
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
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 you're 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
Bearing in mind what your main message is, find artwork that complements it. Be very discriminating; remove any artwork that doesn't fit with the message. If you don't have many pictures or illustrations on hand, you might consider free clip art. HP offers free art you can download, or you can look through the free Microsoft Clip Art Library. You can explore it by opening Microsoft Word, then selecting Insert > Picture > Clip Art.
Experts also suggest staying with one style, so choose either photos or illustrations.
Choose the right equipment
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:
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To avoid ink smears, set the pages aside to dry completely in between printing on the front and back.
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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.
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After creating a prototype, write down any special directions if the folding, binding, and cutting are complex.
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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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