Distinction between Booklets and Pamphlets, Brochures, Leaflets, and Flyers

Although pamphlets, leaflets, booklets, handbills, and flyers might look similar on print design and print marketing content, they are very different. Here we explain the differences and clear the confusion.

Leaflets, handbills, and flyers

Leaflets, handbills, and advertising flyers are interchangeable terms for all their purposes and intents. In Singapore, these are single sheet print elements with a usual size of 8.5” x 11″. Those intended to be given as handouts are a bit smaller in size. When matched with other print promotions products, handbills are considered relatively affordable in reaching a local group of people. They are mostly used for:

• Announcing events
• As magazines/newspaper inserts and as handouts
• Promotional campaign or as information sheets
• Advertising opportunities for new restaurants, bars, and much more
• Fact sheets given out during conferences and trade shows
• General local advertisement

Brochures

These are multi-page, unbound print products that are usually made from single sheets and normally folded to form bi-folds, tri-folds and so on. Producing folded brochures requires technical expertiseas the alignment of folds and proofing must be precise to ensure a great product.

Owing to the cost and time required to produce folded brochures, they are not commonly given as business cards or leaflets. They are used in targeted campaigns such as a follow up on other promotional products to help clinch a sale and as reference materials for employees and customers.

Pamphlets and booklets

Booklets are always bound (saddle-stitching, staples, wire-O) and multi-sheet products. Pamphlets are either unbound or bound. When unbound they are either multi-sheet and multipage or single. According to UN, publications that are not periodicals must have at least 5 but no more than 48 pages independent of cover pages, anything larger will be a book. This means that pamphlets can be a collection of advertising flyers.