Companies, organizations, and community groups commonly produce brochures to provide essential information about products, goals, events, or issues. Brochures are designed as compact, easy-to-carry documents; their distinguishing features are the use of folded sheets of paper to create pages and the brevity of their content. Brochure writers present information in a condensed, readable form and aim to encourage readers to learn more about a subject—by directing them to a Web site, perhaps, or by inviting readers to call or write for more information.

A typical brochure emphasizes key points and frames information to help readers understand the subject in a particular way. Good design is critical to a brochure’s success: headings, illustrations, color, fonts, pull quotes, and other design elements draw attention to particular areas of the brochure, highlighting important information and downplaying less significant details.