Flyers are simple and they work. A restaurant opening, a tutoring service, a church supper, a landscaping season: all of them are well served by a single sheet that tells people what, when and how to get in touch. The decisions that matter are size, paper, sides and design.
Popular sizes
| Size (inches) | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5 x 11 | Full letter page | Menus, event notices, detailed offers, posters in a window |
| 8.5 x 5.5 | Half letter | Handouts, counter flyers, inserts in a bag |
| 4.25 x 11 | Long, narrow slim format | Rack cards, takeaway menus, door hangers |
The full letter size gives you the most room and is easy to post on a board. Half letter is easier to carry and cheaper to distribute in bulk. The narrow format fits in pockets and display racks. Ask us about other sizes.
Paper weight and what it feels like
Paper weight is described in pounds. We commonly print flyers on 100lb gloss text. In everyday terms, it is a glossy sheet, heavier than office paper and similar to a page in a quality magazine. It is flexible enough to fold or roll, and substantial enough that it does not feel cheap in the hand. When the paper is too thin, the other side shows through and the flyer feels flimsy. When it is thicker, such as 16pt cover stock, it feels stiff and card-like, which suits postcards and rack cards.
A simple rule: if people will read it and toss it, text weight is fine. If you want it kept on a fridge or in a pocket, go heavier. Ask what is available for your project.
One side or two
A single-sided flyer works if you have a short message, or if you want to write on the back, for example for a coupon or an appointment time. Printing both sides doubles your space. Use the front for the hook and the key offer, and use the back for details, a map, hours or a list. Do not simply cram everything onto the front.
Matte or gloss
Gloss has a shine that makes photos and saturated colours stand out. It suits food, real estate, events and anything highly visual. Matte has a calmer, softer look and is easier to read under bright light, with less glare and fewer fingerprints. It suits text-heavy flyers, professional services and a quieter brand. If you plan to write on the flyer, matte is friendlier to pens.
Design for people who scan
Most people give a flyer a couple of seconds. Design for a scanning eye.
- Lead with one clear headline. It should say what you offer or what is happening.
- Show the date, place and action where they can be spotted instantly.
- Use a strong image or a single bold graphic, not five small ones.
- Break text into short blocks with headings and white space.
- Make the call to action obvious: call, visit, scan, book.
- Keep contact details together and large enough to read.
- Leave margins so nothing is trimmed away.
Our guide to print-ready files explains bleed and colour mode so your design prints as planned.
Distribution ideas
A great flyer still needs somewhere to go. Consider:
- Community boards in libraries, rec centres and coffee shops, with permission
- Door-to-door in a defined neighbourhood
- Handouts at events, markets and fairs
- Included in parcels and takeaway orders
- Left at partner businesses that serve the same customers
- Local school and club newsletters, where allowed
Always ask before leaving flyers on private property or on boards, and follow the rules where you distribute them. For more ways to plan a campaign, see print marketing for small business.
When a flyer is not the right piece
If you have a lot to say, a folded format may work better. Our guide to brochure folds shows the options. If you want something people will keep, consider postcards.
Flyers at PrintEh
PrintEh prints flyers in Oakville for local businesses, schools, clubs and organizations across Mississauga, Burlington and the GTA, on 100lb gloss text or 16pt stock, one or two sided. Share your size and quantity, plus your artwork if you have it, and we will send a written quote. Start on our quote page.