A Flyer is usually a single, unfolded printed sheet that is used to draw attention to an event, service, product or idea. A flyer usually contains a very simple message that can be conveyed quickly. A flyer is generally printed on the 8.5" x 11" paper size to keep its cost low, though flyers can be created in any size that is easy to handle. Also, the printing is most commonly on one side of the paper, though there is no law that says flyers can't be printed on both sides.

A Brochure can have specifications similar to a flyer, but a brochure almost always has printing on both sides. And unlike a flyer which is usually left flat, a brochure contains folds that create multiple panels or pages of information, such as a simple C-fold or the more creative double gate fold. Brochures can also be created from multiple sheets bound together. Sometimes smaller, simpler brochures are referred to as pamphlets.