The first step in determining the appropriate page size and margins for a brochure is to consider its intended purpose and audience. Brochures are typically used to provide information to potential customers or the general public, so the design needs to be clear, easy to read, and allows for important details to stand out.

The next step would be to look at industry standards and best practices for brochure design. Common page sizes for brochures include 8.5×11 inches (the standard letter size), 5.5×8.5 inches, and 8.25×10.875 inches (the standard magazine/catalog size). Letter size is often used for multi-page booklet style brochures while the smaller 5.5×8.5 size works well for brief single or double sided tri-fold brochures. Choosing a page size that is commonly used ensures the brochure can be easily printed and produced through standard printing services.

When it comes to margins, the general guideline is to leave at least a 0.5 inch margin on all sides of the page. This ensures there is enough “white space” around the edges so no important text gets cut off during printing or if the brochure is not aligned perfectly when folded. Leaving adequate margins is important for readability as it separates the edge of the page from the body content. Too narrow of margins can make a brochure feel cluttered.

Some additional factors to consider when setting margins are bleed areas, safety margins, and trim lines. A bleed area refers to printing that extends slightly beyond the page edge, which is necessary if there is background imagery or colors that bleed to the very edge. This bleed requires at least 0.125 inch of extra space beyond the trim line, which is the final size of the printed page after trimming. It’s standard to add 0.25 inch to a bleed area for a safety margin to account for any variation in the trimming process. Taking these printing requirements into account, margins may need to be slightly larger than the usual 0.5 inch minimum.

Once a page size is selected, mockups should be created at full scale with the intended content, including body text, headlines, images, logos, and any other design elements. This allows you to evaluate proportion, flow, balance and overall usability of the space. Adjustments can be made to the layout as needed based on what works best visually. Dynamic page layout software makes this process interactive to fine tune spacing efficiently.

Usability testing could also be done on paper prototypes with potential readers to gather direct feedback on what page sizes and margins support comprehension and readability best for the brochure’s purpose. Their input helps validate design decisions. For example, if detailed specifications need to be conveyed, larger text may necessitate adjusting margin widths to accommodate more content within guidelines for visual hierarchy.

It’s also wise to research how competitors present similar information for their target audience. Page size and layout conventions within an industry help brochures meet audience expectations and needs. Standing out can sometimes be advantageous through creative reinterpretations of familiar formatting. The right approach depends on the desired positioning.

Accessibility standards must also factor into decisions. For brochures intended for broad public use, sufficient Type Size, line spacing, and color contrast between text and background as outlined by WCAG AA guidelines ensure usability for people with low vision or reading disabilities.

Through researching standards, testing prototypes, and gaining reader insights, an optimal page size and margin structure for a particular brochure can be determined that supports both the information design and target users. Following an iterative process of evaluation and refinement leads to formats meeting content and reader needs.

Considering industry norms, print specifications, content requirements, accessibility standards, competitor research, and usability testing feedback provides reliable information for making informed page size and margin choices tailored to a specific brochure’s goals. Taking a user-centered approach results in formats prioritizing clear communication through well-balanced, readable layouts.