The Unigrid System for Brochures

Following the economics of printing, the unigrid system provides ten basic brochure formats, which represent the most economical length-to-width ratio for paper sizes cut from the larger sheets that are ordered in carload lots for maximum discounts. The formats are based on the number of folded panels across and down; there are two panel widths (A and B) and five panel lengths (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6). The largest size for a standard brochure, and the most expensive, is the B-6 shown here for Virgin Islands—two panels wide and six panels deep. The most commonly used sizes, A-4, A-6, and B-4, are all segments of the B-6.

There are few A-5 or B-5 sizes because these cannot be cut economically from the standard printing sheets. Harpers Ferry Center sometimes prints unusual sizes for special needs, such as an A-12 for a parkway or trail brochure.

At left: example of a park brochure overlaying the unigrid