Flyer, leaflet or handout: which one do you need?

In UK print, these three words often refer to the same thing and most suppliers price them identically. The difference is in how the sheet is used.

• Flyer: a flat sheet with one promotional message, printed in volume for wide distribution.
• Handout: the same sheet, given directly to someone at an event or meeting.
• Leaflet: usually carries more detail. Once there is too much content for one flat sheet, it is normally folded.

A single-sheet flyer is not always the best fit. If your content needs splitting into sections, such as a menu or a programme, look at folded leaflet printing instead. If the piece needs to go through the post on its own, postcard printing on a heavier board is a better fit.

Where flyers and handouts are used

Leaflets, flyers and handouts are commonly used to share product information, service details, or promotional messages. Where and how they get distributed affects the size, quantity and stock you should order.

• Events and exhibitions: handed out at a stand. Often ordered alongside pop-up exhibition displays and roller banners in the same design.
• Counter and reception displays: picked up voluntarily, so the top of the design needs to carry the message.
• Door drops: high volume, where cost per flyer matters most.
• Mailouts: sent as part of a direct mail campaign, or included in printed envelopes with other material.
• Delivery inserts: added to orders to promote a follow-up offer.

Choosing your flyer specification

Four decisions cover most flyer orders: size, number of sides, paper stock, and whether to laminate.

Flyer sizes

A5 (148 x 210mm) is the most commonly ordered flyer size. It holds an image and a reasonable amount of text, and is easy to hand over. A6 costs less per sheet, so it suits high-volume campaigns and short offers. A4 gives more room for detail, and works better on a counter or in an information pack. Custom sizes are available.

Single-sided or double-sided

Adding the second side costs less than most people expect. It gives you room for supporting detail without crowding the front. Print single-sided when there is only one message.

Paper stock and weight

Flyers and leaflets are typically printed on 170gsm or 200gsm silk stock, which provides a smooth surface for both images and text. 170gsm is the usual choice. It feels substantial and reproduces images cleanly. 200gsm uncoated has a natural matt surface, which suits brands wanting a less glossy look. Lighter stocks are available for high-volume door drops.

When to laminate

Lamination is optional on flyers rather than standard. It is worth adding if the flyer will be handled repeatedly or displayed for several weeks. Most campaigns skip it and put the budget towards quantity instead.

Digital or litho printing for flyers

Quantity decides the print method. Short runs go through digital printing, which has no plate setup to pay for.

Larger runs move to litho printing, where the cost per flyer drops significantly. Contact us and tell us the quantity you have in mind and we can advise you on the best printing method for your flyers.

Designing your flyer

A few practical points to check while the design is still being worked on:

• Keep to one main message. Additional detail can live on your website.
• Put the offer and any date near the top.
• Check the body text is large enough to read. Text that looks fine on screen can be too small at A6.
• Give one clear next step: a URL, a QR code or a phone number.
• Be cautious with solid dark backgrounds. They show handling marks and slight colour variation more than lighter designs do.

If you have the message but not the layout, our graphic design service can prepare the artwork for print.

Supplying your artwork

Send artwork as a print-ready PDF in CMYK, with bleed added. Keep important content away from the trim edge.

Any design that runs colour to the edge needs proper bleed, or trimming can leave a thin white line. For double-sided flyers, supply each side as a separate page and label the front.

If required, upon request we can check your file before it goes to print.

Turnaround and delivery

Short-run flyers can be printed for next-day delivery. Larger litho runs take longer. Tell us your deadline when you request a quote and we will do our best to make it work – or let you know if it’s not possible.

We deliver flyers across the UK.

Why choose Firstpointprint for flyer printing

We are a family run printer, based in London since 1996. Much of our work is event and campaign printing, which is where most flyer orders come from.

• Realistic deadlines: we will tell you at quote stage whether your date is achievable, not after artwork is approved. If a campaign date moves, we can often turn flyers around the same day.
• Advice before you commit: call or email us with your quantity and what the flyers are for. We will talk through size, stock and finish without obligation.
• Consistent colour across the run: this matters more on flyers than on smaller jobs, because any shift shows as soon as the sheets are stacked.