Using Microsoft Word to create flyers?

[Nocturnal]

I would like to be able to use Microsoft Word to design a flyer. However I'd like the layout to be cut into four flyers on one page.

Is there any way to do this so that when I print out the page I can cut out four flyers instead of manually doing one at a time and wasting a lot of paper?

 

[dakels]

Obviously, Word isn't the best application to do this but if that's all you have, I think the best way to do it is a 2 up page format + 2 copies per page.

Go to FILE -> Page Setup. In the margins section, change the Multiple Pages option to 2 pages per sheet. My version (2003) doesn't have a 4 pages per sheet option as far as I know. You can then just put your flyer info 2 up per page (top half, then bottom half). Then copy and paste that to page 2. You should then get a printout with 4 up copy. Cut half the sheet vertically, then horizontally and you will get 4 per sheet of paper.

 

[Nocturnal]

What would be the best program? I have access to pretty much all Adobe programs.

 

[Nocturnal]

I have Microsoft Publisher.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
What would be the best program? I have access to pretty much all Adobe programs.

PageMaker should do the trick

 

[dakels]

If you know how to use it, either Indesign or Quark are the best page layout applications. If you have just a simple flyer use whatever is easiest for you. Publisher is terrible but ok for personal printing. Just use the 4 up option in the page setup. Pagemaker is also doable too and a little easier then Indesign.

The more complex the flyer I would recommend the more feature rich (complex) the application you may want to use. Sounds a bit silly but if you have alot of artwork on the flyer, accuracy is a concern or you may want to send it to a pro printer, then make it in an Adobe app, not Microsoft. You should never send microsoft file (word, Publisher) files to a professional printer. Many of them will charge you extra for the conversion/cleanup. Personal printing on your printer, use whatever is easiest and gets the job done.

 

[Nocturnal]

dakels,

Is there any tutorials you recommend to layout the 4 flyer page so that I can create four of the same flyer and then print it out and cut it up using InDesign? Thank you! Thanks Schadenfroh!

 

[dakels]

Noc: I know there are lots of tutorials, but specifically for just making x and y is probably hard to find for Indesign. Indesign is a professional page layout program which most of your magazines, newspapers, publishings, etc are done in. Its one of the core things you learn to use in design school/design major in college. So needless to say it's not really an overnight thing to learn.

The question is can you make something fairly easy in a step by step manner? Yes you can but that information is best presented to you by someone who knows the program and can work with you on a step by step basis for your specific application.

Honestly, I think my best advice to you is to make the flyer in Word or whatever you are comfortable with. It depends on how complex it is. If you just want some type and maybe 1 picture or something, use word. If you want to create something with multiple fonts, images, illustrations etc then consider using indesign. The biggest factor for you is the 4up printing. This can be easily dealt with in word like this:

For Word:

1: Create new document. Go to Page setup -> Multiple pages. Select 2 pages. Also make sure the orientation is Landscape.

2: Now create your flyer using only the top half of the page (I assume 8.5 x 11" letter?).

3: When you are done with everything for your single flyer. Then copy and paste that on the bottom half of the page. Just paste it below your 1st flyer. Space it out so you think they will look the same when cut (fix margins, spacing etc).

4: When the first page has 2 flyers on it, top and bottom, copy that entire page then paste it on page 2 so it looks identical. Go to print preview. You should see a page with 4up of your flyer. Print it and cut it making sure all of the copy is about the same spacing and centering. If all looks good then print out as many as you need and preferably use a paper cutting board to cut it all or at least a cutting razor + ruler.


Hope that helps you. If you want to do it in Indesign, you need to set up a single page that is say 5.5x4.25". Then print 4up in the page setup. Or you do something like the word configuration listed above and just copy and paste the other 4 sections of the page aligning them evenly.

 

[dakels]

Oh and I assume you want to print this on a personal printer? like inkjet? If you want to send this to a commercial printer then you may want to use Indesign (they might charge extra or not allow word files, depending entirely on the print house and how flexible they are). The 4up factor you will not have to worry about if you use a commercial printer. They will do that on their own to maximize prints per page. It's called Step and Repeat in the publishing world.