Flyer maker / How to make a flyer

How to make a flyer

From blank idea to a printed stack in about twenty minutes. Nine steps, the same ones a designer runs through, and a free flyer maker to do them in.

  1. 1

    Decide the one job

    Write one sentence: who should see this, and what should they do next? "Neighbours should come to the yard sale on Saturday." Everything on the flyer serves that sentence.

  2. 2

    Choose the size

    US Letter or A4 for noticeboards and windows, half letter or A5 for handing out, 11 × 17 in for posters. The size chart has every option with pixel dimensions.

  3. 3

    Pick a template

    Start from a layout built for your occasion rather than a blank page. It already solves hierarchy and spacing; you just replace the words.

  4. 4

    Write the headline

    Name the thing, not the organiser: "Yard Sale", "Lost Dog", "Taco Tuesday". Six words at most. Put it in the biggest type.

  5. 5

    Add the details in order

    When (with the weekday), where (full address), how much, and anything people must bring or know. One or two short lines.

  6. 6

    Add one photo or graphic

    Use your own clear photo: the dog, the dish, the house. Upload at least 1500 px on the long side for a half-page photo so it prints sharply.

  7. 7

    Give one call to action

    A phone number, a QR code or "RSVP by May 10". On noticeboard flyers, tear-off tabs with a phone number work better than asking people to remember it.

  8. 8

    Run the 3-second test

    Show it to someone for three seconds, then ask what it was for and when. If they can't say, make the headline bigger and cut words.

  9. 9

    Download and print

    PDF at 300 DPI for print; tick bleed and crop marks for a print shop. PNG for sharing online. Print one proof and check it at arm's length before printing the batch.

Try the 3-second test

Step 8 is the one people skip, and it is the one that matters most. Below are two flyers for the same car wash. Each shows for three seconds, like a flyer on a noticeboard you walk past. See how much you remember from each.

The flyer appears here for 3 seconds

Imagine you are walking past a noticeboard. You will see a flyer for three seconds, then answer three questions.

The difference comes down to hierarchy: one big idea, then the details in order of importance. The flyer design guide goes deeper with a squint test and contrast checker. Explore that same clarity in action with these free visual explainers, where one main idea leads and the supporting details follow in order.

Print-ready checklist

  • Headline readable from 2 metres (6 ft) away.
  • Date includes the weekday; time includes am/pm.
  • Phone number and web address double-checked, digit by digit.
  • Text at least 0.25 in (6 mm) from every edge.
  • Photos placed at 300 DPI at their printed size (the editor warns you if not).
  • For a print shop: PDF with 0.125 in bleed and crop marks.
  • For a home printer: PDF without bleed, printed at 100% / "Actual size".
  • One test print checked before printing the batch.

Where to put your flyers

Library, café and supermarket noticeboards, laundromats, community centres, places of worship and school offices usually welcome local flyers; ask at the counter first. Many towns restrict posting on utility poles and traffic signs, so check local rules. Share the PNG in neighbourhood groups and group chats the same day you post the paper copies.

Questions people ask

How do I make a flyer for free?

Open the FlyerCraft flyer maker, choose a template, edit the text and photo, and download a PNG or PDF. It is free with no account or watermark. Word and Google Docs can also make simple flyers, but templates built for flyers save a lot of fiddling.

How do I make a flyer on my phone?

FlyerCraft works in your phone's browser. Tap a template, tap a line to edit it, and use the Download tab to save the PNG to your photos or share it straight to a chat.

What paper should I print flyers on?

Standard 20–24 lb (75–90 gsm) copy paper is fine for noticeboards. For handouts and anything with photos, 80–100 lb text (120–150 gsm) silk or gloss feels more substantial and shows colour better.

How do I print multiple flyers on one page?

Choose half letter or A5 as the size, download the PDF, and in your printer dialog choose "Pages per sheet: 2". Then cut the sheet in half.

How many words should be on a flyer?

For a flyer that is posted up, aim for 25–50 words. For a handout people will read at a table, you can go to 100–150, but keep the headline short.