Leaflets vs Flyers: Comparison Guide for London Businesses

Sep 03, 2026

Leaflets vs Flyers: Comparison Guide for London Businesses

Flyers and leaflets are two of the most widely used printed marketing products for London businesses, but choosing between them can sometimes be confusing. Should you use an A5 flyer for a promotion, an A6 card for a compact offer, or a more detailed leaflet when you have additional information to communicate?

The answer depends on your message, audience, distribution method and the amount of information you need to include.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we print flyers and leaflets for businesses, restaurants, event organisers, retailers, local services and individuals from our Tottenham print shop at 52 West Green Road, London N15 5NR.

Our small-format printing range includes a variety of matt, gloss and recycled paper stocks, with suitable products available in common formats including A6, A5 and A4. Same-day printing may also be available for suitable urgent jobs depending on quantity, material, artwork readiness, payment confirmation and current production capacity.

This guide explains the practical difference between flyers and leaflets, compares popular sizes and paper weights, covers matt versus gloss finishes and shows you how to prepare professional artwork for printing.

Key Takeaways

Flyers and leaflets are often similar products, and the terms are frequently used interchangeably.
A flyer is commonly a flat printed sheet focused on a promotion, event, offer or announcement.
A leaflet may also be a flat printed sheet, although the term can sometimes refer to more detailed or folded informational material.
A6, A5 and A4 are practical flyer and leaflet sizes for many marketing applications.
A5 measures 148 × 210mm and offers a useful balance between portability and available design space.
Suitable paper choices include 120gsm Matt, 150gsm Gloss, 160gsm Matt, 160gsm Recycled Paper and heavier stocks up to 400gsm Matt.
Matt paper offers a lower-shine appearance, while gloss can complement colourful and photographic artwork.
For edge-to-edge small-format artwork, approximately 3mm bleed is generally recommended.
A high-quality print-ready PDF is generally the preferred artwork format.
Suitable same-day flyer and leaflet printing may be available depending on the exact specification and current production schedule.

What Are Flyers?

A flyer is generally a single printed sheet used to communicate a relatively simple marketing message.

Flyers are commonly used for:

Special offers
Events
Business promotions
Restaurant promotions
Product launches
Retail sales
Nightlife events
Local services
Open days
Community announcements

The design usually focuses on getting one main message across quickly.

What Makes a Good Flyer?

A successful flyer normally includes:

A clear headline
A relevant image or graphic
A concise description
A clear offer or message
Contact details
A call to action

Because flyers are often handed out or viewed quickly, the reader should not need to study the design for several minutes to understand what it is about.

What Are Leaflets?

The word “leaflet” is often used for a printed marketing or informational sheet.

In everyday use, there is considerable overlap between flyers and leaflets.

A leaflet might be:

A flat single sheet
A double-sided information sheet
A promotional handout
A menu
A service list
A more detailed informational piece

Some people also use the word “leaflet” specifically for folded printed pieces.

There Is No Strict Universal Definition

Rather than focusing too heavily on terminology, it is more useful to decide:

What size do you need?
How much information do you have?
Do you need one or two printed sides?
Does the finished piece need folding?
What paper weight suits the campaign?

Flyers vs Leaflets: What Is the Difference?

Flyers and leaflets are often very similar from a printing perspective.

Flyers Are Commonly Used For:

Quick promotions
Events
Discounts
Announcements
High-volume distribution

Leaflets Are Commonly Used For:

Service information
Restaurant information
Menus
Price lists
Instructions
More detailed marketing content

However, the terms are not fixed. An A5 double-sided printed sheet could reasonably be described as either an A5 flyer or an A5 leaflet.

Should You Choose a Flyer or Leaflet?

Start with the purpose rather than the name.

Choose a Simple Flat Flyer When:

You have one primary promotion
The message is short
You want fast distribution
You need a straightforward same-day product

Use a More Detailed Leaflet-Style Layout When:

You need to explain several services
You have multiple prices
You need sections of information
You want the customer to keep the material for reference

If you need a folded product rather than a flat sheet, discuss the folding requirements before ordering because additional finishing can affect turnaround time.

Popular Flyer and Leaflet Sizes

The right size depends on the amount of information, distribution method and desired visual impact.

Common options include:

Each format has different advantages.

A6 Flyers and Leaflets

A6 measures:

105 × 148mm

A6 is compact and convenient for:

Voucher-style promotions
Small invitations
Short offers
Counter handouts
Event promotions
Discount cards

Advantages of A6

Compact
Easy to carry
Suitable for simple messaging
Useful for hand-to-hand distribution

Design Carefully

Because A6 has limited space, avoid filling it with long paragraphs or too many separate offers.

A5 Flyers and Leaflets

A5 measures:

148 × 210mm

A5 is one of the most versatile promotional print formats.

It provides enough room for:

A headline
Images
Service information
Prices
Contact details
QR codes
Offers

Why A5 Is Popular

A5 provides more design space than A6 while remaining considerably more compact than A4.

It works well for:

Business advertising
Menus
Events
Restaurant promotions
Beauty services
Property marketing
Local businesses

A4 Flyers and Leaflets

A4 measures:

210 × 297mm

A4 can be useful when considerably more information is required.

A4 Is Suitable For:

Detailed price lists
Menus
Information sheets
Service lists
Product information
Promotional displays

Remember the Distribution Method

A4 gives you more design space but is also physically larger.

If your audience will be carrying the material around, A5 or A6 may be more convenient.

Choosing the Right Paper

The paper stock influences the appearance, feel and practical use of your finished marketing material.

Suitable small-format paper options can include:

120gsm Matt
150gsm Gloss
160gsm Matt
160gsm Recycled Paper
250gsm Gloss
250gsm Matt
300gsm Gloss
300gsm Matt
350gsm Gloss
350gsm Matt
400gsm Matt

Available options depend on the specific print product and current stock.

Understanding GSM

GSM stands for grams per square metre.

It is a standard measurement used to describe the weight of paper and card.

Lower GSM

Lower GSM stocks are generally lighter and more flexible.

Higher GSM

Higher GSM stocks generally feel thicker and more substantial.

GSM Does Not Tell You Everything

Paper finish and composition also affect how a stock feels.

For example, matt and gloss stocks with a similar GSM can have noticeably different surface characteristics.

Lightweight Flyer Papers

Lighter paper is useful when you need larger quantities or a traditional flyer feel.

120gsm Matt

A lightweight matt paper suitable for many promotional and information-based jobs.

150gsm Gloss

A lightweight glossy option that can complement colourful imagery and promotional artwork.

160gsm Matt

A slightly heavier matt option that provides more substance while still retaining the feel of a flyer or leaflet.

160gsm Recycled Paper

Suitable for customers who prefer the appearance and characteristics of recycled stock.

Remember that recycled paper can reproduce colours differently from bright white coated papers.

Heavyweight Promotional Stocks

Heavier paper or card may be useful when you want the printed piece to feel more substantial.

Depending on the product, suitable options include:

250gsm Matt
250gsm Gloss
300gsm Matt
300gsm Gloss
350gsm Matt
350gsm Gloss
400gsm Matt

Heavier Stocks Can Work Well For:

Premium promotional cards
Menus
Invitations
Price cards
Vouchers
Longer-lasting marketing pieces

Do not automatically choose the heaviest stock. The right choice depends on how the material will be used.

Matt vs Gloss Flyers and Leaflets

Matt and gloss create noticeably different visual effects.

Matt

Matt has a lower-shine surface and works well for:

Text-heavy designs
Professional services
Minimalist artwork
Information sheets
Price lists

Matt is also generally easier to write on than glossy paper, although results depend on the paper and pen being used.

Gloss

Gloss paper has a shinier surface and can complement:

Food photography
Beauty promotions
Product photography
Event artwork
Bright graphics

Which One Is Better?

Neither finish is automatically superior.

The most appropriate option depends on:

Artwork
Brand style
Amount of text
Lighting where the print will be viewed
Whether people need to write on it

Recycled Paper Options

160gsm Recycled Paper is available for suitable small-format printing.

It provides a different surface character from standard matt or gloss stocks.

Expect Colour Differences

The base tone and absorbency of a recycled paper can affect the way printed colours appear.

This is normal and should be considered when selecting the stock for colour-sensitive branding.

Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Printing

Suitable flyers and leaflets can be printed on one or both sides.

Single-Sided Printing

Useful when:

The message is simple
The item is displayed against another surface
The reverse side does not add useful information

Double-Sided Printing

Double-sided printing provides additional space without increasing the finished dimensions.

Example Layout

Front:

Headline
Offer
Main image

Back:

More information
Services
Prices
Contact details
QR code

How to Design an Effective Flyer or Leaflet

A good marketing design should be easy to understand quickly.

A Simple Visual Hierarchy Might Be:

Headline
Primary image or offer
Supporting information
Call to action
Contact details

Avoid Overcrowding

Trying to include every piece of information about your business can make the design difficult to read.

Focus on the information required to persuade the reader to take the next step.

Use a Strong Headline

The headline should immediately explain why the reader should pay attention.

Examples:

Grand Opening
20% Off This Weekend
New Menu Available
Book Your Consultation
Join Us This Saturday
Local Delivery Available

The headline should normally be one of the most prominent elements on the page.

Include a Clear Call to Action

The call to action tells the reader what to do next.

Examples Include:

Visit Our Website
Call Today
Book Online
Scan to Order
Visit Our Store
Register Now

Make the CTA easy to find.

Using QR Codes

QR codes can connect physical marketing with digital content.

You can link to:

Website pages
Menus
Booking systems
Product pages
Event registration
Social media

Always Test the QR Code

Before approving the artwork:

Export the final PDF.
Scan the code.
Confirm that the correct page opens.
Check that the page is live.

Use Sufficient Size and Contrast

A QR code should not be made extremely small or placed against a visually complicated background.

Preparing Artwork for Printing

Correct artwork preparation is important for achieving a professional finished result.

Supply the Correct Finished Dimensions

Design at the intended final size wherever possible.

Send a High-Quality PDF

A print-ready PDF is generally recommended because it can preserve:

Dimensions
Fonts
Images
Vector graphics
Page layout

Review the Exported PDF

Before sending it, check:

Correct size
Orientation
Spelling
Prices
Dates
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Website URLs
QR codes

Why 3mm Bleed Matters

For many small-format designs where colours, images or graphics continue to the finished edge, approximately 3mm bleed is recommended.

A5 Example

Finished A5:

148 × 210mm

Artwork with 3mm bleed:

154 × 216mm

Why Is Bleed Required?

Printed sheets need to be trimmed to their final dimensions.

Small normal cutting tolerances are unavoidable. Bleed helps prevent unwanted white edges after cutting.

Keep Important Content Inside the Safe Area

Although backgrounds should extend into bleed where required, important information should remain comfortably inside the final trim line.

Keep These Away from the Edge:

Headlines
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Prices
Logos
QR codes

Be Careful with Thin Borders

Thin borders close to the edge can appear uneven after cutting because small trimming tolerances become visually obvious.

Image Resolution

Where practical, raster artwork should be around 300 DPI at final printed size.

Use Original Images

Avoid relying on:

Screenshots
Small thumbnails
Compressed messaging images
Low-quality web images

Changing the DPI Setting Does Not Restore Detail

Simply changing a low-resolution file to say “300 DPI” does not create information that was not present in the original image.

RGB, CMYK and Printed Colour

Phones, monitors and tablets usually display colours using RGB light, while professional print production commonly uses CMYK inks or toner.

RGB

Red
Green
Blue

CMYK

Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black

Will the Print Match My Screen Exactly?

Not necessarily.

Colour can be affected by:

Paper stock
Surface finish
Paper colour
Printing process
Screen brightness
Monitor calibration
Lighting conditions

Preparing appropriate CMYK artwork can help improve predictability, but an exact match to a backlit screen should not be assumed.

Preparing Flyers in Canva

Canva can be used to prepare professional flyer and leaflet artwork when the file is set up correctly.

1. Choose the Correct Dimensions

Create the artwork at the intended finished size.

2. Allow for Bleed

If colours or images extend to the edge, make sure they continue through the bleed area.

3. Use High-Quality Images

Use original photographs and graphics whenever possible.

4. Export as PDF Print

Canva's PDF Print option is generally suitable for producing a high-quality print file.

5. Open the Exported PDF

Review it carefully before sending it for printing.

Planning Your Distribution

The effectiveness of your marketing depends on more than the print itself.

Consider how the material will reach the intended audience.

Possible Distribution Methods Include:

Hand-to-hand distribution
Appropriate letterbox distribution
In-store handouts
Event distribution
Including leaflets with customer orders
Displaying materials at participating local businesses

Target the Right Location

A local restaurant may focus on nearby neighbourhoods, while an event organiser may distribute around a relevant venue.

Check Local Requirements

Rules concerning distribution of free printed promotional material can vary depending on the borough, venue and location.

Check relevant local requirements before carrying out public distribution and always respect restrictions on private property.

Same-Day Flyer and Leaflet Printing in London

When a campaign, event or promotion is approaching quickly, a long printing turnaround may not be practical.

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) offers urgent flyer and leaflet production for suitable jobs from our Tottenham print shop.

Many standard products can be completed within approximately 3–4 hours after payment and artwork approval, depending on:

Quantity
Paper stock
Single or double-sided printing
Artwork readiness
Finishing requirements
Order time
Current production schedule

Same-day availability is not guaranteed for every job and should be confirmed before ordering.

What Affects Turnaround Time?

Quantity

A short run and a large-volume order require different amounts of production time.

Paper Stock

Same-day production depends partly on whether the requested material is currently available.

Artwork

A final print-ready PDF can normally move into production faster than artwork requiring resizing or correction.

Finishing

Additional finishing, such as specialist cutting or folding, can add production time.

Payment Confirmation

The production turnaround begins after the final specifications, artwork and payment have been confirmed.

Current Production Schedule

Urgent capacity can change throughout the day.

If your deadline is critical, tell us the exact required collection or delivery time when requesting your quotation.

Collection from Our Tottenham Print Shop

For urgent orders, collection is often the most predictable option because there is no postal transit time.

Our shop is located at:

52 West Green Road, London N15 5NR

Wait for Confirmation

Please wait until your order has been confirmed as ready before travelling to collect it.

Delivery Options

Delivery may also be available.

Standard Tracked Delivery

Royal Mail Tracked 24 usually takes approximately 1–2 working days, although a particular delivery time should not be assumed.

Same-Day Courier

For urgent London deliveries, a same-day courier may be available.

The price depends on:

Delivery postcode
Distance
Parcel size
Order completion time
Courier availability

Provide the full delivery address and postcode when requesting an urgent courier quotation.

Common Flyer and Leaflet Mistakes

Too Much Text

A crowded design makes it harder for the reader to identify the main message.

Small Contact Details

Phone numbers, prices and CTAs should remain easy to read.

Low-Resolution Images

Images that are too small may appear pixelated when printed.

Missing Bleed

Edge-to-edge artwork without sufficient bleed can create problems during trimming.

Important Text Too Close to the Edge

Keep essential content safely inside the trim.

Untested QR Codes

Always scan the final QR code before approving production.

Incorrect Contact Information

Proofread phone numbers, email addresses and URLs carefully.

Assuming Screen Colours Are Exact

The finished print may naturally look different from a phone or computer display.

Sending Several “Final” Files

If several versions exist, clearly identify which exact artwork should be printed.

Why Choose Printbox London?

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) provides local flyer and leaflet printing for businesses, event organisers, organisations and individuals across London.

Popular Sizes

Multiple Paper Options

Choose from suitable matt, gloss and recycled paper as well as heavier promotional card stocks.

Single and Double-Sided Printing

Suitable products can be produced on one or both sides.

Urgent Printing

Many standard jobs may be available with same-day turnaround depending on quantity, material, artwork readiness and current production capacity.

Other Marketing Products

We also provide suitable:

Local Collection

Completed printing can be collected from our Tottenham shop once the order is confirmed as ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a flyer and a leaflet?

The terms are often used interchangeably. A flyer is commonly a flat promotional sheet focused on a simple message, while “leaflet” may also be used for more detailed or folded information. From a printing perspective, many flat products could reasonably be described using either term.

What is the most popular flyer size?

A5 is a very versatile size because it provides useful design space while remaining compact. The best size still depends on the specific marketing campaign.

What size is A5?

A5 measures 148 × 210mm.

What size is A6?

A6 measures 105 × 148mm.

What size is A4?

A4 measures 210 × 297mm.

Do you offer DL leaflets?

Our standard same-day flyer range focuses primarily on commonly requested A6, A5 and A4 formats. If you require a different custom dimension, send us the exact finished size so we can confirm whether it can be produced.

Do you print A7 flyers?

A7 is not part of our standard listed flyer range. If you require a small custom format, contact us with the exact dimensions and quantity so production options can be checked.

What paper weights do you offer?

Suitable small-format options can include 120gsm Matt, 150gsm Gloss, 160gsm Matt, 160gsm Recycled Paper, 250gsm Gloss, 250gsm Matt, 300gsm Gloss, 300gsm Matt, 350gsm Gloss, 350gsm Matt and 400gsm Matt.

Do you offer 130gsm or 170gsm paper?

These are not part of our standard listed same-day flyer paper range. Our standard options include 120gsm, 150gsm and 160gsm lightweight papers, with heavier stocks available when required.

Do you offer silk paper?

Our standard small-format flyer range focuses on matt, gloss and recycled stocks rather than a separate silk-paper option.

Is 120gsm good for flyers?

120gsm Matt can be a practical lightweight option for promotional flyers and high-volume distribution.

What paper should I choose for a more premium flyer?

Heavier stocks such as 250gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm or 400gsm may be appropriate when you want a more substantial promotional card-style finish.

Is matt or gloss better?

Neither is universally better. Matt offers a lower-shine appearance, while gloss can complement colourful and photographic designs.

Is matt easier to write on?

Generally yes, although the exact result depends on the stock and pen being used.

Do you offer recycled paper?

Yes. 160gsm Recycled Paper is available for suitable small-format printing, subject to current stock.

Can you print double-sided flyers?

Yes. Suitable flyers and leaflets can be printed single or double-sided.

Can you print folded leaflets?

Some folding requirements may be possible depending on the final size and specification. Folding adds an additional production stage, so send us the finished dimensions, fold style and deadline for confirmation.

Do you laminate flyers and leaflets?

Standard lamination is not automatically included with flyer or leaflet printing. If your project requires lamination, provide the exact size and specification so available finishing options can be checked.

Do I need 3mm bleed?

If artwork extends to the finished edge, approximately 3mm bleed is generally recommended for many small-format products.

What is the artwork size for A5 with bleed?

A5 is 148 × 210mm finished. With 3mm bleed around all sides, the artwork is approximately 154 × 216mm.

What file should I send?

A high-quality print-ready PDF is generally recommended.

Should the artwork be 300 DPI?

For raster images, approximately 300 DPI at the final printed size is a useful target where practical.

Should my artwork be CMYK?

Preparing artwork appropriately for CMYK printing can help improve colour predictability. However, the printed result may still differ from the appearance on a backlit screen.

Can you guarantee exact colour matching?

No. Paper type, print process, surface finish, lighting and screen calibration can all influence colour appearance.

Can I design my flyer in Canva?

Yes. Canva can be used for flyers and leaflets. Use the correct dimensions, allow for bleed where required and export a high-quality PDF Print file.

Can you print my flyers on the same day?

Suitable orders may be available with same-day turnaround depending on quantity, paper, artwork readiness, payment confirmation, order time and current production capacity.

How long does same-day printing take?

Many standard products can be completed within approximately 3–4 hours after payment and artwork approval, depending on the specification and current production workload.

Is same-day printing guaranteed?

No. Same-day availability must be confirmed for the specific order.

Can I order only 50 or 100 flyers?

Yes. Short-run digital printing can be suitable for smaller quantities. Send us the size, quantity, paper preference and single or double-sided requirement for a quotation.

Can I collect my order?

Yes. Collection is available from 52 West Green Road, London N15 5NR after the order has been confirmed as ready.

Can you deliver my flyers?

Suitable standard delivery and same-day courier options may be available depending on the destination, parcel size and required deadline.

Choose the Right Flyer or Leaflet for Your London Campaign

The difference between flyers and leaflets is less important than choosing the correct format for your marketing goal.

If you need a simple, high-impact promotion, a flat flyer can provide everything you need. If your campaign requires more information, a double-sided leaflet-style design or larger format may give you additional space to explain your products or services clearly.

For many London businesses, A5 provides an excellent balance between design space and portability. A6 works well for short promotions and voucher-style designs, while A4 offers more room for detailed information.

Paper selection also matters. Lightweight options including 120gsm Matt, 150gsm Gloss and 160gsm Matt work well for many promotional jobs, while heavier stocks can provide a more substantial feel when required.

Whatever you choose, correct artwork preparation is essential. Use the correct finished dimensions, add approximately 3mm bleed for suitable edge-to-edge designs, keep essential information away from trim lines, use good-quality images and supply a high-quality PDF wherever possible.

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) provides professional flyer and leaflet printing with urgent turnaround available for suitable jobs.

For a quotation, send us: