Church Bulletins

How To Design and Print Bulletins

Once you have received your Do It Yourself products, it’s easy to get them ready to print. Follow the instructions below

1. Prepare Your Information
   Collect the information you want to include in your Bulletin. This might include your logo, information about your church, upcoming events, service information, sermon notes, music, and scripture. Designate a section of your ImpactBulletin™ for each section of information. (See template for suggestions.)
2. Create Your Layout
   Your Bulletin layout is easy to create in any word processing or desktop publishing program or even using the “cut & paste” method. The enclosed template will give you a guideline for your layout.
   1. Choose a “landscape” (sideways) orientation for either an 8.5" x 11", 8.5" x 14" document or an 11" x 17" document. This can typically be done using a “page setup,” “document setup” or similar function (depending on your software).
   2. Divide the document into three sections or columns. (See dimensions below.) Typically this can be done using a “page divide,” “page layout,” “page modify” or similar function. Each column should be approximately:
      
   3. All margins for each card should be set at 0.25" (top, bottom, left and right). Gutters (empty space between each text column) should be approximately 0.25", and approximately 0.50" for gutters with perforations.
      Hint: Use the color changes and color bars of your Bulletinsto help guide your text placement. It is not recommended to place text or logos over parts of the bulletin that have pictures or darker color bars. The perforated section should hold a response card or something you’d like your members and visitors to tear out of their bulletin.
   4. Using your “text box” feature, create a borderless (no frame) box to fit within the specified margins.
   5. ype in your text and insert any logos. Look at the enclosed sample for ideas about how to position the text and other elements on the inside of the Bulletins. The result should be a simple, clean layout that offers key information without confusion. Make sure each section is clearly titled (i.e. Weekly Events).
   6. Use no more than two type faces (fonts). One bolder type face for headlines and subheads, and one regular type face for the text work well. Use font variations (bold, italic, light, etc.) to add emphasis and visual variety without adding graphic “clutter.”
      Headlines: 14-20 pt. Text: 10-12 pt.
      Headlines: 20-36 pt. Text: 12-14 pt.
   7. Have at least three people proof the layout for errors, content and readability before printing.
3. Print
   Bulletins may be printed on a laser* or inkjet* printer. However, you may want to output a clean, high quality original of your Bulletin text and duplicate it on a photocopier* or at a local quick printer.
   * Before running Bulletins through a laser printer or photocopier, check your owner’s manual for specifications regarding perforated stock.