Too small and people can barely read it. Too big, you’re wasting space. Font size matters when it comes to printed products like brochures and business cards. When there is only so much room to work with, font size plays a key role in the overall design of the product before it goes to be print. You can find some general rules online that suggest using size 10 – 11 fonts for business cards, and size 12 for brochures. Those suggestions will work in many instances, but it’s important to think specifically about how your products will be seen by others.
Size 10 font can work on a standard business card if the majority of your business interactions are face to face, and you are handing the card to a potential client or customer. They are likely to be reading the details on the card when holding it, and at a relatively close distance, which is why the smaller font sizes can work. But not everyone uses their printed business cards this way.
For example, many local service businesses still generate leads and new customers by posting their business cards to community boards around town. People still do it because it still works. But a size 10 font isn’t nearly big enough if you want your business card to be seen, and read from a distance of 5 or 10 feet. If you are using business cards to attract new business that you don’t have the opportunity to hand the card to, larger fonts will work better than standard suggestions.
Another Example – Brochures
In general, the same rules regarding business card font size apply 
when printing business brochures as well. Some brochures are handed directly to customers, while others are placed where people can pick them up. The major difference is that this rule really only applies to the front and back covers of the brochure. Font size inside can be smaller to accommodate more copy, or larger to emphasize key points.
We always recommend testing different font sizes in the types of conditions that you will have once the product is printed. Test different font sizes at different distances to see what works best for you, and others who will offer their opinion. If you can’t decide between two different font sizes, we always recommend choosing the larger of the two as long as you have the space on the design.
Optimizing for Your Customer
There are other things to consider when optimizing print products for your clients than just font size. Run an amusement park? Print Mini Brochures that will fit in the back pocket of someone’s jeans with a map of the park so they don’t get lost. Own a batting cage? Print round business cards that look like baseballs! Need ideas? Contact us for help with your custom print product design today!