A brochure or pamphlet is a leaflet advertisement. Brochures may advertise locations, events, hotels, products, services, etc. They are usually succinct in language and eye-catching in design. Direct mail and trade shows are common ways to distribute brochures to introduce a product or service. The two most common brochure styles are single sheet and booklet forms.The most common types of single-sheet brochures are the bi-fold (a single sheet printed on both sides and folded into halves) and the tri-fold (the same, but folded into thirds). A bi-fold brochure results in four panels (two panels on each side), while a tri-fold results in six panels (three panels on each side).

Other folder arrangements are possible: the accordion or "Z-fold" method, the "C-fold" method, etc. Larger sheets, such as those with detailed maps or expansive photo spreads, are folded into four, five, or six panels.

Compared with a flyer or a handbill, a brochure usually uses higher-quality paper, more color, and is folded.

A catalog or catalogue is an organized, detailed, descriptive list of items arranged systematically. Usually they consist of a list of items available for purchase, with the description, price of each item and commonly a photo or illustration of the item.

There are many types of catalogs. Some catalog houses go to great lengths to attractively present their goods, using elaborate photographic techniques and settings.