Catalogues

A catalogue is a public or private publication, intended for all types of actions: marketing, advertising, logistics...
There are multiple definitions to describe the content of a catalogue.

They are usually designed as company publications in order to promote products or services that a company or institution offers to its customers.

After all, a catalogue is nothing more than an ordered or classified list of any type of object, product or service for display and sale.

Format

Although it is most common to find sizes such as: A4, A5, 21x21..., virtually any format is valid for a catalogue.
Of course, it is also possible to manufacture a catalogue in "custom" format.

Printing

Catalogues are generally printed on both sides and in any of the ways listed below:

  • colour (four-colour)
  • in black
  • in two colours
  • in Pantone colours
  • a combination of all of them

In some circumstances, Pantone colours or special inks are used to be able to extend the range of colours and to attract attention with bright colours or simply to adapt to the corporate colours of the corresponding company.

Medium

We can print our catalogue on any paper available from all those that are sold. Although the most common type of paper is coated - both gloss and matte.

Offset paper and recycled paper are also a fairly popular medium.

In addition to these, there are other speciality papers to consider, due to their originality, which we can choose in order to print on a different media.

As for the weight to be used there is no limitation, it will depend to a greater extent on the type of catalogue we want (book, magazine, booklet, fold-out leaflet...)

Type of Catalogue

First, we must choose the type of catalogue that we want to create, since a catalogue can be created in different ways, taking into account the contents, the layout of the information and the final shape we want to give it.

We can create our catalogue as a:

  • Book
  • Magazine
  • Booklet
  • Product sampler
  • Fold-out leaflet
  • ...
Binding

In principle, there is no limitation to the type of binding we can use for a catalogue. The type of binding will mainly depend on the type of catalogue we have decided to make.

In the case of a book, the binding could be:

  • Milled rustic
  • PUR rustic
  • Stitched rustic
  • Hard cover

If the catalogue were a magazine, the binding would be:

  • Saddle-stitched with staples

If the catalogue were a booklet, the binding could be:

  • Spiral
  • Wire-o

If the catalogue were a fold-out leaflet, it would not need binding.

Finishes and Effects

We can also use finishing techniques and effects, such as:

  • Stamping
  • UV varnish
  • Drip off varnish
  • Plastic-coating/laminating
  • Embossing
  • Die-cutting
  • ...

With these finishes and effects, among others, we will be able to give our catalogue extra added value.

Tips

Evaluate the quantity of products or services that we want to display in the catalogue and study the best format to facilitate their display in a clear, ordered way with spaces.

That is, we must try by all means to avoid information overload in the same space, even if it means choosing a somewhat larger format than we had originally decided.
This makes it easier to read and access the information for the people who use the catalogue.

By combining the use of finishing techniques and original effects with a good design, we can produce much more attractive catalogues and we will be able to better convey the brand image.