Your Guide to Digital Brochures

What is a digital brochure?

A digital booklet is an online publication designed to inform, educate, or promote products and services in a compact, multi-page format. It can be shared publicly through a link or distributed privately via email. Digital booklets support interactive elements like clickable navigation, embedded videos, contact forms, and hyperlinks that transform static content into engaging experiences.

Digital booklets come in various forms, including marketing booklets, event programs, informational guides, and company handbooks. The possibilities are extensive—they just require a clear purpose and understanding of your audience to reach their full potential.

The history of brochures – from early print to the digital-first era

15th century – The invention of the printing press enables the first printed pamphlets 16th–17th centuries – Brochure-like materials become common in Europe to spread news, promote events
Mid–19th century – Color printing allows brochures to become more visually appealing, supporting tourism, exhibitions, and product promotion during the Industrial Revolution.
Early 20th century – Brochures are widely adopted as a standard marketing tool
1990s – Desktop publishing and digital design tools revolutionize brochure creation, making production faster and more accessible
Early 2000s – PDF brochures become common, enabling digital distribution via websites, email, and downloads while preserving print-like layouts.
2010s – Interactive digital brochures emerge, incorporating links, videos, animations, and analytics to track engagement and performance.
2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates the shift from printed brochures to digital formats as businesses prioritize remote communication and contactless distribution.
2026 – AI-powered tools and enhanced interactivity, further transform digital brochures into dynamic, measurable assets

The benefits of digital brochures

Digital booklets are a versatile communication tool when used strategically. Interactive elements create engaging experiences that go beyond static content. With flexible distribution options, easy updates, and built-in analytics, digital booklets help you reach broader audiences, keep content current, and track viewer engagement.

Interactive product catalog created with Flipsnack

Interactivity

A digital brochure includes interactive elements like links, buttons, or videos, making it more engaging and easier for readers to take action.

Wider distribution

An online brochure can be shared instantly via a direct link, email, social media, or embedded on your website to reach a wider audience.

Easy updates

Content can be updated in real time, from text and images to offers or pricing, without changing or resending the brochure link.

Track audience interaction

Analytics show clicks, heatmaps highlighting where attention goes, average time spent, and the devices used to view the brochure.

Flip through a digital brochure for a first-hand experience

How to create a digital brochure

Creating a digital booklet is straightforward and follows a clear workflow. Whether you're building marketing materials, event programs, or informational guides, these steps will help you design, publish, and optimize your booklet for maximum impact.

Make a brochure

  1. 1. Choose how you want to start

    Begin by uploading an existing PDF brochure, designing one from scratch, or selecting a ready-made brochure template. Each option leads you through the same simple creation flow.

  2. 2. Customize the design and add interactivity

    Apply your branding by adding logos, colors, and fonts to match your visual identity. Enhance the brochure with interactive elements such as clickable links, videos, buttons, or embedded content to guide readers.

  3. 3. Publish and distribute across channels

    Once your brochure is ready, decide whether it should be public or private. You can then share it instantly through a direct link, email campaigns, social media, or by embedding it on your website.

  4. 4. Measure engagement and performance

    After sharing, track how people interact with your brochure. Use analytics to review views, clicks, time spent, and device data to understand what captures attention and where improvements can be made.

Business Brochure Templates

Business brochures are a proven marketing asset, which is why we offer a wide selection of free business brochure templates. From small businesses to large enterprises, you’ll find customizable designs that make promoting your company simple and effective.

Create business brochures

Educational Brochure Templates

Educational brochures often need to present a lot of information in a clear, structured way. These prospectus templates are designed to help schools and universities communicate key details effectively, making it easier for students to explore their options and make informed decisions.

Create academic brochures

Travel Brochure Templates

Travel brochures should inspire while clearly presenting key information. These free travel brochure templates are designed to showcase destinations through strong visuals and well-structured layouts, helping you capture attention and spark interest in every journey.

Create travel brochures

Real Estate Brochure Templates

Real estate brochures rely on strong visuals and clear property details to make an impact. These real estate brochure templates are designed to showcase listings in a visually appealing way, helping agents present the right information while keeping potential buyers engaged.

Create property brochures

Learn more about digital brochures

Get started with digital booklets through practical tutorials. Watch how to design medical booklets, convert your Canva designs into interactive flipbooks, or build booklets from scratch using our platform's tools and features.

More related topics

1. Design & Templates

2. Distribution & Performance

3. Accessibility & Industry Applications

Start creating digital brochures with Flipsnack’s Design Studio