Flyer vs. Circular: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 30, 2024
A flyer is a single-page advertisement meant to be distributed by hand, while a circular is a printed advertisement, often multi-page, distributed with newspapers or by mail.
Key Differences
A flyer is a single-sheet document used to advertise events, services, or products. It's typically distributed by hand, placed on bulletin boards, or left in public places. Flyers are usually designed to grab immediate attention with bold text and images. Circulars, on the other hand, are printed advertisements that are often multi-page and distributed through newspapers, mail, or within stores. They usually contain detailed information about sales, promotions, and multiple products.
Flyers are cost-effective and suitable for quick, high-impact advertising. They are often used for local events, small businesses, and short-term promotions. Circulars, however, are more comprehensive and can reach a broader audience due to their distribution method. They are commonly used by larger retailers to advertise weekly deals or special offers.
The design of flyers tends to be straightforward and visually striking, focusing on a single message or event. Circulars, however, have a more complex layout, including various sections and multiple items. This allows them to provide more detailed information and cover a wider range of products or services.
Flyers are meant to be eye-catching and quickly convey information. They are often printed in bright colors and feature large fonts and images. Circulars, in contrast, are usually more text-heavy and can include detailed descriptions, prices, and images of various products, making them useful for detailed promotions.
In terms of distribution, flyers are handed out directly to people or displayed in high-traffic areas. Circulars are typically inserted into newspapers, mailed directly to homes, or available in stores, ensuring they reach a large audience regularly.
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Comparison Chart
Format
Single-sheet
Often multi-page
Distribution
Handed out, posted in public places
Mailed, included in newspapers, in-store
Purpose
Advertise events, services, or products
Detailed sales, promotions, multiple products
Design
Simple, bold, visually striking
Detailed, text-heavy, multiple sections
Audience Reach
Local, immediate
Broader, widespread
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Flyer and Circular Definitions
Flyer
A document for quick distribution.
Volunteers handed out flyers to promote the new store.
Circular
A detailed promotion of sales and products.
The circular listed discounts on various electronics.
Flyer
A promotional material for events or products.
The flyer advertised a special discount at the local gym.
Circular
A marketing tool for larger retailers.
The department store sent out circulars before the holiday season.
Flyer
An inexpensive marketing tool.
The community center printed flyers to advertise their classes.
Circular
Of or relating to a circle.
Flyer
A simple, bold design to attract attention.
The flyer used bright colors to catch the eye.
Circular
Shaped like or nearly like a circle; round.
Flyer
Variant of flier.
Circular
Moving in or forming a circle.
Flyer
That which flies, as a bird or insect.
Circular
Circuitous; roundabout
Took a circular route to the office.
Flyer
A machine that flies.
Circular
Using a premise to prove a conclusion that in turn is used to prove the premise
A circular argument.
Flyer
(dated) An airplane pilot.
Circular
Defining one word in terms of another that is itself defined in terms of the first word.
Flyer
A person who travels by airplane.
Circular
Addressed or distributed to a large number of persons.
Flyer
A leaflet, often for advertising.
Circular
A printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass distribution.
Flyer
The part of a spinning machine that twists the thread as it takes it to and winds it on the bobbin
Circular
Of or relating to a circle.
Flyer
(architecture) An arch that connects a flying buttress into the structure it supports.
Circular
In the shape of, or moving in a circle.
Flyer
A person who is lifted and/or thrown by another person or persons.
Circular
Circuitous or roundabout.
Flyer
(firearms) A stray shot away from the group on a target.
Circular
Referring back to itself, so as to prevent computation or comprehension; infinitely recursive.
Circular reasoning
Your dictionary defines "brave" as "courageous", and "courageous" as "brave". That's a circular definition.
A circular formula in a spreadsheet
I changed the definition of "sex" from "to have sex" to "to have sexual intercourse"; a dictionary definition must never be circular; using the word being defined to define itself.
Flyer
A standard rectangular step of a staircase (as opposed to a winder).
Circular
Distributed to a large number of persons.
Flyer
A female kangaroo; a roo; a doe; a jill.
Circular
(obsolete) Perfect; complete.
Flyer
A leap or jump.
Circular
(archaic) Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior.
Flyer
A risky investment or other venture.
Circular
Syn of flyer: a printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass circulation.
Flyer
(informal) A fast-moving person or thing.
Circular
(dated) A sleeveless cloak cut from a circular pattern.
Flyer
(sports) A false start
Circular
A shuttle bus with a circular route.
Flyer
(intransitive) To distribute flyers (leaflets).
Circular
To distribute circulars to or at.
Flyer
(transitive) To distribute flyers in (a location) or to (recipients).
Circular
To extend in a circular direction.
Flyer
One that uses wings.
Circular
In the form of, or bounded by, a circle; round.
Flyer
Anything that is scattered abroad in great numbers as a theatrical programme, an advertising leaf, etc.
Circular
Repeating itself; ending in itself; reverting to the point of beginning; hence, illogical; inconclusive; as, circular reasoning.
Flyer
One in a flight of steps which are parallel to each other(as in ordinary stairs), as distinguished from a winder.
Circular
Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior. See Cyclic poets, under Cyclic.
Had Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?
Flyer
The fan wheel that rotates the cap of a windmill as the wind veers.
Circular
Addressed to a circle, or to a number of persons having a common interest; circulated, or intended for circulation; as, a circular letter.
A proclamation of Henry III., . . . doubtless circular throughout England.
Flyer
A small operation not involving ? considerable part of one's capital, or not in the line of one's ordinary business; a venture.
Circular
Perfect; complete.
A man so absolute and circularIn all those wished-for rarities that may takeA virgin captive.
Flyer
An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution;
He mailed the circular to all subscribers
Circular
A circular letter, or paper, usually printed, copies of which are addressed or given to various persons; as, a business circular.
Flyer
Someone who travels by air
Circular
A sleeveless cloak, cut in circular form.
Flyer
Someone who operates an aircraft
Circular
An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution;
He mailed the circular to all subscribers
Flyer
A single-page advertisement.
The flyer announced the upcoming concert at the park.
Circular
Having a circular shape
Circular
Shaped like a ring
Circular
Marked by or moving in a circle
Circular
A printed advertisement, often multi-page.
The grocery store circular featured weekly specials.
Circular
A document distributed through mail or newspapers.
The circular was included in the Sunday newspaper.
Circular
A comprehensive advertisement with multiple items.
The circular had a section for each department in the store.
FAQs
How are circulars typically distributed?
Circulars are often distributed through newspapers, mailed to homes, or available in stores.
Can circulars include coupons?
Yes, circulars often include coupons and special offers.
What type of information is found in a flyer?
Flyers usually contain concise information about a specific event, service, or promotion.
What is the typical design focus of a flyer?
Flyers focus on bold, eye-catching designs to attract immediate attention.
Do circulars cover multiple categories of products?
Yes, circulars can cover multiple categories of products and promotions.
Can flyers be used for targeted advertising?
Yes, flyers can be targeted to specific local areas and audiences.
What is the main purpose of a flyer?
A flyer is used to advertise events, services, or products in a quick and impactful way.
Are circulars used by large or small businesses?
Circulars are primarily used by larger businesses due to their extensive reach.
Are circulars more detailed than flyers?
Yes, circulars generally contain detailed information about multiple products or services.
Which is more cost-effective for local advertising?
Flyers are more cost-effective for local advertising.
How are flyers usually distributed?
Flyers are handed out directly to people or posted in public places.
What type of promotions are commonly found in circulars?
Circulars commonly include promotions for weekly sales and special offers.
Do circulars provide more comprehensive advertising?
Yes, circulars provide comprehensive advertising with detailed information.
Which is better for promoting a one-time event?
Flyers are better suited for promoting one-time events.
What kind of businesses commonly use flyers?
Small businesses, event organizers, and local services commonly use flyers.
Do circulars have a wider distribution range than flyers?
Yes, circulars typically have a wider distribution range.
Are flyers or circulars more visually complex?
Circulars are generally more visually complex due to their detailed content.
Which is more likely to be found in a public place?
Flyers are more likely to be found in public places.
How often are circulars distributed?
Circulars are often distributed weekly or bi-weekly, especially by retail stores.
What is the format of a typical flyer?
A typical flyer is a single-sheet document.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
