Inside Pages
Inside text pages should be in single page layouts.
We prefer that you put all pages in one art file to prevent confusion of page order and to help us receive your files faster.
Guides / Page Layout
Page layout for inside pages, covers, and spine.
The layout should be built around final trim size, bleed, page order, cover pages, and spine width so the proof can be prepared without confusion.
01
Page Size
The file size should be larger than the final printed page size, or "trim" size.
E.g: If your page size is 8.5x11", your document should be at least 8.75x11.25" to accommodate the bleed area.
Do not make your document excessively bigger than your file. Just enough so you have a decent sized bleed area.
A surprising amount of files that are submitted are the exact size of the trim size. This causes delays as we have to ask the client to fix their files.
Cover
Cover pages are a total of 4 pages.
For saddle-stitching and wire binding, a separate cover file is not required. Please provide one single-page PDF with the cover and inside pages arranged in order.
For perfect binding and hardcover binding, please provide the inside pages and cover file separately.
If your project requires post-press finishing such as embossing or die-cut, please provide a separate finishing file. See the Add-on guide for details.
To Calculate
To calculate the spine size for perfect and PUR bound publications, you will need to calculate the weight of the paper stock multiplied by the number of pages in the publication.
Use the Spine Calculator to input your specifications and generate the correct spine size.
05
Include Spine And Covers.
When making the layout, you will need to include your spine with your covers.
For example, an 8.5" x 11" document with a 0.375" spine should have a width of 17.375" (8.5" x 2 + 0.375") and a height of 11".
And if you add bleed for safe trimming, the overall layout size should have at least a width of 17.625" (17.375 + 0.25) and a height of 11.25".
06
Inside Spine
The inside spine should be left completely blank.
If there is a printed image on the inside spine, the glue used to bind the publication will not properly adhere to the paper and the pages will eventually loosen and fall out.
A blank inside spine allows the glue to better adhere to the paper.
4Outside Back Cover
1Outside Front Cover
Include the Outside Back Cover, followed by the spine, followed by the Outside Front Cover.
2Inside Front Cover
3Inside Back Cover
Include the Inside Front Cover, followed by the blank spine, followed by the Inside Back Cover.
