Book Components (File Preparation)

Hardcover Book File Preparation

For hardcover book production, we require two PDF files: one for the cover and one for the interior.

For the cover file, you’ll need to download a template from us, which will be customized based on your interior page size.

The interior file includes both the endsheet pages and the book block pages. The endsheets consist of three printable sheets both front and back, totaling six pages. For the book block, the page count must be divisible by four.

For example, if your interior page count is 40, your file should contain 3 + 40 + 3, for a total of 46 pages.

If your book block’s page count isn’t divisible by four, we can add blank filler pages to the front or back. This can be handled on our end and will be reflected in the PDF proof.

Why Must the Book Block Have a Page Count Divisible by 4?

A book's page count must be divisible by four because books are printed on large sheets, which are folded and bound. For example, if your book is letter size (8.5" x 11"), the sheet size will be 17" x 11". When folded in half, each sheet creates four pages, two on the front and two on the back.