How to Arrange Pages for Booklet Printing
We often get asked how to arrange pages for a booklet and save it as a PDF for professional printing with saddle stitch binding. In this article, we share practical tips to help you prepare your PDF file correctly.
This guide isn’t meant to go into deep detail. Instead, it provides key points to keep in mind based on our experience.
What software to use to create a booklet?
Knowledge:
Canva is free and includes paid customization options. If you're creating a simple booklet, Canva can handle the basics effectively.
Scribus is free, open-source desktop publishing software. It offers more layout control than Canva and is suitable for users who want flexibility without a subscription fee. However, it may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
InDesign is a professional-grade software that requires a subscription and familiarity with Adobe tools. It’s more flexible for complex projects, allowing for features like spread layouts, page numbering, and customizable templates, making it ideal for high-quality booklet design.
How to Set Up Your Project
- Select the Correct Size
- Set Up the 1/8" Bleed
- Keep important elements within a "safe area" at least 1/8" away from the trim line to prevent them from being cut off.
Very Important:
Getting the file set up correctly from the start is important. Otherwise, changing the file size later means you'll have to adjust every element, which can be time-consuming.
How to Arrange the Pages
- Arrange pages in reader spreads.
- No need to set up as printer spreads; Most printers including us will handle the arrangement with professional softwares.
- For spineless booklets, include the cover pages with the interior pages.
- Ensure the total page count is divisible by 4.
- Use images with a resolution of 300 dpi.
Knowledge:
Reader Spread: This is the order in which you view the pages, one by one, like in an actual book.
Printer Spread: This is how we arrange pages for printing and binding.
Why divide by 4: A sheet of paper folded in half creates four pages, two on the front and two on the back. This is why the total page count must be divisible by 4. If there aren’t enough content pages, you need to add blank (filler) pages at the beginning or end.
How to Export as PDF
- Export the file with bleed or crop marks.
- Ensure the color mode is set to CMYK.
Important:
We often receive files with no bleed setup, usually because the client didn’t set it up correctly or forgot to check the "bleed" box when exporting.
Review Your Files Before Sending to the Printer
- Review the file in Adobe PDF reader.
- Turn the trim box on.
- Ensure the background extends to the bleed.
- Check that important content is not too close to the trim line.
- Print it at actual size on your home printer to confirm text readability.
Very Important:
We do a basic file check when clients submit files. It’s not our obligation, but we try to catch any obvious issues. However, many printers will print exactly what you send, so it’s very important to review your files carefully before sending them for production.