Prepare files for a booklet

This page will walk you through file preparation for different type of booklets.

Page dimensions

If your pages are smaller or equal to A5 you will be using A4 paper, if they are bigger you need to print on A3. Always work on a document with pages the same size as you want them to be printed. You can check the page size:

How to check file dimensions in Photoshop

• Go to Image>>Image Size and see if the width and height are correct.

How to check file dimensions in Illustrator

• Click on the Artboard tool, Click on the Artboard and see the dimensions in the Properties window

How to check file dimensions in Indesign

• Go to File>>Document Set up and see if the width and height are correct.

Margins

Margins are especially important when preparing your files. Remember the printer can not print right to the edge of the paper. Some ways of binding require paying more attention to your inside or outside margins.

When creating a new file in Indesign you can specify the margins.

Or you can adjust them.

• Go to File>>Document Set up and see what margins you are using.

Glue binding

If you are planing on glue binding your publication remember that it doesn't fully open. If you want your design to not fall into the spine of the book add a bigger inside margin.

Wire-o and ring binding

If you are planing on glue binding your publication remember that you will be drilling on the side of the page. You wouldn't want your design to be drilled through so add a bigger inside margin.

Staple binding and hand stitching

Remember that as you fold the pages they move forward so when you cut the booklet you might cut through the outer edge of your design. You might want to increase your outer margin.

Amount of pages

Staple binding and hand stitching

Remember that if you are preparing a file for a booklet that folds in half or multiple signatures for a bigger book, that the amount of pages has to be dividable by 4. If it isn't the print software will ad it automatically and ruin your page order.

Glue, wire-o and ring binding

Remember that if you are preparing a file for a booklet that has single pages, that the amount of pages has to be dividable by 2.

Page limits

Staple binding and hand stitching

Remember that if you are preparing a file for a booklet that folds in half or multiple signatures for a bigger book, that there is a limit to how many pages can be folded and stapled/stitched. 8 sheets (32 pages) is usually the max for thin paper, if it is more it will not close properly.

Glue binding

If there is too little pages the glue binding machine will have difficulties glueing them together.

Color profile

• Best color profile for the Canon printer is CMYK, you can check the color profile of your file by:

Photoshop

• Image>>Mode>>CMYK color

Illustrator

• File>>Document Color Mode>>CMYK color