Expert: James Fritz - 12/12/2009

Question
Hi, James,

Thank you so much!  I think the biggest part of my trouble is not knowing terminology that I can use to search for answers.  Here's what I want to do:  print my own book pages that are 6.5" x 19".  Each side of the paper will be two pages when folded.  I want to be able to print on both sides of the paper, so one piece of paper = 4 pages.  I'll stack them, fold them and stitch the spine.

OK:  Is there a simple way to arrange the individual page images on the larger paper (2 on a side, so I'm imagining they become one print image) so they come out in order?  

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Peggy,

There are two different directions that you can take. It really depends on how long your book is. If it is only a few pages option 2 is better. If it is longer, option 1 is better. If you are getting this professional printed (something more high end than kinkos, you will want to talk to you printer to have them help you set up the file correctly).

1. Print booklet option.
Layout the book as normal, and when you are finished go to file > print booklet. This will move the pages around so they are in the correct order for printing. The downside is that if you are trying to print on both sides of the paper, you may run into some issues depending on the capabilities of your desktop printer (not all of them can print double sided).

2. Manual option
What you want to do is first create a small mockup of your book with some scrap paper. Cut, fold and stitch it together to figure out what it will look like when finished. Next, quickly sketch out on the book the layout and page numbers of the book. Next, take the book apart and unfold it to see how it all looks unfolded. Now you can see the order and orientation of the pages. Inside InDesign recreate this order and layout your design.