Expert: Ken Black - 8/31/2009

Question
How can we set up a horizontal fold booklet, for instance, like a standard calendar, so that in the page palette, the pages are hinged horizontally in the center. We need the pages to be able to shuffle, and move, just as they can with a vertical fold.


Answer
Hi Phyllis,

Indesign does not have an option for horizontal binding, yet. I have seen several suggestions for creating calendar style pages but all involve creating the 2 page spread and then exporting and placing that spread onto two separate pages for printing. That does not really allow for pages to shuffle and move however.

I build several calendars throughout the year for various clients and I find it easiest to use single pages that are horizontal. (document setup, 11" x 8.5" with facing pages off). This allows me to set up each page on its own, alternating an image page and a calendar page every other page. Granted, I have to visualize that the preceding page binds with or backs up the current page being viewed, but I am able to shuffle pages when something needs to change without a lot of hassle. Since most printers do the actual imposing of page files this method is preferred.

If you need to view the entire spread at once, again use the single pages vs. facing pages, but use the portrait dimensions (8.5 x 11) and keep in spreads. This way you will need to rotate your page content 90 degrees for every page, but you should be able to shuffle the pages and see the whole spread. Using this method will allow you to have images that "cross-over" the spread and appear across two pages. Cross-overs can be somewhat tricky in actual production so as always, consult your printer as to what their preferred set up is.

Let me know how this works out for you.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com