Expert: Ken Black - 9/17/2009

Question
I'm trying to create a template for a 10 page booklet. Each page is 5.5" by 8.5" (so basically a standard sheet of paper folded in half) and will be double sided. What is the best way to start this template?

Answer
Hi Sally,

One thing to keep in mind, booklets need to have a page count that is divisible by 4. Your "10" page booklet would not work when it comes to finishing the product. When the book is assembled you will have 4 pages per folded sheet or signature.

When a print shop sets up a book, we create what we call printer spreads from your single pages. In other words, one sheet will look like this for your outside pages or cover; the last page will end up on the right, the first will be on the left, on the opposite side or inside you would see your page 2 on the right and the second to last page on the left. This will follow the rest of the pages alternating 2 pages from the front of the book to 2 pages from the back. That way when each 4 page signature is folded and inserted into one another the result is your book.

For your project you will need to decide if it will be 8 pages or 12. If you are still set on 10, then you will end up with 2 pages (front and back of a single sheet) that does not get stitched with the rest and will need to be inserted loose.

If you are printing this with a professional printer, you should not need to worry about the imposition of your pages into signatures or spreads. We all typically do this on our end due to the complexity involved.

To start your template, you simply need to go to the File menu and select New and document.

Enter your desired dimensions into the appropriate boxes for width and height.

Enter at least .125" for margins. This can be used as a type safety, the limit to which you want any text to be close to the trim. It will insure that your text does not get cut off in the trimming phase.

Click the More Options button and add a measurement for bleed. Typically .125" (1/8th inch). This will put a guide around the outside of the page guide. Any images or backgrounds that meet the page guide or trim should extend out to meet this bleed guide. This will insure a nice neat trim.

Check the box for Facing Pages. This will put your page 1 to the left in the pages palette and keep the others together in spreads for ease of design. Your last page or back cover will be on the right in the pages palette. When the printer puts these pages together in an imposition, they will automatically be in the correct order.

Always double check the specifications of a print project with the professional printer you will be using to complete the job.

Take a few moments to visit our website help center for more useful information and printing tips at
http://www.bestprintingonline.com/printing-help.htm

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com