When preparing the print file for a book (perfect binding or sewn binding, paperback or hardback), we always recommend downloading the instructions and template provided on the quotation page under the "Prepare and upload" section. This will make it much easier to set up your artwork correctly, especially for the cover.
We offer four types of covers:
Paperback: both the outside and inside are printed, so the template includes two flat pages for the cover. Only for sewn binding with black and white printing of inside pages, the inside cover cannot be printed. Therefore, the second page must be left blank
Paperback with flaps: both the outside and inside are printed, so the template includes two flat pages for the cover. Only for sewn binding with flaps and black and white printing of inside pages, the inside cover cannot be printed. Therefore, the second page must be left blank
Hardback: only the outside is printed, so the template includes a single flat page for the cover artwork
Hardback with personalised endpapers: both the cover exterior and the endpapers (the sheets that connect the book block to the cover) are printed. The template therefore includes: one page with the full cover spread, one page with the first endpaper spread, one single page with the back of the first endpaper,
the individual interior pages and finally one single page with the back of the last endpaper and one page with the last endpaper spread
The template starts with the pages dedicated to the cover. You can easily open it with Illustrator. If you are using InDesign, we recommend importing only the cover page (or pages) from the template onto a new layer.
Follow the guidelines carefully to place your artwork and text correctly, taking the spine position into account.
Example of a hardback book:
Example of a paperback book:
Bleed: shown in green, this is the outermost line. Extend any background graphics of full-page images (those that cover the entire cover area) all the way to this line
Cut: shown in magenta, this line is located between the bleed and the inner guidelines. It marks the visible area of the cover after your book has been trimmed and bound
Fold: shown in red with dashed lines, it indicates where the cover will be folded to create the spine and flaps. Place any text you want to appear on the spine between the two innermost fold lines
Safe area: shown in red with a solid line, it marks the area where you should place important text and graphics, ensuring they remain clearly visible on the final printed product
Example of a hard cover with the spine laid out correctly and the corresponding printed result:
Example of a hard cover with the spine laid out incorrectly and the corresponding printed result:
If you choose not to use the template, you'll find all the information you need to create a correct file from scratch in the instructions. Please remember that the spine width is always specified in the quote, once you've filled in all the product specifications.
Once you've placed your order, you can choose to upload either a single file (including both the cover and inner pages) or two separate files (one for the cover and one for the inside pages) via the dedicated file upload area.
Please note: if you've chosen to print a book with a special finish in the cover, download the product instructions and template, and read this article for key information on how to set up your artwork correctly.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us; we will be happy to assist you.