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Ensuring a Seamless Print Process

Watch the video below and follow this file setup guide to sail through preflight and receive your soft proof quickly.



Quick File Checklist

Pages: Multiples of 4 required
Submission: Upload single pages in reading order. Do not upload spreads
Size: Set your file size to match the final trim size of your product
Bleed: Include 0.125" bleed on all sides
Safety Margin: Keep text and important elements at least 0.125" from inside the trim edge
Color: CMYK
Resolution: 300 DPI at final size
Format: PDF (fonts & images embedded)
Guides: Remove all template guides, crop marks, and non-printing elements before exporting your PDF

Proof Approval Notice: Our system performs an automated file check to provide an instant soft proof when no issues are detected. If you opt for a manual pre-flight, our pre-press team will perform a courtesy check for common issues. Customers are responsible for confirming all details before approval; once a proof is approved, the job proceeds to press as-is.

How to Set Up your Saddle Stitch Booklet Files

Preparing your saddle-stitched booklet correctly ensures a smooth proofing process and the best final product. Below is what you need to know before uploading your files


Document Size:

Set each page in your file to the final trim size of your booklet. Bleed should extend 0.125" beyond the trim on all sides. All pages must be the same size and match the product size selected at checkout.

Page Order: Upload single pages (not spreads) in sequence:

  1. Outside Front Cover
  2. Inside Front Cover
  3. Text Pages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... in sequence)
  4. Inside Back Cover
  5. Outside Back Cover

Page Count:

Your booklet must have a total page count in multiples of 4. The cover always counts as 4 pages (front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover, back cover). For example, a 28-page interior + 4-page cover = a 32-page booklet.

Bleed & Margins:

  • Safety Margins: Keep text and important elements at least 0.125" from the inside of the trim edge.
  • Bleed: Include 0.125" bleed on all sides 

View our video for more detailed information.

Color & Resolution:

Set files to CMYK color mode. Minimum 300 DPI resolution at final size.

View our video here for more detailed information on setting these two up.

File Format:

Export as a PDF with all fonts and images embedded.

Proofing:

Saddle Stitch booklets are eligible for automated proofing. If your file is set up correctly, you’ll receive a soft proof instantly. You can view a walk through of how to use our automated proofing system here. This can save up to 1 business day compared to manual preflight.

Additional Finishing Options:

Embossing, Die Cutting, Performations, PMS colors...

Jobs with additional finishing options bypass our automated proofing system entirely and go straight to a manual prepress review. Your soft proof may take up to 1 business day to be prepared, and our team may contact you if any file revisions are needed. Please refer to our Bindery Guide for detailed setup instructions.

Templates & How to Use Them

Layer your design beneath your downloaded template, aligning all elements to our file requirements


Part 1: Download Template

1. Open the Instant Price Calculator and select your product specs

2. Click Download Template to download the file that matches your product size. If your exact size isn't available, you may resize any template to fit your job's product specifications.

3. Open the file in your preffered design app (Adobe, Illustrator, or Canva).

Part 2: Add your artwork

Insert your design into the template layers. Follow the template guides when positioning images, text, and backgrounds.

  • Convert any RGB elements to CMYK & outline or embed all fonts
  • Include .125” bleed on all sides
  • Export a single, print-ready PDF with pages in reading order.
  • Ensure all non-printing guides or template layers are turned off before exporting

FAQ


Must be divisible by 4 for saddle stitch. Front outside cover, front inside cover, back outside cover, back inside cover are included in this calculation.

Individual pages are required. Please make sure you submit one PDF with all individual pages in your booklet, our system will not accept spreads. If you have a file that has spreads and need help converting it into individual pages, you can request a design services quote and our team of designers will  convert it for you.

Submit your artwork as a PDF with all fonts and images embedded. Export your pages at the final trim size. Be sure to include 0.125" bleed on all sides before exporting.

Keep text and important elements at least 0.125" from the inside of the trim edge.

Yes, be sure to include 0.125" bleed on all sides before exporting.

  • Set your file to CMYK color mode for accurate print output.
  • Use a minimum of 300 DPI resolution at final size to ensure sharp images and text.
  • Avoid RGB, as colors may shift when converted to CMYK for printing.

Submitting spreads instead of single pages

Upload individual pages in reading order (not two-page spreads).

Text too close to the edge

Keep important content at least 1/8" inside the trim line to prevent cutoff.

Incorrect page count

Saddle stitch requires the total page count (inside pages + 4 cover pages) to be a multiple of 4.

Low-resolution images

Use at least 300 DPI at final size to avoid blurry printing.

Using RGB instead of CMYK

Colors should be in CMYK to match print output.

Correct Page Order for Saddle-Stitched Booklets

  1. Outside Front Cover
  2. Inside Front Cover
  3. Text Pages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 … in sequence)
  4. Inside Back Cover
  5. Outside Back Cover

Please view this PDF as an example of correct layout and sequence.

We can accept files up to approximately 1 GB for larger books. To avoid delays during processing, we recommend supplying files at a maximum of 300–600 dpi so they remain a manageable size.

Please watch this video for instructions on how to use our automated proofing system.

After you upload your file, we check that it meets the product’s setup requirements.

  • For products that use our automated proofing system, you’ll receive a soft proof shortly after uploading.

  • For products that require manual prepress, our team will review your file and prepare your proof.

If we find any issues, we’ll contact you with guidance or options for design assistance. We always recommend uploading early, especially for time-sensitive orders, to allow time for any revisions.

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