Paginating
multi-page print.
A multi-page publication is delivered as single pages, in reading order, and the page count is always a multiple of four. The arrangement of pages on the press sheet (imposition) is done by the printer, because it depends on the fold, the binding and the thickness of the paper.
Why a multiple of four
A sheet folded once gives four pages: two on each side. In saddle stitching the sheets nest inside one another, and pages pair up from the outside in: in an 8-page booklet, page 8 prints next to page 1 and page 2 next to page 7. Every pair always adds up to the page count plus one.
8-page saddle-stitched booklet: the page pairs on the two sheets. Every pair adds up to 9.
A 30-page booklet does not exist: it becomes 28 or 32. When the content does not fit exactly, the spare pages are used for notes, acknowledgements or blanks at the end. See also the 8-, 12- and 16-page signatures.
Saddle stitch or perfect binding
Saddle stitch
The signatures nest inside one another and are stitched with two wires through the spine. For magazines, leaflets and catalogues up to about 64 pages, depending on the paper. Opens flat.
Perfect binding
The signatures are stacked, the spine is milled and glued into the cover. For catalogues and books from about 48 pages, with a square, printable spine.
Section sewn
The signatures are sewn with thread and then glued. The most durable option, for books that are opened often and publications with a long life.
Creep: the inner pages push out
In saddle stitching, the more sheets nest inside one another, the further the inner ones are pushed outwards by the thickness of the paper. After trimming, the middle pages are slightly narrower than the outer ones. This is creep. We compensate for it at imposition by shifting the content of each sheet slightly. For the designer it means one thing: nothing important near the outer trim, especially in thick issues.
The inner sheets protrude from the spine; the trim (pink) brings them to one fore-edge.
The spine
In perfect binding the cover is delivered as a separate file, flat: back cover, spine and front cover on one page, with bleed. We give you the exact spine width, because it depends on the caliper of the paper that will be printed. See the guide to paper weight and thickness.
How to deliver the file
Single pages, one PDF, in reading order. No spreads and no printer spreads. The pairing is done at imposition.
Page size = finished size, with 3 mm bleed on every side, including the spine. Text at least 4 mm inside the trim.
Blank pages are included. The PDF has exactly as many pages as the publication, a multiple of four.
Images running across a spread need care at the spine: in perfect binding a few millimetres disappear into the glue. Keep faces and text away from the centre.
The cover as a separate file, with a spine for perfect binding, without one for saddle stitching.
Check before you send. See the file specifications or run a free PDF check.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a 30-page booklet?
No. Each sheet gives 4 pages, so the total is 28 or 32. The two spare pages are usually used at the end of the publication.
What are printer spreads and why not send them?
Printer spreads are pages paired as they print (8 next to 1). The pairing depends on the fold, the paper and creep, which is why it is done at imposition by the printer. Send single pages in order.
How many pages can be saddle stitched?
It depends on the paper thickness. On 115 g/m² coated, up to about 64 pages; fewer on heavier papers. Beyond that the booklet does not close properly and perfect binding is preferred.
Send us the specifications of your job.
Size, quantity, material and number of colours. We reply with a technical proposal and a quote.