Accepted File Formats
PDF and Print Ready PDF - The correct dimensions with fonts embedded, images 300dpi and in CMYK.
Word.doc - Files supplied in Microsoft Word or the equivalent.
Manuscript - handwritten text that needs typing and formatting into a book.
Please avoid using special characters in your file name such as '£$%^&*?/'
Bleed
The bleed is the area at the edge of a document which gives the printer an amount of space to allow a cleaner finish for trimming.
We require 2.5mm bleed on all edges for jobs with any images, backgrounds or colours that extend to the edge of the page - check diagram.
For example, an A5 book's dimensions are 210mm x 148mm; with 2.5mm bleed on all edges it will be 215mm x 153mm.
The extra bleed will be cut off, any important text or images should not appear in or near this area.
Please see our standard book sizes.
Colour
We print in CMYK, please ensure all images are supplied in this format to guarantee a faithful colour reproduction.
Images supplied in RGB may result in a variation of colour.
Images
If supplying separate images, please ensure they are a minimum of 300dpi, which will ensure the best printing quality, lower resolution may result in pixelated images. We accept JPEG, TIFF, PSD, AI or PDF files.
If you are unable to digitally supply your image, post them to us and we scan them in to your book.
Fonts
All fonts need to be embedded into the PDF to ensure an accurate output.
Layout
Always supply as single pages, never double-page spreads.
Paperbacks and hardbacks require a spine. The size is defined by the number and weight of pages. A spine under 4mm is considered unsuitable for text. Spine Calculator
Ensure your book has sufficient margins. We recommend 18mm top, bottom and outside edge and 21mm on the inside/binding edge.
If you are including page numbers, ensure they are not placed on the binding edge.
Covers should be supplied as separate files. If not supplied separately, it may affect the running order of your book.
Booklet pages must be in multiples of 4, this does not include the cover.
Proofs
We provide a hard copy proof for checking before running a full order. An email PDF proof is available if you are having less than 100 copies.
Due to variations in monitor screen colours, PDF proofs do not provide an accurate colour representation, we recommend a hard copy proof for any colour-critical work.
We require written confirmation to proceed with printing.