CREATING A DIGITAL FILE: Details

PAGE LAYOUT GUIDELINES

This section was developed to clear up some general book layout issues for designers. Please note that this section doesn’t go into specific details since Webcom supports a wide variety of page layout software. For more information, please contact your Webcom Representative.

Text Application Files

1. Set your document size to the final trim size of your book.
2. If your text files include bleeds, include a minimum of 3/16" bleed at the top, bottom and outside edge of the book. Do not extend the bleed past the spine trim line. Increase the bleed allowance if you think that the document must be reduced to fit a smaller trim than specified in the document.
3. Always include a 1/4" safety margin for your text. This will keep a good amount of white space on the page, which will lend to the readability of your book and ensures proper press and bindery allowances.
4. When creating a document, do not create a single file for each page. Instead, break your file down by chapter or just send one large document file.

Cover Application Files

1. When creating your cover files, create one file with one page that encompasses the entire cover rather than separate files or separate pages for the front, spine and back cover. If you create separate files or separate pages, we have to merge them into one to create your cover. This will slow down the entire process and will cost you extra money. If you are not sure about the spine width, please contact your Project Manager for an accurate measurement.
2. If images bleed (i.e. page matter is printed beyond the edge of the page) then the design must extend beyond your defined page limits. We require a bleed value of at least 3/16". Using more bleed than you need never hurts, but too little bleed may affect the quality of the finished book.
3. Specific trapping values are best applied here at Webcom. Trapping is applied automatically using industry-standard, high-end trapping software. For more information, contact your Project Manager.

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