What to know: 6 formatting tips
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The details
1. Request dieline templates
Before you start formatting, request our cover dielines. A dieline is a template that shows the exact location of trim lines, fold lines and bleed areas. It helps you position your artwork and text and avoid formatting mistakes that need adjusting after you submit your files.
2. Design in spreads
Lay out your artwork in spreads (two facing pages; one spread = 2 pages). This helps you see how the book flows for the reader and simplifies page count. For Smyth sewn hardcover books, your total page count (not including the inside and outside of the front and back covers) must be a multiple of 4. For all books other than board books, export the pages as a PDF in single pages. Because page count influences price, spreads can help you see where pages can be combined.
3. Add bleeds and margins
Your artwork should go past the trim line to avoid white edges: this is the bleed. Most books need a 3mm (1/8") bleed on all sides. Keep important text and images at least 6mm (1/4") inside the trim line so they don't get cut off.
4. Use 300 dpi images
For crisp, professional-looking images, artwork should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). Lower resolutions can print blurry or pixelated, so make sure your dimensions are large enough to keep this resolution when printed.
5. Export as CMYK
Screens display colour as RGB, but printing needs CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) for accurate colour. If you send RGB files we'll convert them, but colours may look different, so we recommend you convert and adjust before submitting.
6. Include "Printed in China"
There is a "Printed in country of origin" requirement when your book is printed and bound overseas. To comply with U.S. trade regulations, your product must include a "Printed in China" statement. It is typically on the copyright page, but it can be on the back cover or anywhere else in the book, as long as it is clearly visible and easy to read.
Free eco-badges
Choose sustainable materials and you can feature eco-friendly details next to the country of origin at no extra cost, for example: Printed in China with safe soy ink, on tree-free bamboo paper and 100% recycled ESKA board.
Approved your quote?
The next step is to submit your files. Our VP of Print Production will personally review them and get in touch if there are any issues or suggestions. Need a hand with formatting? See our trusted print design pros.
More on mcrlprinting.com: Preparing your files for print →
Common questions
Do you format my book for me?
No. We will check your files for technical problems, but we are not designers or book formatters. If you do not have experience preparing files for print, we recommend hiring a print designer. Our website lists trusted print design pros if you need a hand.
Can I add eco details next to the "Printed in China" line?
Yes. If you choose sustainable materials, you can feature eco-friendly badges next to the country of origin at no extra cost, for example "Printed in China with safe soy ink, on tree-free bamboo paper and 100% recycled ESKA board." We will work with you on preparing this for print. Learn more about our environmental focus.
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