> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Booklets & Catalogs

> Create multi-page bound documents from design to print

## Project Overview

Booklets and catalogs are multi-page documents bound together, ranging from simple 8-page saddle-stitch booklets to complex 100+ page perfect-bound catalogs.

<Note>
  **Time to Complete**: 2-8 hours (depending on page count)
  **Difficulty**: Intermediate to Advanced
</Note>

## Binding Types

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Saddle-Stitch">
    **Method**: Folded sheets stapled through the spine

    **Page count**: 8-64 pages (divisible by 4)

    **Characteristics**:

    * Lays flat when open
    * Economical
    * Fast production
    * Limited page count

    **Best for**:

    * Booklets (8-32 pages)
    * Programs
    * Catalogs (small)
    * Magazines (thin)

    **Example sizes**:

    * 8 pages (2 sheets)
    * 16 pages (4 sheets)
    * 32 pages (8 sheets)

    ✅ **Most common for booklets**
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Perfect Bound">
    **Method**: Pages glued to spine cover

    **Page count**: 28+ pages (usually 48-300)

    **Characteristics**:

    * Looks like paperback book
    * Square spine
    * More durable
    * Higher cost

    **Best for**:

    * Catalogs (large)
    * Manuals
    * Reports
    * Magazines (thick)
    * Books

    **Minimum**: Usually 28-32 pages (depends on printer)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Wire-O / Spiral">
    **Method**: Wire or plastic coil through punched holes

    **Page count**: Any (usually 20-200)

    **Characteristics**:

    * Lays completely flat
    * 360° fold-back
    * Very durable
    * Premium appearance

    **Best for**:

    * Manuals
    * Workbooks
    * Cookbooks
    * Planners
    * Presentations

    **Cost**: Higher than saddle-stitch
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Stapled">
    **Method**: Corner or side staples

    **Page count**: Any (usually 5-50)

    **Characteristics**:

    * Simple binding
    * Very economical
    * Not very durable

    **Best for**:

    * Internal documents
    * Manuals
    * Reports
    * Low-budget projects

    **Rarely used** for customer-facing materials
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Page Count Rules

### Saddle-Stitch

**Must be divisible by 4**:

* 4 pages (1 sheet, front+back)
* 8 pages (2 sheets)
* 12 pages (3 sheets)
* 16 pages (4 sheets)
* 20 pages (5 sheets)
* 24 pages (6 sheets)
* etc.

**Why**: Each sheet = 4 pages (front and back of folded sheet)

**Maximum**: Usually 64 pages (paper thickness limits)

**Example**:

```
1 sheet folded in half:
Outside: Page 1 | Page 4
Inside: Page 2 | Page 3
= 4 pages total
```

### Perfect Bound

**Minimum**: 28-32 pages (varies by printer)

**Maximum**: 300+ pages

**Divisible by 2**: Front and back of each sheet

**Spine width calculation**:

```
Spine width = (# of pages ÷ 2) × paper thickness

Example:
100 pages, 100 lb text paper (0.0045" thick)
= (100 ÷ 2) × 0.0045"
= 50 × 0.0045"
= 0.225" spine width
```

**Ask printer** for exact spine width

## Standard Booklet Sizes

### Common Finished Sizes

| Size            | Dimensions    | Flat Sheet | Use Case                |
| --------------- | ------------- | ---------- | ----------------------- |
| **Half Letter** | 5.5" × 8.5"   | 11" × 8.5" | Programs, booklets      |
| **A5**          | 148mm × 210mm | A4         | International standard  |
| **6×9"**        | 6" × 9"       | 12" × 9"   | Books, manuals          |
| **Letter**      | 8.5" × 11"    | 17" × 11"  | Catalogs, magazines     |
| **A4**          | 210mm × 297mm | A3         | International magazines |
| **Square**      | 8" × 8"       | 16" × 8"   | Photo books, portfolios |

## Document Setup for Booklets

### Page Spreads

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Reader Spreads">
    **What**: Pages as reader sees them

    **Layout**:

    ```
    Page 2 | Page 3
    Page 4 | Page 5
    Page 6 | Page 7
    ```

    **When to design this way**:

    * Easier to visualize final product
    * See how spreads look together
    * Design across pages

    **But**: Must convert to printer spreads later
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Printer Spreads">
    **What**: Pages arranged for printing

    **Layout** (for saddle-stitch):

    ```
    Outside of sheet 1:
    Page 8 | Page 1

    Inside of sheet 1:
    Page 2 | Page 7

    Outside of sheet 2:
    Page 6 | Page 3

    Inside of sheet 2:
    Page 4 | Page 5
    ```

    **When needed**:

    * Final print files
    * Self-printing
    * Some print-on-demand services

    **Printer usually handles**: Commercial printers impose automatically
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Single Pages">
    **What**: Each page separate

    **Layout**:

    ```
    Page 1
    Page 2
    Page 3
    Page 4
    ...
    ```

    **When to use**:

    * Submitting to commercial printers
    * Perfect bound books
    * Digital printing services

    ✅ **Recommended for most projects**

    **Printer handles**: Imposition and arrangement
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Critical Margins & Gutters

### Inside (Binding) Margin

**The binding edge needs extra space**:

| Binding Type      | Inside Margin | Why                     |
| ----------------- | ------------- | ----------------------- |
| **Saddle-Stitch** | 0.5" (12mm)   | Allows for staples      |
| **Perfect Bound** | 0.75" (18mm)  | Content hidden in spine |
| **Wire-O**        | 0.75" (18mm)  | Holes punch through     |
| **Minimum**       | 0.375" (9mm)  | Absolute minimum        |

**Outside margins**: Can be smaller (0.375" / 9mm)

**Example for 8.5×11" booklet**:

```
Top: 0.5"
Outside: 0.375"
Bottom: 0.5"
Inside (binding): 0.75"  ← Larger!
```

### Creep / Shingling

**Problem**: Inner pages in thick saddle-stitch booklets shift outward

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="What is Creep?">
    **When it happens**: Thick saddle-stitch booklets (20+ pages)

    **Effect**: Inner pages protrude beyond outer pages when folded

    **Visual**:

    ```
    Side view of closed booklet:
    |      ← Outer page (cover)
    ||     ← Middle pages
    |||    ← Inner pages (stick out more)
    ```

    **Result**: Inner pages get trimmed more

    **Content near edge**: May be cut off
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Creep Compensation">
    **Solution**: Progressively adjust inside margins

    **Example** (32-page booklet):

    * Pages 1-4 (outermost): 0.5" inside margin
    * Pages 5-12: 0.5625" inside margin
    * Pages 13-20: 0.625" inside margin
    * Pages 21-28: 0.6875" inside margin
    * Pages 29-32 (innermost): 0.75" inside margin

    **Auto-calculation**: Some software does this

    **Manual**: Adjust per page in Figma

    **When needed**: Booklets > 24 pages, thick paper
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Printer Handling">
    **Ask your printer**:

    * Do they compensate for creep?
    * Should you adjust margins?
    * Or will they handle it?

    **Commercial printers**: Often handle automatically

    **Self-printing**: You must account for it

    **Simple solution**: Use generous inside margins (0.75"+)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Page Numbering

### Placement

**Standard positions**:

* **Bottom center**: Most common
* **Bottom outside corner**: Also common
* **Top outside corner**: Magazines, catalogs

**Margins**: At least 0.375" from trim edge

**Size**: 8-10pt (readable but unobtrusive)

### Numbering Style

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Standard Numbering">
    **Start**: Page 1 (first content page)

    **Front matter**: Often lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii)

    **Body**: Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, ...)

    **Example**:

    ```
    Cover: (no number)
    Inside cover: (no number)
    Intro: i
    Contents: ii
    Chapter 1: 1
    Chapter 2: 2
    ...
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Simple Numbering">
    **All pages numbered**: 1, 2, 3, ...

    **Includes**: Everything from page 1

    **Simpler**: For most booklets/catalogs
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="No Page Numbers">
    **When to skip**:

    * Photo books
    * Artistic publications
    * Very short booklets (\< 8 pages)

    **Usually include**: For utility (catalogs, manuals)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Step-by-Step: 16-Page Booklet

### 1. Plan Your Content

<Steps>
  <Step title="Determine Page Count">
    **Count your content** → Round up to multiple of 4

    **Example**:

    * Cover: 1 page
    * Intro: 1 page
    * Content: 10 pages
    * Contact: 1 page
    * Total: 13 pages → Round up to 16 pages

    **Add**: Blank pages or additional content to reach 16
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Page Map">
    **List what goes on each page**:

    ```
    Page 1: Front cover
    Page 2: Inside front cover / Table of contents
    Page 3: Introduction
    Pages 4-13: Main content
    Page 14: Additional info
    Page 15: Contact / Credits
    Page 16: Back cover
    ```

    **Helps**: Organize content, ensure nothing missed
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 2. Set Up Figma Document

<Steps>
  <Step title="Determine Finished Size">
    **Example**: 5.5" × 8.5" (half-letter)

    **With bleed**: 5.75" × 8.75"

    **Each page**: Separate frame
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Master Page Template">
    **Frame 1**: "Master - Left Page"

    * Size: 5.75" × 8.75"
    * Margins: Top 0.5", Outside (left) 0.375", Bottom 0.5", Inside (right) 0.75"
    * Guides for margins
    * Page number bottom center

    **Frame 2**: "Master - Right Page"

    * Size: 5.75" × 8.75"
    * Margins: Top 0.5", Inside (left) 0.75", Bottom 0.5", Outside (right) 0.375"
    * Guides for margins
    * Page number bottom center

    **Use components**: For consistent margins
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create All 16 Pages">
    **Duplicate master templates**:

    * Page 1 (cover): Right page template
    * Page 2: Left page template
    * Page 3: Right page template
    * Page 4: Left page template
    * ...continue for all 16 pages

    **Name frames**: "Page 01", "Page 02", etc.

    **Arrange**: In reading order (left to right, top to bottom)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Bleed">
    **All frames**: 5.75" × 8.75"

    **Bleed amount**: 0.125" (3mm)

    **Trim size**: 5.5" × 8.5"

    **Mark with guides**: 0.125" from frame edges
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 3. Design Content

<Steps>
  <Step title="Cover (Page 1)">
    **Elements**:

    * Title
    * Subtitle
    * Author/company
    * Image/graphics
    * Full bleed background (if desired)

    **No** inside margin needed (outside edge of book)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inside Pages (2-15)">
    **Follow margins**:

    * Respect inside margin (0.75")
    * Keep text in safe area
    * Page numbers in consistent position

    **Spread design**:

    * If designing across pages, ensure alignment
    * Account for gutter (binding gap)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Back Cover (Page 16)">
    **Elements**:

    * Summary
    * Barcode (if needed)
    * Contact info
    * Continuation of cover design

    **No** inside margin needed (outside edge)
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 4. Export for Print

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify Page Order">
    **Check**: Pages arranged 1, 2, 3, ... 16 in Figma

    **Reading order**: Top to bottom, left to right
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select All Page Frames">
    Click first frame, Shift-click last frame

    All 16 pages selected
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Printery">
    Launch plugin with all pages selected
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Multi-Page Export">
    **Document**:

    * Bleed: 0.125" ✓
    * Crop marks: Yes ✓
    * Multi-page: Single PDF ✓
    * Page order: Sequential ✓

    **Color**:

    * CMYK: Yes ✓
    * Profile: ISO Coated v2 ✓

    **Export**:

    * DPI: 300 ✓
    * Compression: 85% ✓
    * Format: PDF/X-1a ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export PDF">
    **Result**: Single PDF with 16 pages

    **Page order**: 1, 2, 3, ... 16

    **Printer**: Will impose for saddle-stitch binding
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Cover (if separate)">
    **For perfect bound**: Cover may be separate

    **Cover dimensions**:

    * Width: (Page width × 2) + Spine width + Bleed
    * Height: Page height + Bleed

    **Example** (100-page 6×9" book, 0.225" spine):

    ```
    Width: (6" × 2) + 0.225" + 0.25" = 12.475"
    Height: 9" + 0.25" = 9.25"
    ```

    **Layout**: Front cover | Spine | Back cover

    **Ask printer**: For exact spine width and template
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Paper & Binding Options

### Interior Pages - Paper Weight

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="60-70 lb Text (90-105 gsm)">
    **Type**: Lightweight

    **Characteristics**:

    * Thin, lightweight
    * Economical
    * Standard for books

    **Best for**: Books, magazines, high page count

    **Opacity**: May show through (check opacity rating)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="80 lb Text (120 gsm)">
    **Type**: Medium weight

    **Characteristics**:

    * Good opacity
    * Professional feel
    * Not too thick

    ✅ **Most common for booklets**

    **Best for**: Catalogs, brochures, programs
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="100 lb Text (150 gsm)">
    **Type**: Heavy weight

    **Characteristics**:

    * Premium feel
    * Excellent opacity
    * Thicker booklet

    **Best for**: High-end catalogs, portfolios

    **Limit**: Page count (too thick for saddle-stitch beyond \~32 pages)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Cover - Paper Weight

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="80-100 lb Cover (220-270 gsm)">
    **Type**: Standard cover weight

    **Best for**: Most booklets and catalogs

    **Characteristics**: Sturdy, professional

    ✅ **Standard choice**
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="110-130 lb Cover (300-350 gsm)">
    **Type**: Heavy cover

    **Best for**: Premium booklets

    **Characteristics**: Very thick, luxury feel

    **Cost**: Higher
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Perfect-Bound Specific Considerations

### Spine Design

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Spine Width">
    **Calculate**:

    ```
    Spine width (inches) = (Page count ÷ 2) × Paper thickness (inches)
    ```

    **Example** (100 pages, 80 lb text = 0.0045"):

    ```
    (100 ÷ 2) × 0.0045" = 0.225"
    ```

    **Get from printer**: Exact paper thickness
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Spine Content">
    **Include**:

    * Title (vertical or horizontal)
    * Author/company
    * Logo (optional)

    **Minimum spine width**: 0.125" (3mm) for text

    **Thin spines** (\< 0.125"): May not have room for text

    **Orientation**:

    * Vertical (most common): Read from bottom to top
    * Horizontal: For very thick books
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Spine Shift">
    **Problem**: Spine position can shift slightly (±1/16")

    **Solution**:

    * Keep important spine text centered
    * Allow ±1/16" tolerance
    * Avoid precise alignment requirements

    **Critical**: Logo or text should have safety margin
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Pricing & Ordering

### Cost Factors

| Factor            | Impact     | Notes                         |
| ----------------- | ---------- | ----------------------------- |
| **Page count**    | High       | More pages = more cost        |
| **Quantity**      | High       | Bulk discounts significant    |
| **Binding type**  | Medium     | Perfect bound > Saddle-stitch |
| **Paper quality** | Medium     | Premium paper costs more      |
| **Cover finish**  | Low-Medium | Gloss/matte/UV coating        |
| **Color**         | Medium     | Full color > B\&W             |

### Typical Pricing (16-page saddle-stitch booklet, 8.5×11")

| Quantity | Unit Cost | Total       |
| -------- | --------- | ----------- |
| 100      | \$3-6     | \$300-600   |
| 250      | \$2-4     | \$500-1000  |
| 500      | \$1.50-3  | \$750-1500  |
| 1000     | \$1-2     | \$1000-2000 |

## Booklet Checklist

Before sending to print:

* [ ] **Page count correct**: Divisible by 4 (saddle-stitch) or meets minimum (perfect bound)
* [ ] **All pages designed**: No blank pages unless intentional
* [ ] **Margins respected**: Larger inside margin (0.75"+)
* [ ] **Bleed on all pages**: 0.125" (3mm)
* [ ] **Page numbers**: Consistent and correct
* [ ] **Images 300 DPI**: All images high resolution
* [ ] **Text readable**: Minimum 9pt for body text
* [ ] **Proofread**: Spelling, grammar, accuracy
* [ ] **PDF exported**: All pages in single PDF, correct order
* [ ] **Crop marks**: Present on all pages
* [ ] **Printer specs confirmed**: Binding type, paper, spine width (if perfect bound)
* [ ] **Physical proof ordered**: Test print before large run

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Multi-Page Setup" icon="book" href="/basics/multi-page">
    Page setup and sequencing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Brochures" icon="folder" href="/use-cases/brochures">
    Folded multi-panel designs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export Settings" icon="file-export" href="/features/export-settings">
    PDF export configuration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design to Print" icon="palette" href="/tutorials/design-to-print">
    Professional design workflow
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Pro Tip**: For your first booklet, start small (8-16 pages). Master the basics before tackling 100+ page catalogs!
</Info>