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Booklets & documents

Check your booklet PDF before sending it

A quick page-by-page check can catch an outdated cover, missing page or unexpected blank before you send your document.

Individual pages · Reading order · Room for trimming & binding

01

Send one page per PDF page

Export the document in reading order: page 1, page 2, page 3 and onward. Do not arrange printer spreads or place the front and back together on one large page. PA Fastprint handles the production layout.

1234

Reading order: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4. Send individual PDF pages.

4 | 12 | 3

Production spreads: paired for printing and folding. Do not create these unless we specifically request them. Illustrative four-page example only.

If a page should be blank—such as an inside cover or the back of a divider—include that blank page in the PDF. This keeps the page order clear.

02

Allow for trimming and binding

For artwork that prints right to the edge, our standard bleed starts at ⅛ inch (0.125 inch) beyond the trim edge on each side. Larger pieces or special trimming may need more; confirm the requirements for that job.

⅛ inch is exactly 3.175 mm, often described as about 3 mm. Some templates use 3 mm as a convention—it is not the exact conversion. If the specification is 0.125 inch, use that value.

  1. Set the document to its finished trim size.
  2. For a full-bleed page, add 0.125 inch at the top, bottom, left and right.
  3. Extend the background, photograph or edge artwork into that extra area. Keep text, logos and important details inside a safe margin, away from the trim line.
  4. Export the PDF with the document bleed included, then inspect the exported file. Setting a bleed guide alone does not extend the artwork.
Finished page: 8.5 × 11 inches
PDF including ⅛-inch bleed: 8.75 × 11.25 inches
Booklet trim, outside bleed and inside safe marginThe outer area is 8.75 by 11.25 inches. The solid white trim line marks the finished 8.5 by 11 inch page. The dashed line is a quarter inch inside each trim edge, forming an 8 by 10.5 inch example safe area. Keep text and logos inside the dashed line, and allow additional room for binding.SAFE CONTENT AREAKeep text and logosinside the dashed border.¼-inch inside margin shownAllow extra room for binding.
Solid white line: the 8.5 × 11-inch trim edge. Dashed line: the inside safe area. The coloured strip outside the trim line is bleed and is cut away. This example shows a ¼-inch safe margin; binding may need more. Illustration only—not an export template.

Bleed: extra artwork outside the trim line; this area is cut away.

Safe margin: space inside the trim line that keeps text and key details away from the cut.

Binding clearance: additional room for coil holes, folds or the chosen binding. The amount depends on the job.

Do not enlarge the whole page to create bleed or move important content into the bleed area. If no artwork reaches the edge and the design has a white border, bleed may not be needed; confirm the job setup.

Crop marks and bleed are different.

Crop marks identify where to cut; they do not create bleed. Confirm whether PA Fastprint needs crop marks or a particular PDF export setting for your job. Follow the export requirements confirmed for your job.

03

Review the exported PDF

This checklist stays on this page only. It is not an order approval.

With your request, include the finished size, number of copies, total PDF page count (clarify whether it includes covers and blanks), colour requirements, cover and binding preference, and requested date.

Planning a booklet or manual?

See the booklet service page for the product options and quote request.

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