- Create a new document. Using Adobe InDesign (or a similar program), create a new document where the size matches the finished size of your book. For example, 8.5” x 11” (for a book with an open size of 17” x 11”).
For pages, enter the total number of inside pages only - do not include the cover as this should be set up in a separate document. Note that the each sheet has 2 pages. For example, if there are 20 sheets inside a perfect bound book, the total inside pages is 40. Lastly, be sure to set up your document as single pages - ‘Facing Pages’ should not be selected.
Margins show the safe area of your document - all important content should be within this area. Set the top, bottom and outside to 0.125”, and inside (the spine edge) to 0.5”.
Bleed can be set up as the standard 0.125” on all sides.
- Colors. Make sure to only use CMYK colors and images, as anything in RGB or Pantone will be automatically converted to CMYK.
- Export a print-ready PDF file. When you’re finished designing your inside pages, export your document as a PDF file with crop and bleed marks, and using the document bleed settings.
See: Cover Setup for a Perfect Bound Book
