Create a Booklet
Create a folded booklet from your PDF document.
What You’ll Create
A booklet is a folded document where pages are arranged for printing on both sides of sheets. When folded and assembled, pages appear in reading order.
Common uses:
- Brochures
- Event programs
- Small magazines
- Instruction manuals
Before You Start
- Your document should have a page count divisible by 4 (blank pages added automatically if not)
- All pages should be the same size
- Know your target sheet size (e.g., Letter, Tabloid)
Step-by-Step Guide
Open Booklet Tool
Click Tools → Print Production → Create Booklet
Set Sheet Size
Choose the paper you’ll print on:
- Letter (8.5 x 11”): Creates 5.5 x 8.5” booklet
- Tabloid (11 x 17”): Creates 8.5 x 11” booklet
- A4: Creates A5 booklet
- A3: Creates A4 booklet
Configure Options
Binding edge:
- Left (standard for LTR languages)
- Right (for RTL languages)
Margins:
- Gutter: Extra space at fold (10-15mm recommended)
- Outer margins: Space at outer edges
Creep adjustment:
- Auto (recommended)
- Or enter manual value for thick booklets
Add Printer Marks (Optional)
For professional printing:
- Trim marks: Show cut lines
- Fold marks: Indicate fold location
Preview
Click Preview to review:
- Navigate through sheet layouts
- Verify page positions
- Check margins and spacing
Create Booklet
Click Create Booklet to generate the imposed PDF
Printing Your Booklet
At Home
Print Odd Pages
Print pages 1, 3, 5, etc. (the “fronts”)
Flip Paper
Re-load the printed sheets face-down (Check your printer’s duplex settings)
Print Even Pages
Print pages 2, 4, 6, etc. (the “backs”)
Fold
Fold each sheet in half
Assemble
Nest sheets inside each other in order
Bind
Staple along the fold (saddle stitch)
Many printers have automatic duplex. Test with one sheet first to verify orientation.
At Print Shop
- Provide the booklet-imposed PDF
- Specify: saddle-stitch binding
- Confirm paper size and weight
- Request a proof before full run
Page Count Examples
| Your Document | Sheets Needed | Final Booklet |
|---|---|---|
| 4 pages | 1 sheet | Simple fold |
| 8 pages | 2 sheets | Small booklet |
| 16 pages | 4 sheets | Standard booklet |
| 32 pages | 8 sheets | Thick booklet |
Tips
- Test with plain paper first
- Use heavier paper for covers
- Account for creep in thick booklets
- Number your pages during design
- Leave inner margins generous for the fold
- Consider page count when planning content
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pages in wrong order | Check binding edge setting |
| Content cut off at fold | Increase gutter margin |
| Misaligned when folded | Enable creep adjustment |
| Blank pages appearing | Normal if page count isn’t multiple of 4 |
Next Steps
- Prepare for Print - Get documents ready for professional printing
- Booklet Printing Details - Full booklet documentation