FILE CREATION GUIDE

11.18.19

ingramcontent.com • lightningsource.com
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESOURCES 3
SUBMISSION NOTES 4
NON-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS 4
FONTS 4
COVER TEMPLATE GENERATOR 5

TEXT FILES 7
BLACK & WHITE TEXT : QUICK REFERENCE 8
BLACK & WHITE TEXT : REQUIREMENTS 9
COLOR TEXT : QUICK REFERENCE 10
COLOR TEXT : REQUIREMENTS 11
TEXT SETUP
BLACK & WHITE 12
COLOR 13
PERFORATION, STANDARD COLOR 50# 14

COVER FILES 15
COVER : QUICK REFERENCE 16
COVER : REQUIREMENTS 17
COVER SETUP : USING THE TEMPLATE
PERFECT BOUND, SIMPLEX 18
PERFECT BOUND, DUPLEX 20
CASEBOUND 22
DUST JACKET 24
SADDLE STITCH 26

CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION 29

EXPORTING FROM INDESIGN AND QUARK 30
OPEN/SAVE A TEMPLATE IN PHOTOSHOP, SIMPLEX 31
USING PDF TEMPLATES WITHIN PHOTOSHOP, DUPLEX 32

TRIM SIZES 33
TRIM SIZE MATRIX 34
DUPLEX COVERS SIZE MATRIX 35

This IngramSpark File Creation Guide details the requirements necessary for digital files uploaded into IngramSpark
for both print-on-demand (POD) and eBook distribution. To download the latest copy, please log in to your IngramSpark
account and click “HELP “on your dashboard. The IngramSpark File Creation guide contains much of the same
information found in the Lightning Source File Creation Guide.

We sincerely thank you for your business!

 RESOURCES

FILE CREATION GUIDE RESOURCES

ALL BOOK TYPES

SUBMISSION NOTES &

NON SUPPORTED PROGRAMS

COVER TEMPLATE GENERATOR

 FONTS

NON-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
FILE CREATION GUIDE

SUBMISSION NOTES
Lightning Source expects to receive print-ready manuscript and cover files, and will not perform work of an editorial
nature such as proofreading, editing for content, typesetting, or making font alterations throughout a book. A digital
file must be ‘print ready’, and sent in accordance with the digital file submission instructions provided–to ensure
that no problems will be encountered during the manufacturing process. Files are processed as received and are not
preflighted prior to processing.

Publisher-requested special file editing or manipulation and image touch-up/manipulations will be charged to the
publisher at the hourly custom services rate as described in Pricing Schedules available under your account.

Due to the complexity of processing and printing COLOR Books, no manipulation/edits can be made by LS to any
color book file submissions. This includes (but is not limited to) color correction or manipulation of color settings on
files that have been submitted.

LS allows for a 1/16" (0.0625 in / 2 mm) variance for ALL books printed. Please keep this in consideration when
designing any text and cover files for BLACK & WHITE / COLOR book titles.

NON-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
Microsoft Word* / Microsoft Publisher
Adobe PageMaker
QuarkXPress 6.5 & older versions
InDesign CS2 & older versions

We cannot offer technical support with file creation or provide cover templates for any of these programs

*Microsoft Word: do not use the ‘shortcut’ button/icon in the toolbar to create a PDF of your text file. Please
use the ‘print’ menu: for instructions on how to do this, download our walk-through PDF below by clicking
on the link. You can also visit our website, mouse over the ‘File Creation’ menu, and select the option ‘Digital
Bookblock Creation (Standard Books)’

Microsoft Word: PDF Walk-through

FONTS
ALL FONTS must be embedded in all PDF files: COLOR / BLACK & WHITE, INTERIOR / COVER. To confirm fonts
are embedded, open the PDF in Acrobat, select the File menu, then Properties. The fonts tab lists the names of all
fonts in the file: (Embedded) or (Embedded Subset) should appear next to all fonts listed. If one of these tags is not
listed, the font is not embedded. Files with unembedded fonts will be rejected, and LS will request a corrected file.
Please note the default Acrobat ‘Standard’ setting does not embed base 14 fonts, and may cause a file to be rejected.

CERTIFICATION LOGOS
The right to affix the initial or any logo of FSC®, SFI®, or PEFC™ to the bookblock or cover of any book manufactured
by Lightning Source is prohibited. The placement of a logo, initial, or any claims of certification cannot be placed in
or on a book by a publisher. If a logo, initial, or any claim of certification is included on the bookblock or cover from a
prior printing it must be removed by the publisher before the book is submitted to Lightning Source’s digital library.
If Lightning Source discovers a logo, initial, or claim of certification in or on a book, Lightning Source will remove the
certification claim at the publisher’s expense.

4
 COVER TEMPLATE GENERATOR

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER TEMPLATE GENERATOR

IngramSpark highly recommend the use of our custom Cover Template Generator. This tool is located on your
IngramSpark dashboard under “My Tools.” Once you complete the required fields a cover template will be emailed to
you along with instructions of how to complete your cover. Heavy traffic in requests may cause occasional delays so
please allow up to 2 hours before resubmitting a template request or submitting a help ticket.

• Note that when adhering matte lamination onto covers with heavy ink coverage, minor adhesion
imperfections may be present at the fold areas of the finished book.

• Please do not move items on the template. The barcode centered on the back cover is the only item that can be
repositioned/moved to fit with your cover design. Please do not resize the barcode. The guides, guideline elements
and placement of the cover should remain in the original locations on the template: these are already set up for
specific printing requirements and workflow.

Note: if you opt to receive a PDF file from the template generator, the pink & blue areas should be removed or covered up before
submitting a final file. If the pink & blue areas are visible in your cover design, they will show up in printed copies. *InDesign
templates have the pink & blue areas on a non-printing layer, so it’s not necessary to remove these.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 5

 FILE CREATION GUIDE

eBook

eBook Distribution to online e-retailers

For every eBook title you will be uploading 2 files:

• Complete Interior EPUB (formatted as .epub) + Front Cover (formatted as .jpeg or .jpg)

eBook File Submission Requirements

ebook Interior File

• EPUB (formatted as .epub)
• Format: EPUB 3.0 required. We cannot accept enhanced EPUB 3 files at this time.
• We follow the industry IDPF spec on EPUB formats. You can find more information at http://idpf.org/epub.
• All EPUBS must be compliant with the most up-to-date validation. You can use the following validation
site to confirm compliance - http://validator.idpf.org/

eBook Cover File

• File is of the front cover only
• Must be a .JPG File
• Minimum of 1600 pixels along the longest axis, but it is preferred to be at least 1700.
• All front covers must be RGB.

Note: If you have PDFs of the interior and cover, we will be able to convert to an EPUB and jpeg for a fee beginning in
2014.

6
 TEXT FILES

FILE CREATION GUIDE TEXT FILES

BLACK & WHITE TEXT
QUICK REFERENCE
REQUIREMENTS

COLOR TEXT
QUICK REFERENCE
REQUIREMENTS

TEXT SETUP
BLACK & WHITE
COLOR
PERFORATION, STANDARD COLOR 50#
 BLACK & WHITE TEXT : QUICK REFERENCE

FILE CREATION GUIDE

BLACK & WHITE TEXT : QUICK REFERENCE

The following are recommendations and specifications that you should know when laying out
text for a BLACK & WHITE BOOKS.

Resolution: 600 ppi for 1-bit black & white line art
300 ppi for 8-bit grayscale continuous tone images

Color Space: Grayscale

LPI (lines per inch): 175 visual

Preferred file format: PDF (.pdf) file–dimensions vary by trim size

PDF producer: Acrobat Distiller, Export from InDesign

PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002

Bleed: 0.125" (3 mm) except on bind side

Margins: Recommended minimum 0.5" (13 mm) on all sides.

File naming: Single file naming: isbn_txt.pdf or isbntxt.pdf

PAGE SIZE/LAYOUT
To determine the correct bleed size of your document with 0.125" (3 mm) bleed (added on the three trim edges),
please refer to the below chart for assistance for your trim size.

BLEED CHART : US BLEED CHART : UK, AUS

TRIM SIZE BLEED SIZE TRIM SIZE BLEED SIZE
4x6 = 4.125 x 6.25 152 x 102 = 159 x 105
4x7 = 4.125 x 7.25 178 x 102 = 184 x 105
4.25 x 7 = 4.375 x 7.25 178 x 108 = 184 x 111
4.37 x 7 = 4.5 x 7.25 178 x 111 = 184 x 114
4.72 x 7.48 = 4.845 x 7.73 190 x 120 = 196 x 123
5x7 = 5.125 x 7.25 178 x 127 = 184 x 130
5x8 = 5.125 x 8.25 203 x 127 = 210 x 130
5.06 x 7.81 = 5.185 x 8.06 198 x 129 = 205 x 132
5.25 x 8 = 5.375 x 8.25 203 x 133 = 210 x 137
5.5 x 8.25 = 5.625 x 8.5 210 x140 = 216 x 143
5.5 x 8.5 = 5.625 x 8.75 216 x 140 = 222 x 143
5.83 x 8.27 = 5.955 x 8.52 210 x 148 = 216 x 151
6x9 = 6.125 x 9.25 229 x 152 = 235 x 156
6.14 x 9.21 = 6.265 x 9.46 234 x 156 = 240 x 159
6.5 x 6.5 = 6.625 x 6.75 165 x 165 = 171 x 168
6.625 x 10.25 = 6.75 x 10.5 260 x 168 = 267 x 171
6.69 x 9.61 = 6.815 x 9.86 244 x 170 = 250 x 173
7 x 10 = 7.125 x 10.25 254 x 178 = 260 x 181
7.44 x 9.69 = 7.565 x 9.94 246 x 189 = 252 x 192
7.5 x 9.25 = 7.625 x 9.5 235 x 191 = 241 x 194
8x8 = 8.125 x 8.25 203 x 203 = 210 x 206
8 x 10 = 8.125 x 10.25 254 x 203 = 260 x 206
8 x 10.88 = 8.125 x 11.125 276 x 203 = 283 x 206
8.25 x 10.75 = 8.375 x 11 273 x 210 = 279 x 213
8.25 x 11 = 8.375 x 11.25 280 x 210 = 286 x 213
8.268 x 11.693 = 8.393 x 11.943 297 x 210 = 303 x 213
8.5 x 8.5 = 8.625 x 8.75 216 x 216 = 222 x 219
8.5 x 9 = 8.625 x 9.25 229 x 216 = 235 x 219
8.5 x 11 = 8.625 x 11.25 280 x 216 = 286 x 219

8
 BLACK & WHITE TEXT : REQUIREMENTS

FILE CREATION GUIDE

BLACK & WHITE TEXT : REQUIREMENTS

ALL FONTS must be embedded in all PDF files. Please refer to the FONTS section on page 4 for information to
confirm if your file has embedded fonts.

MARGINS/SAFETY: It is recommended that you provide a minimum of 0.5" (13 mm) margin on all sides of your text
block. LS allows for 1/16" (0.0625 in / 2 mm) variance in printing. If text/images are too close to trim edges, they could
be cut in the printing and binding process.

BLEED: B&W interiors can be submitted with or without bleed.

A file without bleed may be submitted at the actual trim size. Page items should have adequate white margins.
A file with bleed should be submitted with the required 0.125" (3 mm) added to the three trim edges (top, bottom,
outside). Please do not add bleed to the bind (gutter) edge as this will cause incorrect positioning.

CROP MARKS: Please do not include crop / printer / registration marks in a file. These are not necessary for LS’s
workflow. Marks included in a file could show up in printed copies.

RULE LINES: For best results regarding rule or stroke lines in your document, a minimum size of 0.125pt at 100%
black should be used. Smaller point sizes or shades of black less than 100% may not produce consistent print results.

SPREADS/FORMAT: We cannot accept files in spread format (2-up per page). Files should be sent as one,
single-page PDF file. If submissions must be sent as multiple files instead, please refer to the correct file naming
conventions on page 8. Incorrectly-named files could process in the wrong sequential order and cause delays in
receiving a correct proof. (Premium color book submissions must be sent as one PDF.)

PAGE COUNT: All text files will be processed and stored in our digital library with a page count that is divisible by two.
The last page will be blank for insertion of Lightning Source’s manufacturing information. If necessary, Lightning Source
will automatically add additional pages to achieve appropriate page counts.

Books that are 6.14" x 9.21" (234 x 156) and smaller will be printed in either six-page (three front/three back) or 4 page
(two front/two back) single sheet signatures.
Books that are larger than 6.14" x 9.21" (234 x 156) will be printed in four-page (two front/two back) single sheet
signatures.

SPOT COLORS/ICC PROFILES: Please do not include Spot colors or ICC profiles in your file as these can produce
unexpected results during processing. ICC profiles applied to 100% black text often convert to a shade or percentage
of gray (less than 100% black). This will result in text in your proof that is not solid black. If text is intended to appear as
solid black, including Spot colors or ICC profiles can cause delays in receiving a correct proof.

REVISIONS: When sending a revision file, please make sure to send your entire file. Partial revisions (i.e. single-page
changes) will cause your interior to process incorrectly.

TITLES WITH HEAVY INK COVERAGE: For best printing results, titles with interior pages that have heavy ink cover-
age on only one side of the page, and little/no ink coverage on the other side, should be printed on heavier weight
paper. In the event LS encounters this issue during printing, LS reserves the right to change the printing of the interior
to a heavier weight paper and adjust the cover to compensate for the new spine width to enable LS to fulfill the order.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 9

 COLOR TEXT : QUICK REFERENCE

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COLOR TEXT : QUICK REFERENCE

The following are recommendations and specifications that you should know when laying out
text for a STANDARD COLOR; STANDARD 70/105 or ULTRA PREMIUM COLOR BOOKS.

Resolution: 300 ppi

Color Space: CMYK

LPI (lines per inch) : 175 visual

Required file format: PDF (.pdf) file–dimensions vary by trim size

PDF producer: Acrobat Distiller, Export from InDesign

PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002

Bleed: 0.125" (3 mm) except on bind side

Margins: Recommended minimum 0.5" (13 mm) on all sides

File naming: isbn_txt.pdf or isbntxt.pdf

PAGE SIZE/LAYOUT
To determine the correct bleed size of your document with 0.125" (3 mm) bleed (added on the three trim edges),
please refer to the below chart for assistance for your trim size.

All sizes available in STANDARD COLOR / STANDARD 70/105

Sizes in light blue also available in ULTRA PREMIUM COLOR
11 x 8.5 available in ULTRA PREMIUM COLOR ONLY

BLEED CHART : US BLEED CHART : UK, AUS

TRIM SIZE BLEED SIZE TRIM SIZE BLEED SIZE
4x6 = 4.125 x 6.25 152 x 102 = 159 x 105
4x7 = 4.125 x 7.25 178 x 102 = 184 x 105
4.25 x 7 = 4.375 x 7.25 178 x 108 = 184 x 111
4.37 x 7 = 4.5 x 7.25 178 x 111 = 184 x 114
4.72 x 7.48 = 4.845 x 7.73 190 x 120 = 196 x 123
5x7 = 5.125 x 7.25 178 x 127 = 184 x 130
5x8 = 5.125 x 8.25 203 x 127 = 210 x 130
5.06 x 7.81 = 5.185 x 8.06 198 x 129 = 205 x 132
5.25 x 8 = 5.375 x 8.25 203 x 133 = 210 x 137
5.5 x 8.25 = 5.625 x 8.5 210 x140 = 216 x 143
5.5 x 8.5 = 5.625 x 8.75 216 x 140 = 222 x 143
5.83 x 8.27 = 5.955 x 8.52 210 x 148 = 216 x 151
6x9 = 6.125 x 9.25 229 x 152 = 235 x 156
6.14 x 9.21 = 6.265 x 9.46 234 x 156 = 240 x 159
6.5 x 6.5 = 6.625 x 6.75 165 x 165 = 171 x 168
6.625 x 10.25 = 6.75 x 10.5 260 x 168 = 267 x 171
6.69 x 9.61 = 6.815 x 9.86 244 x 170 = 250 x 173
7 x 10 = 7.125 x 10.25 254 x 178 = 260 x 181
7.44 x 9.69 = 7.565 x 9.94 246 x 189 = 252 x 192
7.5 x 9.25 = 7.625 x 9.5 235 x 191 = 241 x 194
8x8 = 8.125 x 8.25 203 x 203 = 210 x 206
8 x 10 = 8.125 x 10.25 254 x 203 = 260 x 206
8 x 10.88 = 8.125 x 11.125 276 x 203 = 283 x 206
8.25 x 10.75 = 8.375 x 11 273 x 210 = 279 x 213
8.25 x 11 = 8.375 x 11.25 280 x 210 = 286 x 213
8.268 x 11.693 = 8.393 x 11.943 297 x 210 = 303 x 213
8.5 x 8.5 = 8.625 x 8.75 216 x 216 = 222 x 219
8.5 x 9 = 8.625 x 9.25 229 x 216 = 235 x 219
8.5 x 11 = 8.625 x 11.25 280 x 216 = 286 x 219
11 x 8.5 = 11.125 x 8.75 216 x 280 = 222 x 283

10
 COLOR TEXT : REQUIREMENTS

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COLOR TEXT : REQUIREMENTS

PDF COMPLIANCE: Files must be PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002 compliant. The PDF/X-1a:2001 setting is found in
the Professional versions of Adobe Acrobat 6 or above (listed as PDF/X-1a in Acrobat 6 Professional). The PDF/X-3:2002
setting is found in the Professional versions of Adobe Acrobat 7 or above.

Text files must be submitted as a single PDF file: submissions with multiple files will be rejected. Zipped/stuffed
submissions of single files are accepted.

SPREADS/FORMAT: Please do not send files in ‘spread’ format. Files should be sent as a single-page PDF file to
process correctly in our workflow. Files sent as spreads will be rejected for a corrected submission.

CROP MARKS: Please do not include crop / printer / registration marks in a file.

RULE LINES: For best results regarding rule or stroke lines in your document, a minimum size of 0.125pt at 100%
black should be used. Smaller point sizes or shades of black less than 100% may not produce consistent print results.

MARGINS/SAFETY: A 0.5" (13 mm) margin is recommended inside the trim for color book interiors. All headers,
footers, page numbers, body text and all non-bleed images need to remain in those margins. Any elements outside of
the safety areas are at risk of being trimmed.

We recommend a 0.125" (3 mm) white strip within the trim area, on the bind side of the page, for perfect bound and
hardcover books: this is in addition to the recommended 0.5" margin. Images and background color should stop 0.125"
(3 mm) from the trim edge of the page. The white strip is not necessary on Saddle Stitch interiors.

BLEED: COLOR interiors can be submitted with or without bleed. A file without bleed may be submitted at the actual
trim size. Page items should have adequate white margins. A file with bleed should be submitted with the required
0.125" (3mm) added to the three trim edges (top, bottom, outside). Please do not add bleed to the bind (gutter) edge
as this will cause incorrect positioning.

COLOR: All images in a text file must be CMYK. Images that are less than 72 ppi will be rejected for higher-resolution
submissions. (Resolutions this low are considered too low in quality for printing)

BODY TEXT: For best results for text that is 24 pt. or below, please use 100% black only.

BLACK/RICH BLACK/DENSITY: We recommend a rich black with CMYK values = 60% Cyan / 40% Magenta / 40%
Yellow / and 100% Black. CMYK total value should not exceed 240%. Elements should not be built in ‘Registration’
(100% of all colors).
*Files sent with densities higher than 240% may be rejected for correction. Files with densities greater than
240% may process and print without rejection. If these files with densities over 240% encounter print issues in
future orders,
LS will require a corrected file from the customer.

TITLES WITH HEAVY INK COVERAGE: For best printing results, titles with interior pages that have heavy ink cover-
age on only one side of the page, and little/no ink coverage on the other side, should be printed on heavier weight
paper. In the event LS encounters this issue during printing, LS reserves the right to change the printing of the interior
to a heavier weight paper and adjust the cover to compensate for the new spine width to enable LS to fulfill the order.

SPOT COLORS: Please convert all spot colors (PMS / PANTONE) with/without transparencies to CMYK, (even in sup-
porting .eps files). These may produce unexpected color results when printing. Any dissatisfaction with color shift will
be the publisher’s responsibility to correct.

STANDARD COLOR & PREMIUM COLOR : BIND TYPE INFORMATION

Books that are 6.14" x 9.21" (234 x 156) and smaller will be printed in
either six-page (three front/three back) or 4 page (two front/two back) single sheet signatures.
Books that are larger than 6.14" x 9.21" (234 x 156) will be printed in
four-page (two front/two back) single sheet signatures.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 11

 TEXT SETUP : BLACK AND WHITE

FILE CREATION GUIDE

TEXT SETUP : BLACK AND WHITE

12 Emma Jane Austen 13

could ever speak of her but with compassion, though it had been Nobody thought of Hannah till you mentioned her--James is so
entirely a match of affection, when he was now obliged to part with obliged to you!” “I am very glad I did think of her. It was very lucky,
Miss Taylor too; and from his habits of gentle selfishness, and of for I would not have had poor James think himself slighted upon any
being never able to suppose that other people could feel differently account; and I am sure she will make a very good servant: she is a civil,
from himself, he was very much disposed to think Miss Taylor had pretty-spoken girl; I have a great opinion of her. Whenever I see her,
done as sad a thing for herself as for them, and would have been a she always curtseys and asks me how I do, in a very pretty manner;
great deal happier if she had spent all the rest of her life at Hartfield. and when you have had her here to do needlework, I observe she
always turns the lock of the door the right way and never bangs it. I
Emma smiled and chatted as cheerfully as she could, to keep him am sure she will be an excellent servant; and it will be a great comfort
from such thoughts; but when tea came, it was impossible for him to poor Miss Taylor to have somebody about her that she is used to
not to say exactly as he had said at dinner, see. Whenever James goes over to see his daughter, you know, she
will be hearing of us. He will be able to tell her how we all are.”
“Poor Miss Taylor!--I wish she were here again. What a pity it is
that Mr. Weston ever thought of her!” “I cannot agree with you, papa; Emma spared no exertions to maintain this happier flow of ideas,
you know I cannot. Mr. Weston is such a good-humoured, pleasant, and hoped, by the help of backgammon, to get her father tolerably
excellent man, that he thoroughly deserves a good wife;--and you through the evening, and be attacked by no regrets but her own. The
would not have had Miss Taylor live with us for ever, and bear all my backgammon-table was placed; but a visitor immediately afterwards
odd humours, when she might have a house of her own?” “A house walked in and made it unnecessary. Mr. Knightley, a sensible man
of her own!--But where is the advantage of a house of her own? This about seven or eight-and-thirty, was not only a very old and intimate
is three times as large.--And you have never any odd humours, my friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder
dear.” “How often we shall be going to see them, and they coming to brother of Isabella’s husband.
see us!--We shall be always meeting! _We_ must begin; we must go
and pay wedding visit very soon.” He lived about a mile from Highbury, was a frequent visitor,
and always welcome, and at this time more welcome than usual, as
“My dear, how am I to get so far? Randalls is such a distance. coming directly from their mutual connexions in London.
I could not walk half so far.” “No, papa, nobody thought of your
walking. We must go in the carriage, to be sure.” “The carriage! He had returned to a late dinner, after some days’ absence, and
But James will not like to put the horses to for such a little way;-- now walked up to Hartfield to say that all were well in Brunswick
and where are the poor horses to be while we are paying our visit?” Square. It was a happy circumstance, and animated Mr. Woodhouse
“They are to be put into Mr. Weston’s stable, papa. You know we have for some time. Mr. Knightley had a cheerful manner, which always
settled all that already. We talked it all over with Mr. Weston last did him good; and his many inquiries after “poor Isabella” and her
night. And as for James, you may be very sure he will always like children were answered most satisfactorily. When this was over, Mr.
going to Randalls, because of his daughter’s being housemaid there. I Woodhouse gratefully observed, “It is very kind of you, Mr. Knightley,
only doubt whether he will ever take us anywhere else. That was your to come out at this late hour to call upon us. I am afraid you must
doing, papa. You got Hannah that good place. have had a shocking walk.” “Not at all, sir. It is a beautiful moonlight
night; and so mild that I must draw back from your great fire.” “But

Above spreads are setup as an example of black and white interiors with bleed.
The inside gray box represents the .5” (13 mm) margins and the trim lines are represented by dotted red lines.
If submitting an interior without bleed, please build pages to exact trim size.

Layout and Margins

When laying out a black and white, non-bleed interior, the pages should be built to reflect the final trim size of the book
(i.e. 6x9”). Within the document a margin of 0.5" (13 mm) is recommended and headers, footers, page numbers, body
text and all images should remain within those margins.

When creating a black and white interior with bleed, create your document to the correct trim size and add an additional
0.125” (3 mm) to the three trim edges of the page. Please do not add bleed to the bind (gutter) edge of the page.

Single Pages
When creating your final PDF file for submission, please ensure the file is created in a single-page format, and spreads
are turned off/deselected.

Resolution
For best results, images should be of a good quality and have high resolution for printing. Continuous tone images are
recommended for submission as 8-bit, grayscale. Black-and-white images are recommended for submission as 1-bit,
black-and-white.

Grayscale
For best results, all images should be converted to grayscale before submitting. Images submitted in a file as RGB or
CMYK will be converted to grayscale when printing–this can sometimes cause a color shift. Any dissatisfaction with
color shift will be the publisher’s responsibility to correct.

12
 TEXT SETUP : COLOR

FILE CREATION GUIDE

TEXT SETUP : COLOR

Above spreads are setup as an example of perfect bound & hardcover interiors.
Saddle stitch interiors do not require a white gutter margin.

The above example of a color interior spread is built with colored sections representing the different areas and how
each are to be treated.

Blue (Bleed) Area / Overall Document Size

To determine the final bleed size of your page use the following equation:

Final Width = Width of book + 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on trim side. No additional bleed is added to the bind edge.
Final Height = Height of book + 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on top + 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on bottom.

For example a 6x9" (229x152mm) book will have a final interior size of 6.125" (156 mm) wide x 9.25" (235 mm) tall.

If using a background color or image please take those elements to the edge of the bleed area.

Pink (Safety) Area

A 0.5" (13 mm) margin is recommended inside the trim for color book interiors. All headers, footers, page numbers,
body text and all non-bleed images need to remain in those margins. Any elements outside of the safety areas are at
risk of being trimmed.

We recommend a 0.125" (3 mm) white strip within the trim area, on the bind side of the page, for perfect bound
and hardcover books: this is in addition to the recommended 0.5" margin. Images and background color should stop
0.125" (3 mm) from the trim edge of the page. The white strip is not necessary on Saddle Stitch interiors.

Red (Trim) Dotted Line

The dotted red line shown above gives an idea of how the book will be trimmed. The book will be trimmed .125"
(3 mm) on three sides. The bind side will not be trimmed.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 13

 TEXT SETUP : PERFORATION, STANDARD COLOR 50#

FILE CREATION GUIDE

TEXT SETUP : PERFORATION, STANDARD COLOR 50#

Weekly Class Review

Name: ____________________

Perforated interiors are produced with a tiny line of perfora-

tion that allows for pages to easily be removed from the book. SUBTRACTION
Perforations are available in Standard Color (50# only) in lim-
9 3 4 9
ited trim sizes. - 8 - 1 - 3 - 2

This example of a perforated interior page is built with colored 2 4 8 6

sections representing the different areas and how each are to - 1 - 2 - 3 - 1

be treated.

1 5 9 8
The example page has been layered to allow for the colored - 1 - 2 - 3 - 8

boxes to be visible.

5 7 6 9
- 4 - 4 - 5 - 5

Above page is setup as an example of a right hand

perforated page. A left hand page should be created with
measurements reversed.
Blue (Bleed) Area / Overall Document Size
To determine the final bleed size of your page use the following equation:

Final Width = Width of book + 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on trim side. No additional bleed is added to the bind edge.
Final Height = Height of book + 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on top + 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on bottom.

For example a 6x9" (229x152mm) book will have a final interior size of 6.125" (156 mm) wide x 9.25" (235 mm) tall.

If using a background color or image please take those elements to the edge of the bleed area.

Pink (Safety) Area

A 0.5" (13 mm) margin is recommended on the 3 trim edges and a 1” (25.4 mm) margin on the bind edge of
perforated interiors. All headers, footers, page numbers, body text and all non-bleed images need to remain in those
margins. Any elements outside of the safety areas are at risk of being trimmed.

We recommend a 0.125" (3 mm) white strip within the trim area, on the bind side of the page, for perfect bound and
hardcover books: this is in addition to the recommended 1" margin. Images and background color should stop 0.125"
(3 mm) from the trim edge of the page. The white strip is not necessary on Saddle Stitch interiors.

Red (Trim) Dotted Line

The dotted red lines shown above gives an idea of how the book will be trimmed. The book will be trimmed .125"
(3 mm) on three sides. The bind side will not be trimmed.

Purple (Perforation) Dashed Line

The purple dashed line represents the placement of the perforation. This line is .5” (13 mm) from the bind edge
of the page. We recommend that you inset your inside margin an ADDITIONAL .5” (13 mm) from this line. Bleed
elements should extend beyond the perforation line.

PERFORATION REQUIREMENTS
(ONLY available in Standard Color 50# for 6 x 9, 7 x 10, 7.5 x 9.25, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11)
Inside Margin: Recommended minimum 1" (25 mm)
Margins: Recommended minimum 0.5" (13 mm) on outer three edges.
14
 COVER FILES

FILE CREATION GUIDE COVER FILES

COVER
QUICK REFERENCE
REQUIREMENTS

COVER SETUP : USING A TEMPLATE

PERFECT BOUND, SIMPLEX
PERFECT BOUND, DUPLEX
CASEBOUND
JACKET
SADDLE STITCH
 COVER : QUICK REFERENCE

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER : QUICK REFERENCE

The following are recommendations and specifications that you should know
when laying out cover for all book types.

Resolution: 300 ppi

Color Space: CMYK

LPI (lines per inch): 180

Required file format: PDF (.pdf) file on LS cover template

(template dimensions vary by trim size)
SIMPLEX: 1-page PDF
DUPLEX: 2-page PDF (Perfect Bound ONLY, limited trim sizes)

PDF producer: Acrobat Distiller–PDF/X-1a:2001, PDF/X-3:2002

Export from InDesign–PDF/X-1a:2001, PDF/X-3:2002

Other accepted files: TIF (.tiff) tagged image file format

PS (.ps) postscript

Accepted Application Files: QuarkXPress 7 or InDesign CS3 and newer

(all supporting files must be included: fonts, images, art, etc.)

Bleed: 0.125" (3 mm) all sides

Type Safety: 0.25" (6 mm) recommended minimum on all sides

(LS templates will allow down to 0.125" (3 mm) safety)

Spine Type Safety: 0.0625" (2 mm) left/right sides for spines 0.35" and larger
0.03125" (1 mm) left/right sides for spines smaller than 0.35"
NO spine text allowed for Perfect Bound books with
page counts below 48.

Duplex Inside Spine Safety: spine width must be left blank + additional 0.0625" (2mm) on
each side of the spine
*LS reserves the right to place a white "no-ink" area over the
inside spine + additional 0.0625" area on each side of the spine

Accepted Submission Methods: web upload for files up to 1 GB, CD, DVD, SD cards,
portable hard drives (zip/stuff compression accepted)

File naming: isbn_cov.pdf or isbncov.pdf

isbn_cvr.pdf or isbncvr.pdf

16
 COVER : REQUIREMENTS

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER : REQUIREMENTS
PDF COMPLIANCE: Files must be PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002 compliant. The PDF/X-1a:2001 setting is found in
the Professional versions of Adobe Acrobat 6 or above (listed as PDF/X-1a in Acrobat 6 Professional). The PDF/X-3:2002
setting is found in the Professional versions of Adobe Acrobat 7 or above.

TEMPLATE: Cover artwork should be placed within the crop marks on the correct template produced by the template
generator. All templates should be ordered and files built with a mod2 spine calculation (page count divisible by 2). *For
instructions on ordering a template, refer to pages 5 & 6.

Please do not reposition any items on the template (except the barcode) – all items (trim size / crop marks / spine
calculation) are required and placed for LS’s specific printing workflow. *Note: The only exceptions are the pink and blue
areas have to be removed or covered up from EPS/PDF templates before submission.

Final PDF should be created at the size it’s received. Artwork should not extend past the crop marks.

BARCODES: mandatory on all covers. Barcodes on LS cover templates CAN be moved or repositioned on the back
cover, but please do not resize the barcode.
–Barcodes created by the publisher should be 100% black only, and placed on a white box/background.
–LS will add/replace barcodes that are unscannable or incorrect. We will add a generic barcode if the
book does not have an ISBN assigned to it. The publisher may not be notified if this manipulation is made.
–If you’re unable to supply a barcode, please leave an area of at least 1.75" wide x 1" high for LS to place
a barcode on the back cover.

BLEED: 0.125" (3 mm) bleed is required on all four sides. Graphics, illustrations, and color intended to print past the
edge of a cover should bleed a full 0.125" past the final trim size.

SPINE: NO spine text allowed for Perfect Bound books with page counts below 48.

MARGINS: 0.25" (6 mm) recommended margin on all sides from final trim size. LS templates allow down to 0.125"
(3 mm) safety. This applies to non-bleeding text & art.

COLOR: All images in a cover file must be CMYK. Images that are less than 200 ppi may be rejected for
higher-resolution submissions. (resolutions this low are considered too low in quality for printing)

BODY TEXT: For best results for text that is 24 pt. or below, please use 100% black only.

BLACK/RICH BLACK/DENSITY: We recommend a rich black with CMYK values = 60% Cyan / 40% Magenta / 40%
Yellow / and 100% Black. CMYK total value should not exceed 240%. Elements should not be built in ‘Registration’
(100% of all colors). *Files sent with densities higher than 240% may be rejected for correction.

Files with densities greater than 240% may process and print without rejection. If these files with densities over 240%
encounter print issues in future orders, LS will require a corrected file from the customer.

SPOT COLORS/RGB: Please convert all spot colors (PMS / PANTONE) with/without transparencies to CMYK,
(even in supporting .eps files). *Note: RGB files received will be converted to CMYK before printing. RGB / spot color
with/without transparency may produce unexpected color results when printing.
Any dissatisfaction with color shift will be the publisher’s responsibility to correct.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 17

 COVER SETUP : PERFECT BOUND, SIMPLEX

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : PERFECT BOUND, SIMPLEX

Pink (Safe) Area

All text, important images, logos and the barcode should all remain inside the pink area. This area lies 0.125" (3 mm)
inside of the trim area and spine fold area and is safe from being trimmed / wrapped when the book is produced.
*For the best results on the front and back covers, LS recommends keeping text an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of
the pink safety boxes (for a full 0.25" / 6 mm safety).

Blue (Bleed) Area

The bleed area is the area which extends 0.125" (3 mm) beyond the trim lines and on each side of the spine.
All background color / images should extend throughout this area. Please note that any important images and text
within the blue areas are at risk of being trimmed or caught within the fold.

White (Template) Area

The template area also contains trim marks, fold marks, book size and spine width information and a barcode for
internal use. Please leave all elements outside of the pink and blue areas unaltered.

Barcode Placement
The barcode may be moved to any location within the pink area of the back cover. The barcode is a live element within
InDesign templates but part of the overall image if using a PDF or EPS. Depending on the software used, when using
the PDF or EPS template the barcode can be copied and pasted onto a new layer with the appropriate tools.

Template Size
Templates are created and distributed at a specific size. This size is listed at the bottom left of the template and
should remain at that size when opening, designing upon and creating a PDF from. Additional crop marks
and/or additional canvas size should not be added.

Pink and blue boxes must be completely covered when cover is submitted.

18
 FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP: PERFECT BOUND, SIMPLEX

1
3 Additional information about
using a template

1) Spine safety area

If the cover has a spine width greater than 0.35"
(9 mm), the spine safety is 0.0625" (2 mm).
If the spine width is less than 0.35" (9 mm)

2 the spine safety is 0.03125" (1mm). The pink

box presented on the template will reflect the
correct safety size. Books with a page count
below 48 pages cannot contain spine text.

2) Bleed elements
Elements needing to go to the edge of the
cover should be taken beyond the pink safety
area and to the far edge of the blue bleed area.
All non bleed elements need to remain in the
pink safety area.
3
1 3) Borders and straight lines
Lightning Source does not recommend using
borders close to the trim / fold areas of the
books. This is because of the slight variances
that may occur during the printing and binding
process. If you choose to use a border please
keep all straight edges an additional 0.125"
(3 mm) inside of the pink safety areas.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 19

 COVER SETUP : PERFECT BOUND, DUPLEX

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : PERFECT BOUND, DUPLEX

First page of the template - Outside Cover Second page of the template - Inside Cover

Pink (Safe) Area

All text, important images, logos and the barcode should all remain inside the pink area. This area lies 0.125" (3 mm)
inside of the trim area and spine fold area and is safe from being trimmed / wrapped when the book is produced. *For
the best results on the front and back covers, LS recommends keeping text an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of the
pink safety boxes (for a full 0.25" / 6 mm safety).

Blue (Bleed) Area

The bleed area is the area which extends 0.125" (3 mm) beyond the trim lines and on each side of the spine. All back-
ground color / images should extend throughout this area. Please note that any important images and text within the
blue areas are at risk of being trimmed or caught within the fold.

White (Template) Area

The template area also contains trim marks, fold marks, book size and spine width information and a barcode for inter-
nal use. Please leave all elements outside of the pink and blue areas unaltered.

Barcode Placement
The barcode may be moved to any location within the pink area of the back cover. The barcode is a live element within
InDesign templates but part of the overall image if using a PDF or EPS. Depending on the software used, when using
the PDF or EPS template the barcode can be copied and pasted onto a new layer with the appropriate tools.

Template Size
Templates are created and distributed at a specific size. This size is listed at the bottom left of the template and should
remain at that size when opening, designing upon and creating a PDF from. Additional crop marks and/or additional
canvas size should not be added.

No Ink Area - Inside Spine

For the inside cover, the spine area and .0625” (2mm) on each side of the spine must be white and contain no color.
This will allow for proper adhesion when the book is produced. Lightning Source reserves the right to place a white,
no-ink area over the inside spine if color is present.

Pink and blue boxes must be completely covered when cover is submitted.

20
 FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : PERFECT BOUND, DUPLEX

1 3

3 1

2
2

Additional information about using a template

1) Spine safety area

If the cover has a spine width greater than 0.35" (9 mm), the spine safety is 0.0625" (2 mm). If the spine width is less
than 0.35" (9 mm) the spine safety is 0.0325" (1mm). The pink box presented on the template will reflect the correct
safety size. Books with a page count below 48 pages cannot contain spine text.

2) Bleed elements
Elements needing to go to the edge of the cover should be taken beyond the pink safety area and to the far edge of
the blue bleed area. All nonbleed elements need to remain in the pink safety area.

3) Borders and straight lines

Lightning Source does not recommend using borders close to the trim / fold areas of the books. This is because of
the slight variances that may occur during the printing and binding process. If you choose to use a border please
keep all straight edges an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of the pink safety areas.

4) No Ink - Inside Spine

To allow for proper adhesion when the book is bound, the inside spine area and .0625” (2mm) on each side of the
spine must be white and contain no color. Lightning Source reserves the right to place a white, no-ink area over the
inside spine if color is present.

2
2

FILE CREATION GUIDE 21

 COVER SETUP : CASEBOUND

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : CASEBOUND

Pink (Safe) Area

All text, important images, logos and the barcode should all remain inside the pink area. This area lies 0.125" (3 mm)
inside of the fold lines (around the parameter of the cover) and outside of the lines indicating the gutter area. This area
is completely safe from being wrapped when the book is produced and will not be affected by the gutter indention.
*For the best results on the front and back covers, LS recommends keeping text an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of
the pink safety boxes (for a full 0.25" / 6 mm safety).

Blue (Bleed) Area

The bleed area is the area which extends 0.625" (16 mm) beyond the fold lines, the area inside the gutter and includes
a small safety area on the spine. All background color / images should extend throughout this area. Please note that any
important images and text within the blue areas are at risk of being folded or affected by the gutter.

White (Template) Area

The template area also contains trim marks, fold marks and book size and spine width information. Please leave all
elements outside of the pink and blue areas unaltered.

Barcode Placement
The barcode may be moved to any location within the pink area of the back cover. The barcode is a live element within
InDesign templates but part of the overall image if using a PDF or EPS. Depending on the software used, when using
the PDF or EPS template the barcode can be copied and pasted onto a new layer with the appropriate tools.

Template Size
Templates are created and distributed at a specific size. This size is listed at the bottom left of the template and should
remain at that size when opening, designing upon and creating a PDF from. Additional crop marks and/or additional
canvas size should not be added.

Pink and blue boxes must be completely covered when cover is submitted.

22
 FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : CASEBOUND

1 Additional information about

using a template

3
4 1) Spine safety area
If the cover has a spine width greater than
0.35" (9 mm), the spine safety is 0.0625"

2 (2.00mm). If the spine width is less than

5 0.35" (9 mm) the spine safety is 0.03125"

(1mm). The pink box presented on the
template will reflect the correct safety size.

2) Bleed elements
Elements needing to go to the edge of
the cover should be taken beyond the pink
safety area and onto the far edge of the blue
bleed area. Any elements that are not to be
trimmed need to remain in the pink safety
3 area.

3) Borders and straight lines

Lightning Source does not recommend
1 using borders close to the trim / fold area

4 2 of the books. This is because of the slight

5 variances that may occur during the printing

and binding process. If you choose to use
a border please keep all straight edges an
additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of the pink
safety areas.

4) Gutter Area
Casebound books contain an area where the spine board is connected to the front and back cover boards. This area
will be pliable and have a slight indention. To ensure cover elements are not obscured by the indention, please keep all
important elements outside of the gutter bleed area.

5) Fold Area
Casebound books contain additional area which wraps around the boards making up the front, back and spine of the book.
This area extends 0.625" (16 mm) beyond the fold lines. All bleed elements need to extend no less than 0.25" (6 mm)
beyond the fold lines.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 23

 COVER SETUP : DUST JACKET

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : DUST JACKET

Pink (Safe) Area

All text, important images, logos and the barcode should all remain inside the pink area. This area lies 0.125” (3mm)
inside of the fold lines (to each side of the spine and flaps) and outside of the trim lines. This area is completely safe
from being wrapped or trimmed when the book is produced. *For the best results on the front and back covers, LS
recommends keeping text an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of the pink safety boxes (for a full 0.25" / 6 mm safety).

Blue (Bleed) Area

The bleed area is the area which extends 0.125" (3mm) beyond the trim lines, an area inside of and to the sides of the
spine and a 0.25" (6mm) strip that connects the front and back covers to the dust jacket flaps. All background color /
images should extend throughout these areas. Please note that any important images and text within the blue areas
are at risk of being folded or trimmed.

White (Template) Area

The template area also contains trim marks, fold marks and book size and spine width information. Please leave all
elements outside of the pink and blue areas unaltered.

Barcode Placement
The barcode may be moved to any location within the pink area of the back cover. The barcode is a live element within
InDesign templates but part of the overall image if using a PDF or EPS. Depending on the software used, when using
the PDF or EPS template the barcode can be copied and pasted onto a new layer with the appropriate tools.

Template Size
Templates are created and distributed at a specific size. This size is listed at the bottom left of the template and should
remain at that size when opening, designing upon and creating a PDF from. Additional crop marks and/or additional
canvas size should not be added.

Pink and blue boxes must be completely covered when cover is submitted.

24
 FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : DUST JACKET

1 3

Additional information about using a template

1) Spine safety area

If the cover has a spine width greater than 0.35" (9 mm), the spine safety
is 0.0625" (2.00mm). If the spine width is less than 0.35" (9 mm) the spine
safety is 0.03125" (1 mm). The pink box presented on the template will
1 3 reflect the correct safety size.

2) Bleed elements
Elements needing to go to the edge of the cover should be taken beyond
the pink safety area and onto the far edge of the blue bleed area. To bleed
covers on the side of the front and back covers take the bleed elements
through the wrap area to the line that designates the end of the wrap. Any
elements that are not to be trimmed need to remain in the pink safety area.

3) Borders and straight lines

4 Lightning Source does not recommend using borders close to the trim /
fold area of the books. This is because of the slight variances that may oc-

2 cur during the printing and binding process. If you choose to use a border
please keep all straight edges an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside of the pink
safety areas.

4) Flap Area
Dust jackets have an additional 3.25" (82.55mm) area that wraps around the hardcover book. This area contains the
same safety requirements as the rest of the cover with the addition on a 0.25" (6mm) wrap area between the front/
back covers and flaps.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 25

 COVER SETUP : SADDLE STITCH

FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : SADDLE STITCH

Pink (Safe) Area

All text, important images, logos and the barcode should all remain inside the pink area. This area lies 0.125" (3mm)
inside of the trim area and spine fold area and is completely safe from being trimmed / wrapped when the book is
produced. *For the best results on the front and back covers, LS recommends keeping text an additional 0.125" (3 mm)
inside of the pink safety boxes (for a full 0.25" / 6 mm safety).

Blue (Bleed) Area

The bleed area is the area which extends 0.25" (6mm) beyond the trim lines and through the stapled spine.
All background color / images should extend throughout this area. Please note that any important images and text
within the blue areas are at risk of being trimmed or caught within the fold.

White (Template) Area

The template area also contains trim marks, fold marks, book size and spine width information. Please leave all
elements outside of the pink and blue areas unaltered.

Barcode Placement
The barcode may be moved to any location within the pink area of the back cover. The barcode is a live element within
InDesign templates but part of the overall image if using a PDF or EPS. Depending on the software used, when using
the PDF or EPS template the barcode can be copied and pasted onto a new layer with the appropriate tools.

Template Size
Templates are created and distributed at a specific size. This size is listed at the bottom left of the template and
should remain at that size when opening, designing upon and creating a PDF from. Additional crop marks
and/or additional canvas size should not be added.

Pink and blue boxes must be completely covered when cover is submitted.

26
 FILE CREATION GUIDE

COVER SETUP : SADDLE STITCH

1
3 Additional information about
using a template

1) Stapled Spine

2 For Saddle Stitch the book is bound by staples

through the spine. Because of this no text or
cover elements are allowed on the spine.
We recommend that the background color /
images are carried through the spine or that the
color used on the front cover is carried through
the spine and slightly onto the back cover. This will
allow for any variances in the binding process.

2) Bleed elements
Elements needing to go to the edge of the cover
should be taken beyond the pink safety area and
to the far edge of the blue bleed area.
Any elements that are not to be trimmed need to
3 remain in the pink safety area.

1
3) Borders and straight lines
Lightning Source does not recommend using bor-
ders close to the trim / fold areas of the books.

2 This is because of the slight variances that may

occur during the printing and binding process.
If you choose to use a border please keep all
straight edges an additional 0.125" (3 mm) inside
of the pink safety areas.

FILE CREATION GUIDE 27

 CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION

FILE CREATION GUIDE CREATING A PDF FOR

SUBMISSION
EXPORTING FROM INDESIGN AND QUARK

OPEN / SAVE A TEMPLATE IN PHOTOSHOP:

SIMPLEX

USING PDF TEMPLATES WITHIN PHOTOSHOP:

DUPLEX
 CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION : EXPORTING FROM INDESIGN AND QUARK

FILE CREATION GUIDE

CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION : EXPORTING FROM INDESIGN AND QUARK

When using InDesign or Quark to layout a cover or interior, exporting has become a viable and recommended way
of creating a compliant PDF. Below are instruction for exporting from the latest Macintosh versions of InDesign and
Quark but the Windows versions may vary slightly.

INDESIGN For “Adobe PDF Preset” choose PDF/X1a:2001 or

PDF/X3:2002
To begin, select FILE > Export
(Please do not modify any of the default settings)
Select a location to save your PDF
Beside “Format” select Adobe PDF (Print)
Select Export and a PDF will be created in the
Click “Save”
designated folder
For "Duplex Covers," please verify that "All" is
selected under Pages.

QUARK
To begin, select FILE > Export > Layout as PDF

Select where you would like to export the file and under PDF Style select PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002

Select Options...

Please do not modify any of the default

settings except to turn Registration Marks
OFF and, if using an LS template, Set
Bleed to Zero.

For "Duplex Covers," in the "Export as PDF"

screen, please verify that "All" is selected
under Pages.

30
CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION
EXPORTING FILES: :OPEN/SAVE A TEMPLATE
INDESIGN AND QUARK IN PHOTOSHOP,
SIMPLEX
FILE CREATION GUIDE

CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION : OPEN/SAVE A TEMPLATE IN PHOTOSHOP, SIMPLEX

To maintain the CMYK values and ensure correct resolution and dimensions, we recommend the following procedure
when opening a PDF Cover Template using Adobe Photoshop CS2 and higher.

Within Photoshop, select File > Open and select your template file.

If opening a PDF

Crop To: Media Box

Anti-aliased: not selected
Image size: Info located at the bottom left of
template
Constrain Proportions: selected
Resolution: 300ppi
Mode: CMYK Color
Bit Depth: 8 bit

To save a compliant PDF from within Photoshop, select File > Save As...

Format: Photoshop PDF

Adobe PDF Preset: PDFX1a 2001 or PDFX3 2002.
Save: As a Copy: optional
Layers: optional
*Leave all additional options unchanged.
Color: Use Proof Setup: not selected
Embed Color Profile: optional

FILE CREATION GUIDE 31

 CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION : USING PDF TEMPLATES WITHIN PHOTOSHOP, DUPLEX

FILE CREATION GUIDE

CREATING A PDF FOR SUBMISSION : USING PDF TEMPLATES WITHIN PHOTOSHOP, DUPLEX

To maintain the CMYK values and ensure correct resolution and dimensions, we recommend the following procedure
when opening a PDF Cover Template using Adobe Photoshop CS2 and higher.

Duplex books allow for printing on the inside of the cover. Templates for duplex covers are 2 page and should be
returned to Lightning Source as a 2 page PDF.
Within Photoshop, select File > Open and select your PDF template file.

Crop To: Media Box

Anti-aliased: not selected
Image size: Info located at bottom left of template
Constrain Proportions: selected
Resolution: 300ppi
Mode: CMYK Color
Bit Depth: 8 bit

Shift click to select both images

The template will open as two separate documents. Design on each template separately and name each file so that
the outside cover is different than the inside cover.

To save a compliant multipage PDF from within Photoshop, select File > Automate > PDF Presentation...

Under Source Files select Add Open Files or Browse to locate the Outside and Inside cover PDFs. Verify that only 2
files are listed and arrange the files listing the outside cover first.
On the right side of the dialogue box, under Output Options, select Save As: Multi-Page Document (DO NOT select
Presentation)
Select Save and you will be prompted to name your file and select a save location.
Select Save again and select the Adobe PDF Preset: PDF/X-1a:2001* or PDF/X-3:2002*
*Leave all additional options unchanged.

32
 TRIM SIZES

FILE CREATION GUIDE TRIM SIZES

 TRIM SIZE MATRIX
Product and
Paper Types
50lb/75gsm
B&W
50lb/75gsm
Standard Color
50lb/75gsm 70lb/105gsm
Premium Color
70lb/105gsm
Creme White White White White

18-900 pgs(PF)
FILEPage
CREATION
Range GUIDE
18-1050 pgs 18-1200 pgs 18-1200 pgs
18-900 pgs (PF)
18-840 pgs (HC)
18-840 pgs(HC)
4-48 pgs(SS)

Premium Color
B&W Available Standard Color Available
Available
TRIM SIZES
inches mm Bindtype

4x6 152 x 102

TRIM SIZE MATRIX
Perfectbound

4x7 178 x 102 Perfectbound

4.25 x 7 178 x 108 Perfectbound

Note: blank white cells indicate not available
Product
4.37 x 7 and 178 x 111 Perfectbound B&W Standard Color Premium Color
Paper Types
38lb/148gsm 50lb/74gsm 50lb/74gsm 50lb/74gsm 70lb/104gsm 70lb/104gsm
4.72 x 7.48 190 x 120 Groundwood
Perfectbound Creme White White White White
18-900 pgs(PF)
18-900 pgs (PF) 18-900 pgs (PF)
TRIM
TRIM SIZES
SIZES Page
5x 7 Range 178 x 127 Perfectbound
18-840 pgs (HC)
18-1050 pgs 18-1200 pgs 18-1200 pgs
18-840 pgs (HC)
18-840 pgs(HC)
4-48 pgs(SS)
Perfectbound
Premium Color
Case Laminate B&W Available Standard Color Available
inches mm Bindtype
Available
Cloth (Blue)
5x8 203 x 127
4x6 152 x 102 Perfectbound Cloth (Gray)
Jacketed (Blue Cloth)
4x7 178 x 102 Perfectbound Jacketed (Gray Cloth)

5.06 x 7.81 198 x 129 Perfectbound

4.25 x 7 178 x 108 Perfectbound

4.37 x 7 178 x 111 5.25

Perfectbound x8 203 x 133 Perfectbound

4.72 x 7.48 190 x 120 5.5

Perfectbound x 8.25 210 x 140 Perfectbound

5x7 178 x 127 Perfectbound Perfectbound

Case Laminate
Perfectbound Cloth (Blue)
Case Laminate5.5 X 8.5
5x8 203 x 127 216 X 140 Cloth (Gray)
(Demy
Digital Cloth™ 8vo)(Blue/Gray)
Cover Jacketed (Blue Cloth)
Jacketed Digital Cloth™ Cover(Blue/Gray)
Jacketed (Gray Cloth)
5.06 x 7.81 198 x 129 Perfectbound Saddle Stitch

5.25 x 8 203 x 133 5.83 x 8.27 Perfectbound

Perfectbound 210 X 148
(A5)
Case Laminate
5.5 x 8.25 210 x 140 Perfectbound Perfectbound
Perfectbound Case Laminate
Case Laminate Cloth (Blue)
5.5 X 8.5
216 X 140 Digital Cloth™6Cover
x 9 (Blue/Gray)229 x 152 Cloth (Gray)
(Demy 8vo)
Jacketed Digital Cloth™ Cover(Blue/Gray) Jacketed (Blue Cloth)
Saddle Stitch Jacketed (Gray Cloth)
Saddle Stitch
5.83 x 8.27 Perfectbound
210 X 148 Perfectbound
(A5)
Case Laminate Case Laminate
Perfectbound Cloth (Blue)
6.14 x 9.21
Case Laminate
234 x 156 Cloth (Gray)
6x9 229 x 152 (Royal
Digital Cloth™ 8vo)
Cover (Blue/Gray)
Jacketed (Blue Cloth)
Jacketed Digital Cloth™ Cover(Blue/Gray)
Jacketed (Gray Cloth)
Saddle Stitch
Saddle Stitch
Perfectbound
6.14 x 9.21 6.5 x 6.5
Case Laminate 165 x 165 Perfectbound
234 x 156 Digital Cloth™ Cover (Blue/Gray)
(Royal 8vo) Perfectbound
Jacketed6.625
DigitalxCloth™
10.25 Cover(Blue/Gray)
260 x 168
Saddle Stitch Saddle Stitch

6.5 x 6.5 165 x 165 Perfectbound Perfectbound

6.69 x 9.61
Perfectbound 244 x 170
6.625 x 10.25 260 x 168 (pinched crown)
Saddle Stitch Case Laminate

Perfectbound Perfectbound
6.69 x 9.61
244 x 170 7 x 10 254 x 178 Case Laminate
(pinched crown)
Case Laminate Saddle Stitch

7.44 x 9.69
Perfectbound
7 x 10 254 x 178 Case Laminate
246 x 189 Perfectbound
(crown 4vo)
Saddle Stitch
Perfectbound
7.44 x 9.69 246 x 189 7.50
Perfectbound x 9.25 235 x 191 Case Laminate
(crown 4vo) Saddle Stitch
Perfectbound
Perfectbound
7.50 x 9.25 235 x 191 Case Laminate
Saddle Stitch8 x8 203 x 203 Case Laminate
Saddle Stitch
Perfectbound
8x8 203 x 203 Case Laminate Perfectbound
Saddle Stitch8 x 10 254 x 203 Case Laminate
Perfectbound Saddle Stitch
8 x 10 254 x 203 Case Laminate Perfectbound
8 x 10.88
Saddle Stitch 276 x 203
Case Laminate
Perfectbound
8 x 10.88 276 x 203
Case Laminate Perfectbound

Perfectbound
8.25 x 10.75 273 x 210 Case Laminate
8.25 x 10.75 273 x 210 Case Laminate
Saddle Stitch
Saddle Stitch
8.25 x 11 280 x 210 Perfectbound
8.25 x 11 280 x 210 Perfectbound
8.268 x 11.693 297 x 210 Perfectbound
8.268 x 11.693 297 x 210 Perfectbound (A4)
(A4)
Perfectbound
Perfectbound
8.5 x 8.5 216 x 216 8.5
Case Laminate
x 8.5 216 x 216 Case Laminate
Saddle Stitch
Saddle Stitch

8.5 x 9 229 x 216 Perfectbound8.5 x9 229 x 216 Perfectbound

Perfectbound Perfectbound
8.5 x 11 280 x 216 8.5
Case Laminate x 11 280 x 216 Case Laminate
Saddle Stitch Saddle Stitch
Perfectbound Max 400 pages
11 x 8.5 216 x 280 GLOSS or MATTE Lamination
Case Laminate Max 400 pages
GLOSS or MATTE Lamination
GLOSS or MATTE lamination Perforation Available for Standard Color Perfectbound 50lb/75gsm Sizes: 6 x 9, 7 x 10, 7.5 x 9.25, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11
34
 DUPLEX COVERS MATRIX

FILE CREATION GUIDE

DUPLEX COVERS MATRIX

Note: blank white cells indicate not available

Product and B&W Standard Color Premium Color

Paper Types
50lb/74gsm 50lb/74gsm 50lb/74gsm 70lb/104gsm 70lb/104gsm
Creme White White White White
Product and min 18 pgs- B&W min 18 pgs- min 18 pgs-Standard Color
min 18 pgs- Premium Color
TRIM SIZES Page Ranges
Paper Types (max below)
50lb/74gsm (max below)
50lb/74gsm (max below)
50lb/74gsm (max below)
70lb/104gsm 70lb/104gsm
Creme White White White White
Premium Color
B&W Available min 18 pgs-Standard Colormin
Available
18 pgs- min 18 pgs- min 18 pgs-
inches mm Bindtype Page Ranges Available
(max below) (max below) (max below) (max below)
6.5 x 6.5 165 x 165 Perfectbound 1200 1200 900 900 Premium Color
B&W Available Standard Color Available
inches mm Bindtype Available
6.625 x 10.25 260 x 168 Perfectbound 1200 1200 900 900
6.5 x 6.5 165 x 165 Perfectbound 1200 1200 900 900
6.69 x 9.61
244 x 170
6.625 x 10.25Perfectbound
260 x 168 Perfectbound
1200 1200
1200 900
1200 900
900 900
(pinched crown)

7 x 10 6.69
254 x 9.61 Perfectbound
x 178 1140 1140 740 740
244 x 170 Perfectbound 1200 1200 900 900
(pinched crown)
7.44 x 9.69
246 7x x189
10 254 x 178
Perfectbound Perfectbound 900 1140
900 1140
640 740 740
(crown 4vo)
7.44 x 9.69
7.50 x 9.25 235 x 191 246 x 189 Perfectbound 840 900
840 900
640 640
640
(crown 4vo) Perfectbound

8x8 7.50
203 x 9.25 Perfectbound
x 203 235 x 191 Perfectbound
580 840
580 840
440 640
440 640

8x8 203 x 203 Perfectbound 580 580 440 440

8 x 10 254 x 203 Perfectbound 580 580 440 440
8 x 10 254 x 203 Perfectbound 580 580 440 440
8 x 10.88 276 x 203 Perfectbound 580 580 440 440
8 x 10.88 276 x 203 Perfectbound 580 580 440 440
8.25 x 10.75 273 x 210 Perfectbound 500 500 340 340
8.25 x 10.75 273 x 210 Perfectbound 500 500 340 340
8.25 x 11 280 x 210 Perfectbound 500 500 340
8.25 x 11 280 x 210 Perfectbound 500 500 340
8.5 x 8.5 216 x 216 Perfectbound 240 240 180 180
8.5 x 8.5 216 x 216 Perfectbound 240 240 180 180

8.5 x 9 2298.5
x 216
x 9 Perfectbound
229 x 216 Perfectbound 240 240
240 180
240 180
180 180

8.5 x 11 2808.5
x 216
x 11 Perfectbound
280 x 216 Perfectbound 240 240
240 180
240 180
180 180

GLOSS or MATTE Perforation Available

lamination for Standard
Perforation Color Perfectbound
Available 50lb/75gsm
for Standard Color Sizes: 7 x50lb/75gsm
Perfectbound 10, 7.5 x 9.25, 8 x 10,
Sizes: 7 x8.5
10,x7.5
11 x 9.25, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11

FILE CREATION GUIDE 35