Print-Ready Files for Book Printing

Complete print-ready files for book printing production

A complete book printing project normally requires separate files for the interior, cover, finishing processes, and any additional components included in the specification.

File	Preferred Format	When Required
Interior file	Print-ready PDF	Required for every book
Cover file	Print-ready PDF	Required for every book
Finishing file	Vector PDF or AI	Required when foil, Spot UV, embossing, white ink, or die-cutting is selected
Endpaper file	Print-ready PDF	Required for printed endpapers
Dust jacket file	Print-ready PDF	Required when a dust jacket is included
Insert or fold-out file	Print-ready PDF	Required for separate inserts, gatefolds, or fold-out pages
Book edge artwork	Production PDF or AI	Required for patterned or printed book edges
Editable source files	INDD, AI, PSD, CDR, or other accepted formats	Required only when production adjustment is needed
Reference PDF	PDF	Required when editable artwork is supplied

Interior File

Supply the complete interior as one PDF with single pages in final reading order.

The file should already follow the approved Trim Size, Bleed, Safe Area, Binding Margin, and Gutter requirements.

Intentional blank pages, fold-outs, and custom-size pages must remain in the correct position.

Cover File

Supply the cover separately from the interior as one complete spread.

The file must use the final Book Cover Template and confirmed Book Spine Width. The back cover, spine, front cover, and any required structural areas must all be included.

Finishing Files

Each special process needs its own vector file or clearly separated production layer.

This applies to:

Foil Stamping
Spot UV
Embossing
Debossing
White Ink
Die-Cutting
Printed Book Edges

The finishing file must match the current print artwork exactly.

Additional Component Files

Endpapers, dust jackets, inserts, fold-outs, belly bands, slipcases, and other separate components should each use their own final production file.

Their dimensions and structure must follow the approved template for that component.

Editable Source Files

Editable artwork is only needed when technical adjustment or re-export is required.

Accepted source formats are listed under Supported File Formats. Linked images and licensed fonts should be included where applicable, together with a reference PDF showing the approved appearance.

Print-Ready Files

Final Submission Package

Submit only the current interior, cover, finishing, and component files. File organization and revision control should follow the File Preparation Checklist.