Two-Page Spreads for Book Printing

A two-page spread is a left-hand page and right-hand page designed as one continuous layout. It is mainly used when an image, background, map or graphic needs to run across the centre of an open book.

The pages are displayed together through Facing Pages, but each page still keeps its own Trim Size.

Spread Size

The spread width is the width of two pages combined.

For pages measuring 170 × 240 mm:

• Single page: 170 × 240 mm

• Open spread: 340 × 240 mm

This does not mean the interior document should be created as one 340 mm-wide page. Keep the two pages separate and design across them in the facing-page layout.

Keep Key Details Away from the Centre

Part of the artwork near the centre may curve into the binding or become harder to see. The amount depends on the binding method, paper and page count.

Backgrounds and simple textures can cross the centre freely. Keep faces, small text, logos, straight borders and other details that must stay complete away from the central Gutter.

Avoid placing a word directly across the two pages. Even a small production shift can make the letters look uneven after binding.

Aligning Artwork Across Both Pages

Use one image frame that crosses both pages, or use two precisely aligned frames when separate cropping is needed.

Check that:

• The image position continues smoothly across the centre.

• Horizontal lines meet at the same height.

• Important details are not split between the pages.

• Both pages use the same image resolution and color settings.

Do not add an artificial white gap at the centre unless it is part of the design or production template.

Bleed on a Two-Page Spread

Bleed is required around the outer trimmed edges of the pages when artwork reaches the edge.

The centre between normal facing pages is a binding edge rather than an exposed outer trim. Follow the supplied template if the project requires a special inside bleed or separate page overlap.

The outer page edges should follow the normal Bleed settings.

Set Up a Spread in Adobe InDesign

1. Enable Facing Pages in File > Document Setup.

2. Open the Pages panel and locate the required left- and right-hand pages.

3. Place the image or graphic across both pages.

4. Check its position at the centre and outer page edges.

5. Keep normal two-page spreads set to shuffle automatically.

InDesign’s page-shuffling controls keep standard facing pages in the correct order when pages are added or removed. Disabling Allow Selected Spread to Shuffle is mainly needed for special multi-page structures, not ordinary book spreads.

Export Pages or Spreads

A spread can be designed across two pages without being exported as one joined PDF page.

For normal book production, export the interior as Pages unless the printer specifically requests Spreads. InDesign’s PDF export settings provide both options.

When Pages is selected, each half of the design becomes an individual PDF page while keeping the artwork aligned. When Spreads is selected, both pages are exported together as one wide PDF page.

Follow the required Print-Ready File specification rather than choosing spreads only because the artwork crosses the centre.