Stapled Booklets

Submission specifications for Stapled Booklets

Save the file for booklets as one PDF document with single pages.

Save the file for booklets not as spreads (two pages facing each other), but as PDF document with single pages, starting with the cover page (NOTE: saving as a multi-page PDF means 1 PDF file with multiple pages inside). Delete empty unnecessary pages from the file with the final save. Desired blank pages have to stay in the file.

Add 3 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 3 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size. Exclusive finishes need to be within the safety margin.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Fonts should be at least 6pt.

Fonts should be at least 6 pt.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Use the right values for full colour black.

Use Rich Black (C:63% M:52% Y:51% K:100%) for larger areas and text to get a deep black colour. Do not use this value for text smaller than 15 pt or plain text. This can only be used in full colour printing. For designing black smaller texts use 100% black.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Colour Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Colour Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Check line thickness.

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions for Stapled Booklets

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• A stapled brochure is a small book consisting of 8 or more pages and is finished with metal staples. A brochure consists of the contents (pages) and the cover, which don't have to be the same. Our brochures are available in various types of paper, combinations and numbers of pages!
• This product can be used:
• • To introduce people to your business
• • As a presentation guide
• • As an information guide
• • As a price list

Will my brochures be stapled?

• Yes, these brochures will be stapled. Every brochure contains 2 staples in the folding crease.

Why can my booklets only be printed per 4 pages?

• In short, it's to make sure that no pages are falling out of the booklet.
  
  For example, when you choose an A4 size booklet with 8 pages, we print two A3 sheets (two times as big as A4) and fold them in half, which results in a total of 8 pages.
  
  Don't have enough content to fill four pages? Here are some suggestions - find a sponsor who would like to add advertisements in your booklet, make use of an extra introduction page or consider going the 'less is more' route and leaving 1 or more pages white.

What is the maximum amount of pages per brochure?

• "The maximum amount of pages is dependent on the type of paper you choose. When the amount of pages is too high the form of the brochure will change because of the air inside. To prevent this, we have stated a maximum amount of pages per type of paper: 90gsm silk MC: maximum of 64 pages per brochure 135gsm gloss MC: maximum of 64 pages per brochure 170gsm silk MC: maximum of 48 pages per brochure 250gsm gloss MC: maximum of 36 pages per brochure Would you like a brochure with more than 64 pages? Please have a look at our Booklets (perfect bound)."

Is the amount of pages equal to the amount of paper sheets?

• No, this is because the brochures are being folded and printed on both sides. a papersheet gets folded in the middle so it covers 4 pages (2 on the front, 2 on the back).

What materials can I choose from?

• 90 gsm silk mc: this paper is the budget version of paper. It's light, thin and cheap: Ideal for distribution!
• 135gr gloss MC: this material is especially ideal for distribution. They are lightweight, yet half thicker than printing paper. Thickness: 0.11 mm
• 170gr silk MC: this material gives your product a business-look. It is ideal for use at a fair or business-stand. Thickness: 0,17mm
• 250gr gloss MC: this paper is mainly used in the hospitality and retail. They are 3 times as thick as printing paper and thereby they feel pretty solid. Thickness: 0,22mm

What is lamination and do I need it on my cover?

• Lamination is a plastic coating that's applied to a finished printed page. Laminating a cover not only elevates the look and feel of your print, but also extends the longevity. Additionally, it acts as an added layer of protection and helps reduce the risk of creasing, fading, wrinkling, abrasion and tearing. It is important to keep in mind that ordering without lamination could mean the prints may be more at risk of ink or paper damage.
  Note: Laminated paper products are water-resistant, not waterproof.

Can I select any paper type or weight for lamination?

• No, not all paper can be laminated. If you want to include lamination, you need to select a cover with a paper weight of 250gsm or higher.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of Stapled Booklets, we use the following technique(s):
• Digital (up to 250 pieces): printed on professional HP Indigo printers, directly after your order is received. Digital printing is cheaper in lower order quantities.

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Stapled Booklets is:
• Low quantities (digital print up to 250 pieces): next day High quantities (offset print from 250 - 1000 pieces): 2 working days High quantities (offset print from 1500 - 20000 pieces): 4 working days
• Please note: Only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). This way, the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated at the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• Please note: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut-off time.

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• UPS
• DHL
• DPD

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• The Stapled Booklets that is chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you our offer within 1 working day. Depending on the complexity this can take a bit longer.