File guideline requirements
IMPORTANT!
Please review below, and click to download our book layout file guideline requirements before we print your book, as this will answer many of your questions. Our automated workflow saves you money and requires PDF files created to our specifications. This ensures a smooth book printing production without delays and can alleviate additional charges. Once uploaded your digital files are reviewed, pre-flight checked, and analyzed for common errors. Our special computer software then positions your files according to the job specifications and prepares for output on the appropriate digital book printing press. If errors are found you will be contacted and requested to send corrected files for re-submission. Each file submitted to us requires a lot of time, effort, and training with specialized software and equipment on our part. Additional charges may be applied and may be avoided by following our file guideline requirements below.
Need to Talk?
If you have questions and need to speak with someone, please call our friendly customer service team at 973-890-4422, or email cs@lightning-press.com.
Book formatting for book printing
We request the entire layout and digital formatting of the inside pages of your book be saved as a PDF file with all fonts and images embedded and saved at a 300 dpi resolution. The inside printed pages including blank pages should be created to the finished trim size of the book and saved as one complete PDF file containing all inside pages. Inside pages MUST BE AN EVEN NUMBER. Add blank pages wherever you feel is appropriate to end up with an EVEN NUMBER of pages. Remember – 2 pages in your book equals 1 sheet of paper. The outside cover of your book should be composed together as one separate file including the front, spine, and back cover. Extend an .125 inch bleed all around the perimeter of the composed book cover. Save as a PDF file with all fonts and images embedded and saved at 300 dpi resolution. Please review and download our book printing file requirements above for the problem free printing of your paperback, hardcover, wire-bound and stapled booklets.