Support
Product set-up guides

Product set-up guides

Setting up folded leaflets, booklets, stickers, banners and boards so they print right first time.

Check your PDF
An automatic check of size, bleed, page count and image sharpness. Your file stays on your device. Which binding for my booklet?
Three questions, and we suggest a binding and the page count to aim for.

Which fold should I choose for my leaflet? Half folds suit simple menus and invitations, roll and Z folds suit step-by-step information, and gate folds suit a big reveal. Here is how they differ.
Why is one panel of my folded leaflet narrower? On roll and gate folds, the panels that fold inside are made slightly narrower, usually by a millimetre or two, so the leaflet closes flat instead of buckling.
What is the difference between creasing and folding? Creasing presses a line into the paper so it folds cleanly. Thicker paper and card are creased before folding, otherwise the fold can crack.
How do I set up artwork for a folded leaflet? Supply one PDF with two pages: the outside of the sheet first and the inside second, each at the full flat size with bleed, with the panels in their folded positions.
Which binding should I choose for my booklet? Saddle stitching (staples) suits thinner booklets, perfect binding gives a square spine for thicker ones, and wiro binding lets the booklet lie flat.
What is creep, and why does my booklet need wider inside margins? In a stapled booklet the middle pages stick out further than the outer ones, so they lose a little more when trimmed. Generous inside and outside margins stop text being cut.
Should my booklet have a separate cover? A self cover uses the same paper as the inside pages. A separate cover uses a heavier stock for a sturdier, more premium feel. Both count towards the page total.
How do I set up a perfect bound cover and spine? A perfect bound cover is supplied as one spread: back cover, spine and front cover side by side, plus bleed. The spine width depends on the page count and paper.
How do I set up a booklet in Microsoft Word? Set the page size to one finished page, turn on mirror margins, design one page per page in reading order, and save as PDF. Our artwork check decides whether it needs a fix.
Should I choose stickers on sheets or labels on a roll? Sheets suit handing out and applying by hand in small numbers. Rolls suit large quantities and labelling machines. Material and finish decide whether they last outdoors.
How do I set up a cut-to-shape sticker? Draw the cut line as a stroke in a spot colour named CutContour, run the background past it as bleed, and keep text well inside it. The cut line tells us exactly where to cut.
What is the difference between Foamex, Correx and Dibond? Foamex is a smooth foam PVC board for indoor signs. Correx is a light fluted plastic for temporary outdoor signs. Dibond is aluminium composite for permanent signs.
How do I set up a PVC banner with eyelets? Eyelets are the metal rings along the edge for tying the banner up. Keep text and logos well away from the edges so the eyelets and fixings do not cover them.
How do I put up and look after a roller banner? Pull the banner up smoothly from the base, hook it onto the pole, and roll it back down gently with the pole removed. Keep it dry and store it in its bag.
What resolution do I need for banners, posters and boards? Banners, boards, roller banners and posters A2 and larger need images of at least 150dpi at printed size. Everything else needs 300dpi.

Still stuck?

Ask a person. We reply within 2 working days.

Or call 01332 890 222
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on UK bank holidays.