Print-ready files are digital documents that have been correctly prepared for professional printing.

Once you are happy with your book’s formatting, layout, margins, and page order, your file can be converted into a print‑ready PDF. This ensures your book prints exactly as intended, without layout errors, colour shifts, or missing content.

Getting Started with Print Ready Files

To create print-ready files, your document must already be finalised.

This includes:

• Correct page size
• Accurate margins and gutter (spine) allowance
• Correct page count
• Final text and images

If you are working in Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, or Microsoft Publisher, a correctly set up template makes this process much easier.

You can request a free MS Word template by providing:

• Page count (printed pages)
• Finished book size
• The program you are using

Templates include mirrored binding edges and generous margins, ensuring text sits correctly near the spine once printed.

Saving and Backing Up Your Files

Always save your files securely.

Keep multiple copies on different devices, use cloud storage, and consider backing up to USB drives. This protects your work from data loss and accidental changes.

If you are using professional services, support is often included — in many cases, your file can be converted to a PDF at no additional cost.

Preparing Print Ready Files in Adobe InDesign

Before exporting your file, check the following:

• Black text settings are correct
• Images are converted to CMYK
• Margins and bleed are correctly set

Clients who have accepted service agreements may request a basic setup guide containing screenshots and InDesign export instructions.

If you are unsure at any stage, professional designers can finalise print ready files for an hourly fee.

Exporting Your Print Ready PDF (InDesign)

Before exporting, ensure your file is open and ready.

1. Select File → Adobe PDF Presets → Press Quality
2. Choose Save As
3. Ensure file type is set to Adobe PDF
4. Select Export Adobe PDF

Under Output:

• Colour Conversion: No Colour Conversion
• Profile Inclusion Policy: Don’t Include Profiles

Under Marks and Bleeds:

• Tick Crop Marks and Bleed Marks only if requested
• Bleed should be 3–5 mm
• Hardcover covers may require up to 20 mm bleed

Click Export.
Your print ready file is now created and ready for review.

Sending Files to Your Designer

Create a clearly organised folder structure:

• Main folder named after your book
• Subfolders for each chapter
• Separate Images folder inside each chapter

Image naming tips:

• Name images by page number
• Use clear labels for multiple images on one page
• Include captions in image file names where possible

Only send files that are intended for printing to avoid confusion.

Image Requirements for Print

For best print quality:

• Images must be 300 dpi (minimum 220 dpi)
• Use CMYK for colour printing
• Supply images at the final print size

Accepted formats:

• TIF
• JPEG
• EPS

Avoid:

• GIFs
• Bitmaps
• Low‑resolution internet images

Low‑resolution images can appear fine on screen but may print blurry or pixelated.

Linked Images in InDesign

If submitting an InDesign package:

• Do not rename or move linked images
• Ensure all links remain intact
• Confirm no missing images before sending

Proofing Your File

A proof copy will be supplied for checking.

Review carefully and submit corrections in a clear, itemised format:

Page 61, line 23 – change “teh” to “the”

A limited number of corrections are usually included. Extensive revisions may incur additional charges.

Final Print Ready Checklist

Before sending your files:

• Ensure all files are named correctly
• Include all fonts used
• Confirm fonts are embedded in PDFs
• Supply a mock‑up copy
• Clearly tag colour pages

Sending Large Files

You can send files using:

• Secure file‑send services
• USB or CD by mail
• https://dropbox.com
• https://wetransfer.com

WeTransfer allows file transfer without account registration for occasional use.