Design & Layout

If you are using Photobook Software please refer to our user guide for assistance, click here.

How do I layout my book? (for user's own software)

Spine Calculator & Layout Dimensions    Soft Cover Specs   Hard Cover Specs

Cover Templates   Page Layout No Bleed   Page Layout Full Bleed

Create 2 Page Spread

Margins and bleed measurements apply for ALL book sizes.

For good printing results, all images should be at least 200 DPI. However, for best printing results, they should normally be 300 DPI.

If your book is not the correct size, you must change your page size/document size. It will not work if you only change your margins. Reformatting is something you must do before you send us your files.

What file formats do you accept?

We accept files in .pdf format only. If the file was created with a program using layers (e.g Photoshop, InDesign, etc.), then the file needs to be flattened before sending it to us.

If you don't have your file in those formats, there are Free utilities which can convert most common file types into .pdf format (see FAQ on creating a PDF), so that you can see how it will look on the actual page.

Special Note for files created in PowerPoint -- PowerPoint defaults to 72 DPI which gives low-resolution images not suitable for printing a high-quality book. In PowerPoint 2003 and later versions, Microsoft provides instructions on how to change your system registry to be able to save files in 300 DPI. This is not for the novice user. Microsoft warns that serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. An alternative would be to re-work your PowerPoint file with another tool which easily supports 300 DPI, such as Photoshop. Also, PowerPoint has settings for pictures in the PICTURE toolbar. Find the button on the toolbar labeled with a popup tooltip as COMPRESS PICTURES. The highest DPI setting you should choose is PRINTING. This is a suitable setting for the files which may then be submitted and printed if acceptable.

I want to create a book using Microsoft Word. How do I have to set it up?

It needs to be set up with the final page size desired. Our standard sizes are 8.5x11, 6x9 and 5.5x8.5. It is recommended that you use Margins of at least 1/2" on all sides plus an extra 1/4" on the binding side (inside) Use the Word option for Mirror Margins to be able to setup the inside/binding side margin larger than than the rest of the margins. Note that there is a 1/4" safe zone on all 4 sides of the page, so please don't put anything in this safe zone area so that no text will be cut off during the final book trimming process.

As far as fonts, the most common font and size used is Times New Roman, 12 pt. However, it is ultimately up to the author to select the font and size that they think best fits the book type and audience.

When the file is ready to be sent to UBuildABook, please "Save As" PDF file and send us the PDF file.

Note that there needs to be a separate cover file in addition to the inside content file.