How do I count the pages of a booklet?

Count each side: the cover counts as 4 pages (front and back of the outer and inner cover). The total must be a multiple of 4 for saddle stitch and sewn binding, and a multiple of 2 for perfect binding (from 40 pages).

Which binding should I choose for my booklet?

Up to ~64 pages: saddle stitch. For flat use (manuals, recipes): Wire-O. Beyond 48 pages or for a premium finish: perfect binding. For a durable, high-end book: sewn binding.

What bleed should I use for a booklet?

3 mm bleed on each side of every page, text 5 mm from the outer edges and 15 mm from the inner edge (spine), with no crop or registration marks.

Which file format should I supply?

A single PDF at 1:1 scale, in CMYK (Fogra 39 profile), 300 dpi images, embedded fonts, pages in sequential order.

The complete guide

Booklet guide: bindings, page count and print-ready files

Everything to nail your brochure, catalogue or magazine: choose the right binding, count your pages correctly, prepare a flawless PDF and handle your bleeds. A Paris printer guides you, step by step.

Step 1

Choose your binding

Four bindings cover almost every project. The choice mainly depends on the page count and the intended use.

Saddle stitched

Two metal staples in the spine. Economical and fast, up to ~64 pages. Ideal for programmes, booklets and light magazines.

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Wire-O

Metal rings: the booklet opens fully flat. Perfect for manuals, recipe books and training materials.

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Perfect binding

Pages glued into a flat spine. Professional, durable finish for catalogues, magazines and thicker brochures (from ~48 pages).

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Sewn binding

Sewn then glued sections: the strongest, most premium binding. For books, fine works and premium editions.

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Binding	Pages	Lies flat	Best for
Saddle stitched	8 – 64	Good	Programmes, booklets, light magazines
Wire-O	12 – 200	Fully	Manuals, recipes, training
Perfect bound	40 – 800+	No	Catalogues, magazines, reports
Sewn	64 – 800+	Very good	Books, fine works, premium editions

Step 2

Counting your booklet pages

The most common mistake. One “page” = one side. A sheet printed both sides = 2 pages.

The multiples rule

✓Saddle stitch: multiples of 4 (each folded sheet = 4 pages), from 8 to ~64 pages.
✓Perfect binding: multiples of 2, from 40 pages.
✓Sewn binding: multiples of 4 (folded then sewn sections).
✓Wire-O: from 12 to ~200 pages depending on paper.

The cover counts

The cover represents 4 pages: front cover (page 1), inside front cover (page 2), inside back cover and back cover (last page). So a “24-page” booklet includes the cover.

How a booklet's pages follow on (8-page example)

1

Front cover

23

45

67

8

Back cover

💡 Tip: number your pages in reading order (cover = page 1) and supply a single PDF with pages in sequential order — not imposed spreads.

Step 3

Preparing your print file

A well-prepared PDF means no nasty surprises. Here are the expected settings.

1

PDF at 1:1 scale

Export an unprotected PDF at final size, pages in sequential order (cover to cover).

2

CMYK · Fogra 39

Work in CMYK with the Fogra 39 profile (Coated FOGRA39) for accurate colour. Avoid RGB.

3

Images at 300 dpi

Your images should be 300 dpi at final size for perfect sharpness.

4

Fonts & lines

Embed fonts (or outline them). Minimum line weight 0.25 pt, minimum text size 6 pt.

Step 4

Bleed & safety margins

Trimming is never to the micron: bleed prevents white edges on the borders.

The right settings

✓Bleed: 3 mm on each side of every page.
✓Text: 5 mm from outer edges and 15 mm from the inner edge (gutter).
✓No crop marks or registration marks in the PDF.
✓Dark solids: prefer a rich black (e.g. C40 M30 Y30 K100).

Why it matters

Without bleed, the slightest trimming shift reveals a white line. Without enough inner margin, text falls into the spine and becomes unreadable, especially on thick bindings (perfect/sewn).

Step 5

Lamination, papers & sizes

Lamination & finishes

Lamination protects and enhances the cover: gloss, matte or soft touch (premium velvet effect). Available front and back, and even on inner pages depending on paper and weight. On heavy stocks it reduces cracking at the fold. You can add hot foiling, embossing or spot UV.

Common papers & sizes

✓Inside: coated matte/gloss or offset, 90–170 gsm. Cover: 250–350 gsm.
✓Sizes: A4 (21×29.7), A5 (14.8×21), square 21×21, compact 14.8×14.8.
✓Custom size: made to measure for premium projects.
✓Recycled and creative papers available.

FAQ

Your booklet questions

Count each side. The cover counts as 4 pages. The total is a multiple of 4 for saddle stitch and sewn binding, and a multiple of 2 for perfect binding (from 40 pages).

Up to ~64 pages: saddle stitch. Flat use (manuals): Wire-O. Thick brochure / pro finish: perfect binding. Durable premium book: sewn binding.

3 mm bleed per side, text 5 mm from outer edges and 15 mm from the spine, no crop marks.

A single PDF at 1:1 scale, CMYK (Fogra 39), 300 dpi images, embedded fonts, pages in order. Need help? We check your file for free.

A brochure or catalogue project?

Binding advice, file check and free quote. We reply fast, in French or English.

01 80 91 64 61 Request a quote