Book printing and binding is a mechanical process that involves some amount of variation. We can print your books from files that do not comply with the following points if you provide us a formal waiver that you know your files do not comply with our guidance. We view these as choices on your part about how you want your title to print. But complying with these will ensure the best attainable quality:
Bleed elements - type, objects, art - will extend beyond trim by 1/8”, while items in the live page area not intended to trim off should clear the page edge by 1/4”. Marks and type slugs outside the trim area should also be at least 3/16” outside the bleed area.
Lineart should have a minimum resolution of 600 dpi, while contones should have a minimum resolution of 200 dpi.
For elements that cross a spread, it may be necessary to pull them away from the gutter slightly to ensure a good crossover. The amount to pull it out varies with the binding style. Check with your CSR for guidance.
Constant page elements - like folios - should backup exactly from odd-numbered pages to even-numbered pages.
Thin rules (1/2 point and less) and fine type (less than 8 pt.) should not be in multiple colors or reversed out of color screens.
A rich black should contain a color build of 100K, 60C, 50M, 50Y, for large type or objects. Doing this will help keep underlying elements from showing through.
Light colors should have no less than 4% of any ink color in their build or they will vary throughout the book.
For neutral or pastel colors, it is best to use some black in place of CMY gray to ensure color doesn't vary throughout the book.
The total value of all ink color percentages in any element should not exceed 300% for four-color printing.
Do not use Registration color within the page.
Whenever possible, we encourage our customers to submit test files while they're still in the design process. We're happy to provide detailed guidance about what will reproduce well and what might be problematic.