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How To Create A Sample Saddle Stitched Booklet

In the same way you'd create any saddle-stitched booklet.  Here's some guidance for best practice.

Prepare your artwork

A sample saddle stitched booklet lets you order a single physical copy of your booklet to check print quality, paper stocks, binding, and finish before committing to a full print run. Follow the steps below to prepare your artwork, place your sample order, review the result, and move to full production.

To ensure your sample booklet prints correctly, use your own artwork and follow these artwork guidelines:

  • The total page count must be divisible by 4 (for example 8, 12, 16).
  • Supply one file with individual pages in running order from front cover (page 1) to back cover (last page).
  • Include a 3 mm bleed on all sides.
  • Maintain a safe zone: keep text, page numbers and key images at least 3 mm (ideally 5 mm) from the edges.
  • Supply the artwork as a CMYK PDF.
  • Ensure fonts are either embedded or outlined.
  • Use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.

Tip: Download our free design templates (EPS, PDF, INDD) to help set up your document correctly. If you'd prefer extra support, choose either File Assist (we check and fix your file) or Design (we create the artwork for you) as your artwork service when ordering — both are available at a small additional cost.

Place your sample order

Once your artwork is ready and you’ve confirmed all specifications:

Place the order for one sample booklet with your chosen size, paper stocks, cover stock and any lamination finish. Order on the sample booklet page: https://www.tradeprint.co.uk/booklets-and-brochures/sample-saddle-stitched-booklets

  • Select the material (inner pages) you want from the list (for example 130 gsm gloss, 170 gsm silk)
  • Select the size (for example A4 portrait, A5 portrait, A6 portrait, square)
  • Select the cover material (heavier stock such as 250 gsm gloss, 200 gsm silk) from the available options.
  • Decide whether to add a lamination finish on the cover (for example Matt, Gloss or Soft Touch) especially if there is heavy ink coverage.

Note: the sample service lets you order a small quantity (typically 1–10 copies) of your booklet so you can review the print quality, paper stocks, and finish before placing a larger run.

Once you’re happy with your sample, you can order your full book run from the main saddle stitched booklet page.

Review your sample

When your sample arrives:

  • Inspect the print quality: colours, clarity, and how the ink appears on the chosen stock.
  • Review the feel of the cover and inner pages: weight, finish (gloss, silk, uncoated).
  • Check the binding: since it’s saddle-stitched (pages folded and stapled/spined along the fold) ensure pages align, fold is crisp, staples are secure.
  • Check lamination (if applied) for finish, and that the cover is protected as expected.
  • Check page layout: that nothing important is too close to the edge or margin; verify that your safe zone and bleed have worked correctly.
  • Verify the page count is correct, that pages are in correct order, and that front/back cover layout is as expected.

Move to full production

If your sample meets your expectations, place your full-quantity order using the same specifications. If you need to make any changes — such as paper stock, size, lamination, or page count — update your artwork and re-check your margins, bleed, and safe zone before ordering.

When placing the full order, confirm your production and delivery lead times to plan accordingly. If the sample does not meet your expectations, contact our customer support team to discuss your options before reordering.

Summary checklist

  • Choose size, paper stocks, cover and finish
  • Prepare artwork with correct bleed, safe zone, CMYK, 300 dpi
  • Ensure page count divisible by 4 and file in running order
  • Place sample order
  • Review sample thoroughly for print quality, layout, binding and finish
  • Proceed to full order with confidence using your learned insights

By following this guide, you will be able to create a sample saddle stitched booklet that gives you a realistic preview of the final product, allowing you to test and approve all aspects before committing to a larger print run.

 

Create A Sample Saddle Stitched Book