Skip to content
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

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

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: at least 3 mm (ideally 5 mm) away from the edges for text, page numbers and key images.
  • Supply the artwork as a CMYK PDF
  • Ensure fonts are either embedded or outlined
  • Use 300 dpi resolution for artwork

Tip: Download our free design templates (EPS, PDF, INDD) to help set-up your document correctly. You can also get help by choosing either “file assist” or “design” as your artwork service. This comes 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 that the sample version is a one-copy run: you order a single sample booklet of up to 10 copies to review quality before ordering in quantity.

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 the full-quantity order with the same specifications (or adjust if needed).

If you need to make changes (paper stock, size, lamination, page count), update your artwork accordingly and check your margins, bleed and safe zone again.

Maintain consistency in your artwork settings from the sample to the full run to avoid surprises.

Confirm delivery and production lead times when placing the main order.

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