How To Set Up a 12 Page Brochure?

[ishfaque.b]

Hi. I set up my 12 page brochure and i saw the first page on the right, the spreads and the last page on the left. Is it correct? Should i modify anything before starting designing?

Then...how should I export for commercial print? As spreads or pages?

Please help. Thanks.

[Mike Witherell · Accepted solution]

Yes, that is correct when you want to signal left and right handed pages.

For commercial print, you really don't have to do anything but give them a press-worthy PDF, made up usually according to their detailed instructions. They usually take care of the page imposition.

[Steve Werner]

And if your commercial printer is expecting you to produce print-ready imposition, RUN, don't walk in the other direction and find another printer!

[ishfaque.b]

It's new to me but can you explain page imposition. I always wonder how they print a booklet. Suppose my pdf is of good print quality and in pages but are not in order, what will the printer do?

[Steve Werner]

Wikipedia is your friend:

Imposition - Wikipedia

You really need to talk to the printer. There are a variety of imposition practices which depend a lot on the particular equipment a commercial printer is using.

[ishfaque.b]

OK thanks. Do i need to outline fonts?

[Steve Werner]

You do NOT need to outline fonts if you're creating a PDF file. The fonts are embedded in the PDF file.

[ishfaque.b]

One last question...i use blend modes a lot. Have u heard of flattener preview. Is it a must to use?

[Steve Werner]

It depends on the printer. Printers who have PostScript-based RIP may want transparency flattener. Those who handle PDF directly don't need transparency flattening. Again, ask the printer.