Print Ready File Checklist and Resources

Interior File:

• The file is a high-quality PDF with all fonts and images embedded.
• The PDF is exported as single pages, not spreads. See a helpful video here.
• The PDF file has no crop marks (preferably) and is to the final trim size.
• If crop marks are included, they fall outside of the 1/8″ bleed area.
• If the interior bleeds, the page has a 1/8″ bleed beyond the trim size on all four sides to accommodate images and/or graphics that extend to the edge of the page. See a helpful video here.
• Bleeds not specified in quote may affect cost. Select the “use document bleed setting” in the print dialog when creating the PDF. See a helpful video here.
• The file includes at least 3/8″ margins on all four sides, unless the images bleed
• Images are high-resolution (at least 300 DPI) and embedded.
• For black and white printing, color images in the interior have been converted to black ink only.
• If your interior file has heavy ink coverage, there may be limitations to the materials and/or print services for your order. If our team does encounter an issues regarding ink coverage, your CSR will notify you. Production limitations may vary depending on the design and trim size of your title.
• For color printing, color images (like photographs or artwork) can be left as RGB. While not a guarantee of an exact color match, Bookmobile’s color gamut can handle a wider range of colors compared to traditional 4-color, CMYK printing. If your images are CMYK, it is okay to leave them as CMYK. It’s important to also note that color printing flat on a page will never be an exact match to what you see on your backlit monitor.
• Color backgrounds, swatches, or unnamed colors: We recommend that in your InDesign file you use only colors defined as CMYK. (You may see unwanted shifts in color if they are defined as RGB in InDesign, even if your swatches are specified as process.)
• To have your color and PDF creation options set automatically, please download and install the Bookmobile settings files. Please note this is for color interiors and covers only.

Cover File:

• The file is a high-quality PDF with all fonts and images high-resolution (at least 300 DPI) and embedded.
• All color (like photographs or artwork) can be left as RGB. While not a guarantee of an exact color match, Bookmobile’s color gamut can handle a wider range of colors compared to traditional 4-color, CMYK printing. If your images are CMYK, it is okay to leave them as CMYK. It’s important to also note that color printing flat on a page will never be an exact match to what you see on your backlit monitor.
• Color backgrounds, swatches, or unnamed colors: We recommend that in your InDesign file you use only colors defined as CMYK. (You may see unwanted shifts in color if they are defined as RGB in InDesign, even if your swatches are specified as process.)
• The file includes 1/8″ bleed beyond the trim size on all four sides. Select the “Use Document bleed setting” in the print dialog when creating PDF. See a helpful video here.
• Crop marks are included and are outside the 1/8″ bleed area. (We do prefer crop marks in the cover file; we prefer no crop marks in the interior file.)
• Images and type not intended to be trimmed off must be at least 3/16″ away from final trim edges.
• Spine width corresponds to page count (spine width is included in quote). See a helpful video here.
• Spine type respects 1/16″ margins from spine edges.
• The bar code is included. If not, let your customer service representative know that you need a bar code. Your customer service representative will need the ISBN and retail price.
• Total ink sum of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black values do not exceed 270.
• Recommendation for a CMYK rich black—30c, 20m, 20y, 100k—. For RGB, the normal RGB black—R=0, G=0, B=0, works fine. When this RGB black is converted into the CMYK workspace, it creates a rich mix.
• Cover files can be tricky: contact Bookmobile for a cover template. See a helpful video here.
• To have your color and PDF creation options set automatically, please download and install the Bookmobile settings files. Please note this is for color interiors and covers only.

Uploading Files:

• Upload files via Bookmobile’s Print Run Manager. Your CSR can set you up with an account.
• Please do not email files.
• Contact us for more information.