Layout & Pre-press
Key question
How do I show the printer where to trim and fold?
Die-cut lines, folding marks and crease marks are instructions for post-press processing. They are not printed, but must be clearly identifiable in the artwork.
Learning objective: You are able to set up technical lines correctly, distinguish between fold types, and calculate spine width.
Technology is a colour of its own.
5.1 / Die-cutting, folding and creasing marks
Technical lines are a spot colour.
Technical lines should be created as a spot colour, such as "Cutter guide", set to 100% with overprinting enabled. Never use CMYK, otherwise they will be printed.
01
Cutter guide
Closed, clean paths without duplicate lines, effects or transparencies.
02
Fold line
As a guide line or spot colour, not too close to text.
03
Rilling
Pre-creased line to prevent thick paper from cracking.
Technical layers are locked to ensure nothing shifts. Always coordinate marks and labels with your print shop.
100%, overprinting, separate layer.
5.2 / Binding and spine
The spine expands with the pages.
Saddle stitching (stapling) is suitable for thin booklets, while perfect binding is best for thicker brochures. The spine width depends on the page count, paper weight and paper bulk.
With perfect binding, space is lost in the gutter because the pages do not lie flat. Text should never be placed in the gutter. The printer will advise on the exact spine width based on a dummy copy.
First blind sample, then cover.
5.3 / Finishes
Each finish requires a separate printing plate.
Varnish, spot UV varnish, embossing, hot foil stamping, die-cutting, or perforation are created like technical lines: as a separate spot colour on a dedicated layer, aligned congruently with the artwork.
Every print shop has its own specifications for minimum line weights, spacing, and naming conventions. Be sure to check them before setting up your file.
Printer specifications come first.
Exercise
Prepare an envelope
Task: Create the cover for the programme.
STEP 1
Calculate the spine width using the calculator.
STEP 2
Creates the cover, spine, and flaps.
STEP 3
Draws fold and score lines as a spot colour.
STEP 4
Build a mock-up and compare.
Evaluation: Does your envelope match the blank sample?