Skip to main content
K
karinhaeberle
Participant
July 10, 2017
Question

print multiple pocket size pages as booklet on A4 paper

  • July 10, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 5988 views

Hello,

I tried to find an answer using Google and the FAQ here but I'm still no closer to finding a solution.

I am designing printable inserts for Travelers Notebooks. One very popular size is pocket size (3.5x5.5inch). I have designed them in InDesign - no problem there. I can print them as booklet but then most of my A4 sized printer paper is wasted as it is centered on the page.

I have tried designing one spread per page but then I have a problem with page creep and I'm not able to use booklet printing.

Is there a possibility to print 4 pocket pages (2 spreads)  on 1 A4 paper sheet and still be able to use the booklet printing option?

Does anyone know a good tutorial or blog or something which can help me? I'm grateful for every tip one might have in this matter!

Thanks,

Karin

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

rob day
Community Expert
rob dayCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 10, 2017

I have tried designing one spread per page but then I have a problem with page creep and I'm not able to use booklet printing.

Is there a possibility to print 4 pocket pages (2 spreads)  on 1 A4 paper sheet and still be able to use the booklet printing option?

Creep? If the imposition is only 4 pages there would be no creep—it would be 4,1 on one side of a single sheet and 2,3 on the other side. Using the Adobe PDF 9.0 PPD you could Distill a PDF of the 2 spreads with this Print setup

    Jeff Witchel, ACI
    Community Expert
    Jeff Witchel, ACICommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 10, 2017

    Hi Rob,

    I understand that the Adobe PDF 9.0 PPD is no longer available for the Mac. If you know where it can be downloaded, please let me know.

    All my best,

    Jeff

    Om Nath Jha
    Om Nath Jha
    Legend
    July 10, 2017

    Here's a link you can check: Save as PDF errors and issues in InDesign, Illustrator (Mac OS) . It has the download link for the PPD.

    Regards,

    Om

    Om Nath Jha
    Om Nath Jha
    Legend
    July 10, 2017

    Hi Karin,

    Did you check this help article/ tutorial: Create printer spreads for booklet printing in Adobe InDesign?

    Regards,

    Om

      Jeff Witchel, ACI
      Community Expert
      Jeff Witchel, ACICommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 10, 2017

      Hi Ohmnath,

      While the video beautifully explains how save a Postscript file with printers spreads, I caution Karin that you need to pay close attention to the Page Setup. Make sure to pick the correct size paper (which can be any size available on you desktop printer) AND make sure the orientation of your layout matches the page size. Check out the Preview section of the Print Booklet dialog window, before saving the PS files. Otherwise the results in your final PDF will have half your layout outside the PDF file pages.

      Another thing, I've seen many times on this forum, that you should not save Postscript files out of InDesign, Export directly. But I guess if your desperate and really need printers spreads in a PDF, this is a great solution.

      All my best,

      Jeff

      Om Nath Jha
      Om Nath Jha
      Legend
      July 10, 2017

      Hi Jeff,

      I agree with you on this. I believe in the video tutorial, the machine used is a Mac and he might not have Adobe PDF as one of the printers. This adds an extra step. If you can directly choose PDF, it's better.

      Regards,

      Om

      K
      karinhaeberleAuthor
      Participant
      July 10, 2017

      Hello,

      Ideally I want to print into a PDF file that I later can share online. People should be able to open this PDF and then print at their printer at home double sided to create a booklet / travelers notebook insert themselves.

      Karin

      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 10, 2017

      I think you're being rather ambitious. Most people don't have duplex desk-top printers and wont want to trim a left themselves.

      Best to modify your ambition and supply a PDF that people can print out on one side of one sheet(s) if they want.

      K
      karinhaeberleAuthor
      Participant
      July 10, 2017

      Derek,

      I don't share your opinion, I know for a fact that many home printers are able to print double sided and people do trim the pages down (join the planner community and you will see what people are creating from printables). But this is not the topic of my question and should be discussed elsewhere.

      I'd like to know if there is any possibility to print 4 pages sized 3.5x5.5.inch in booklet page order on one A4 sized page.

      Karin

      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 10, 2017

      Are you printing for proofing purposes or for a larger quantity.

      K
      karinhaeberleAuthor
      Participant
      July 10, 2017

      Hello,

      Ideally I want to print into a PDF file that I later can share online. People should be able to open this PDF and then print at their printer at home double sided to create a booklet / travelers notebook insert themselves.

      Karin

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices