Participant

Question

Adjusting Gutter Space in InDesign for Full-Spread Text Layouts

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
January 7, 2025
3 replies
917 views

Hey i study grafic design in germany and got myself with one of my laouts in trouble i think (without knowing)

I have created an InDesign layout where text is used as a design element, with large typography spanning across the full double-page spread. Now, I need to add gutter space (inside margin) after the fact. What is the easiest way to do this without completely reworking the layout?
I added 2 screenshots for better understanding. The black lines in the background on the inner side mark the gutter space.

I am hopefull and greatfull for your help!

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

I'd suggest just adding a 5mm inside bleed to the existing layout.

I agree that a much softer, more pliant — and more durable — binding would be an asset to this unusual project as well.

Robert at ID-Tasker

Legend

@Barb Binder, @BobLevine, @James Gifford—NitroPress, @Peter Spier, @Joel Cherney

Can you pitch in?

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

(Sorry, can't resist) — are you asking us to gutter snipe, here? 😄

Robert at ID-Tasker

Legend

How it will be printed and then finished?

Because there might be nothing to do for you - it can be "resolved" during imposition.

D

Darlene_SchiebelAuthor

Participant

I will send it to print. They need 5mm gutter space and it will be cold glued. I think. After that i will do a double-book-binding by myself.

But if you have any idea of binding which would work better with that i would be happy to adjust.

Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

131 but i have this situation in just 30 double pages

Did you ask the printer if they can adjust the space in their imposition program for the non-double pages? I've had to do this before due to a last-minute page size change (client switched to a different printer).

Then, on a copy of the file, I would run a script to break each text frame from the flow.

Delete all the non-spread pages. The text won't reflow on the remaining pages due to the step above.

(You will still need to check for any first line indents that don't belong.)

The use the Page tool to adjust those spreads. Make note of the reference points when changing the size.

On a PDF of the original document, delete the double-page spreads.

Send the separate re-sized PDF with VERY CLEAR instructions.

Be sure to view a proof that has all the pages sized properly.

I would also ask about a lay-flat perfect bound binding. It costs more but the readers won't have to crush the spine to read the text in the spine gutter.

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

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