InDesign Multi-Page Layouts With Spreads

[Thomas Hanser]

I use InDesign to create multipage brochures often, but I have a question about why ID automatically creates a file with spreads with the cover (page #1) and back page (#8, let's say) as single pages.

For me to submit my PDF to the printer, I have to manually move the back page (#8) UP next to page #1 to form a spread. (Uncheck 'Allow Document Pages to Shuffle.')

When would you want the cover and back pages to be single pages, not spreads?  Is there a situation where you would submit your file like this?

This isn't a showstopper for me, but I'm curious as to why you would want your layout like this.

Thanks!

[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

If you really have to do that, you need to find a new printer. There is quite literally zero reason for you to have to do this unless the cover is being submitted as a separate file.

[SJRiegel]

I always submit brochures to the printer as single pages -- the printer does the pagination for press.

[Thomas Hanser]

Well, at least I wasn't FLAMED too badly! I was expecting worse.

The printer I have to use (in a Corporate environment) has its limitations but most of these brochures and double-sided cards are printed digitally, not on an offset press. I wonder if that's the reason they require me to submit my PDF file like this?  Or they simply don't have the prepress technology or manpower to fix the file?  They only ask for PDF's, not a zipped-up ID source file or package.

Again, this isn't a showstopper but I always wondered why I had to do this myself.

Thanks again.

[BobLevine]

If that's the case, as I alluded to, you probably should just do the cover separately. If your doc is 8.5x11 then set up the cover as 17x11 and submit that way.

[Simeon.Brandner]

There is a way to print a leaflet, that will do what you did mannually. See attached file (sorry it's in french, but it is at the same place in english) File > Print leqaflet (or something, don't remember how they called it). 

 Hope this helps.