File set up and sizes
Our magazines are available in standard (such as A4 or Letter) and dynamic sizes.
Standard sizes for magazines
| Size | Orientation | Dimensions (mm / in) |
| A5 | Portrait | 148 x 210 mm / 5.8 x 8.3" |
| A5 | Landscape | 210 x 148 mm / 8.3 x 5.8" |
| A4 | Portrait | 210 x 297 mm / 8.3 x 11.7" |
| A4 | Landscape | 297 x 210 mm / 11.7 x 8.3" |
| 8.5 x 11.0" | Portrait | 216 x 280 mm / 8.5 x 11.0" |
| 11.0 x 8.5 in | Landscape | 280 x 216 mm / 11.0 x 8.5” |
- The size of the non-standard magazines depends on the aspect ratio of the
PDF (width ÷ height).
- We read the first page to determine the aspect ratio and display matching
product sizes.
- The aspect ratio must be between 0.34 and 1.54.
- Dynamic Format Ranges: The minimum and maximum width and height
correspond to the smallest and largest dimensions shown in the table above.
- Content will never be cut or distorted; we only adjust the size downward unless
your file is smaller than our smallest product.
- Resolution: 300dpi
- Colour profile: RGB
Cover and content
- Our magazines range from 20-500 pages and must contain an even
number of pages.
- If you submit an odd number, the final page will be left white.
- Save your print file as one PDF document containing both the cover and content as single pages.
- Do not add bleed or cut marks, as our system will automatically generate these.
- Please leave a minimum margin of 10 mm on all sides of both the cover and content pages.
Layout
The following diagram illustrates how your magazine will appear once printed. The numbered text below corresponds to the numbers displayed on the image. Please note that this diagram is for illustrative purposes only.
- Front cover:The first page of your PDF will become the front cover of your magazine
- Inside of front cover: This is page two of your PDF and will appear on the left-hand side.
- Page three of your PDF: This will be page three of your magazine.
- Page four of your PDF. This will be page four of your magazine.
- Page five of your PDF. This will be page five of your magazine.
- Page six of your PDF. This will be page six of your magazine.
- Inside of back cover: This page will be the second-to-last page of your PDF.
- Back cover: The last page of your PDF will become the back cover of your magazine.
Spine
Spine design for manual orders
When placing a manual order, you will be prompted within the order form to customise the spine. The following details will be required:
- Spine text: You will have the option to enter custom text that will appear on the spine of the magazine.
- Text colour: Select a colour for the spine text that complements the cover design.
- Background colour: Choose a background colour for the spine, ensuring it aligns with the overall theme of the magazine cover.
Make sure no important text or design elements are placed too close to the edges, to allow for slight variations in printing and binding.
For custom spines, we recommend adding text to magazines with more than 40 pages. For fewer pages, use a colour or pattern instead, as text may be too small to read.
Spine calculation for API users
For API users, the spine artwork should be provided separately from the cover artwork. Spine dimensions are calculated based on the total number of pages and the specific production lab that will print and bind your magazine.
- To ensure your spine artwork fits correctly, please query the API* to receive the exact dimensions required for your project. This will allow you to adjust your spine design to meet the precise requirements based on the page count and the lab handling your order.
- Avoid placing important design elements too close to the edges of the spine to allow for slight variations in printing and binding.
Make sure no important text or design elements are placed too close to the edges, to allow for slight variations in printing and binding.
For custom spines, we recommend adding text to magazines with more than 40 pages. For fewer pages, use a colour or pattern instead, as text may be too small to read.
Saving your PDF
We recommend exporting your file with a PDF / X-4 Profile (coated FOGRA 39). Please ensure that all fonts are embedded and any transparencies are flattened.
Recommended PDF setting: PDF / X-4 (coated FOGRA 39)