I want to make a perfect bound book

MAKING AND ORDERING A PERFECT BOUND BOOK

2 business day turnaround for all book binding, bulk orders (more than 5 books) 5 business day turnaround. NO rush orders on books/booklets.

Make an appointment with us to discuss your project!

1.    Create main body (interior/guts) file

a.  interior file(s) must be laid out in InDesign, as facing pages, with a bleed included in document (use our template for guidance)

b.  page ranges of differing sizes, paper types, et.c from main body must be in separate files

c.  include a mock-up (physical copy or sketch/diagram of your final layout)

d.  package your InDesign file(s) 

2.    Create cover file (use our template for guidance)

a.    Wraparound cover - for perfect binding, and some wire binding styles 

b.    Separate covers - for wire binding or saddle-stitch binding 

3.    Fill out the Book Binding order form to completion (Use Adobe Acrobat) , include as much detail as possible 

4.    Email completed order from, with all attachments, to sbureau@mcad.edu

^*5.   Optional: drop off other materials for binding

- preprinted pages (from self serve printing or otherwise)

- blank paper/scrap paper/filler

- alternative approved materials

• We may have questions, or run into issues while printing/binding/trimming, please keep an eye on your MCAD email, we will contact you there if we need any additional information, or need you to resubmit the order

• We will cancel your order if we are missing information, if your file is incorrect, or otherwise unprintable 

• Please allow 2 full business days for printing + binding, bulk orders allow up to 5 business days. See our Turnaround Times KB article for details 

• Once your job is complete, we will charge your PaperCut account listed on the order form (Please ask for a quote in your email if necessary prior to printing)

• You will receive an email when the job is completed and on the pick up shelf

• Files must be saved at print size, we do not scale or make other alterations to your work

• Please include a comprehensive mock-up or diagram of your final layout (ELI5 PLZ)

• See KnowledgeBase article and sample booklets for Paper Types we have available - we always recommend a heavier weight paper fro your cover, and a lighter text weight for your interior content pages

• You may use your own paper (we may ask to see a sample before approving it to print), make note of that on your order form and email us to coordinate drop off

• We require 1/4" bleeds for all book orders. It is important to build that extra area into your book design, and it will be required for any external book binding vendors you work with in the future, so now is the perfect time to learn that skill. If that bleed area is not included in your file, final trim size for your book will be up to 1/8” smaller than requested - we will not make file revisions to add bleeds or alter your content

• Keep important elements at least 1/4” from edges for all trimming and binding jobs

• Max allowed book dimensions: 17" H, 17" W, 2" spine

• Min allowed book dimensions: 1" H, 1" W, .125" spine

• We encourage you to set up an appointment to discuss your project with a full time SB staffer, particularly with more complicated books