pp stands for Printed Pages — it counts each printed side, not each sheet of paper. One sheet has a front and a back, so one sheet = one leaf = 2pp. A 16pp booklet is 16 printed sides, which is 8 sheets folded and stapled together.

Why do booklet page counts have to be in multiples of 4?

Booklets are printed on large sheets that get folded down, and each folded sheet gives you 4 pages. So the total page count always has to be divisible by 4 — 8pp, 12pp, 16pp and so on. If your content doesn't hit a multiple of 4, add a blank notes page or contents page to pad it out neatly.

How should I supply artwork for saddle stitched booklets?

Supply a single PDF in running order, page by page from front to back: front cover first, back cover last. No printer spreads or impositions — just straight sequential pages. Preferred format is PDF/X-1a; standard PDF, PNG and JPEG are also accepted, and the artwork team checks every file before print.

How should I supply artwork for perfect bound booklets?

Send a single PDF with all pages in running order. For perfect binding the cover is one wraparound piece — front cover, spine, then back cover — followed by all internal pages in sequence. Make sure the spine panel is the correct width for your page count; the product configurator calculates it automatically.

What is spine width and how do I know what size to use?

The spine is the flat edge of a perfect bound or wiro bound booklet. Its width depends on page count and paper weight — more pages or heavier paper means a thicker spine. The width is calculated automatically in the product configurator. Saddle stitched booklets don't have a flat spine, so spine width doesn't apply.

What's the difference between saddle stitched, perfect bound and wiro binding?

Saddle stitched: two staples through the spine — simple, fast, economical, best for 8–40pp. Perfect bound (PUR): pages glued at the spine and trimmed square like a book or magazine — minimum 32pp, great for catalogues and reports. Wiro bound: metal wire coil through punched holes — lays completely flat, ideal for manuals and notebooks.

Rapid Print Pro | Londons First Choice-Booklets & Brochures Printing

Lets play by the rules...

Try to use PDF

Save your files in PDF/X-1a:2001 format for optimal print accuracy.

However, if that's not possible, don’t worry—we’re flexible and will still accept PNG, JPEG, or any other format you have.

Our Artwork team is here to support you, so if there are any issues, they'll get in touch with a fix, a workaround, or maybe just to have a chat if they're feeling lonely!

Safe Area

image on 3mm margin for artwork guide by rapid print pro

Please ensure that any text is positioned at least 3mm away from the edges. While we strive for perfect cutting, there is always a small chance of movement. If you prefer a borderless background, extend it beyond the edge, but keep all important content 3mm away from the edges.

Resolution

Supplying high-resolution artwork guarantees sharp, clear prints with optimal detail and color accuracy. Images from WhatsApp, for example, won't produce crisp prints, so always export from Canva at 300dpi. Whenever possible, use original images instead of screenshots. Don't worry if you make a mistake—our artwork team will be your safety net and will catch anything that may need adjustment.

Make it Bleed

If you're lucky enough to have the Adobe package, set your bleed to 3mm in the document settings. This allows your artwork (such as backgrounds) to extend beyond the finished size into the bleed area. This way, any slight movement during cutting will be hidden, ensuring no white borders around the edges.

If you don’t have a design package, no worries! Simply make your artwork canvas 3mm larger on all sides. For example, if you're designing a business card that will be trimmed to 85mm x 55mm, your background should extend to 91mm x 61mm. Just remember, any text should be at least 3mm away from the 85mm x 55mm edge!

Transparency

image of a diagram explaining how transperency works

Printing digital artworks can come with one little issue—transparency. While it might not be visible on screen, it has a huge impact when it comes to printing. So, make sure to flatten any transparency before exporting.

Check the link here if you need help : HELP ME

Resolution

Supplying high-resolution artwork guarantees sharp, clear prints with optimal detail and color accuracy. Images from WhatsApp, for example, won't produce crisp prints, so always export from Canva at 300dpi. Whenever possible, use original images instead of screenshots. Don't worry if you make a mistake—our artwork team will be your safety net and will catch anything that may need adjustment.

Roller Banner

Roller banner artwork should be supplied at the product size, e.g., for a standard 80cm roller banner, artwork should be provided at 800mm x 2000mm with a 3mm bleed on all sides, if possible.

Our artwork team will then add an extra 150mm section below your design, which will be hidden inside the roller banner mechanism. This section helps attach the display to the pull-up banner.

Please, there’s no need to include this extra section in your artwork when submitting.

Printed in SE1 • three ways to get it

Delivery that suits you.

Same Day Delivery

London · from £45

Order by 3pm, select same day at checkout and we’ll jump on the bike — typically with you within about 90 minutes, anywhere across London.

Next Day Delivery

UK-wide · £6.99

Need it tomorrow? We’ve got you covered — order by 3pm and it’s in your hands tomorrow via DPD, tracked all the way to the door.

Collection in SE1

Same day · free

Fancy a walk? Order by 3pm and collect same day from 27 Tabard Street, two minutes from Borough tube — we’ll even make you a brew while you wait.

Full delivery info →

Why print with Rapid

Reasons to buy.

Artwork checked by a human

Every file · triple-checked

You don’t need design experience — made it in Adobe, Canva or Paint, we don’t judge. Our artwork team re-sets every file so it’s perfect before a single sheet prints.

Nothing less than the best

Premium stock · guaranteed

Premium papers, vibrant sharp colour, and a team that checks every order from start to finish — perfectly packaged and ready to impress. If we mess it up, we reprint it.

Ethical, doing our part

FSC · certified

Only FSC-accredited paper from responsibly managed forests — protecting ecosystems and supporting communities while cutting our footprint. Good print, clear conscience.

Which binding suits your booklet?

A4 Booklets & Brochure Printing

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Get a brochure quote — or order booklets online

Graphic design in London