BackWhat the configurator does. After uploading the file it helps to choose the format and type of binding, prepare the cover, configure the printing of the pages, see the price and add the finished configuration to the order.
1. Login and quick overview
After uploading, the file automatically accesses the online configurator. When there are many files, they are stored in a partition "My files": click next to the desired book "Configurator".
After uploading, Printto automatically selects the basic parameters for your file: format, binding type, print color and the beginning of the book block. Be sure to check this set before ordering. Click to open all options "Change settings". Previously, this button was called "Detailed settings".
At the beginning, a 3D view opens. Here you can evaluate the format, block thickness and cover.
2. Detected parameters and format
The upper part of the configurator shows the parameters that the system determined from the file or offered by default: binding, format, print color and number of pages. First, compare them with the idea of the publication.
File size and format. In the example, the file size is 210 × 148 mm, and for the finished book, the suggested A5 format is 205 × 145 mm.
Available formats A4, A5, B5 and original size. The dimensions of the finished book may differ from the office standard, so focus on the exact millimeters under the name of the format, not just the designation.
When you change the format, the price is recalculated automatically. This allows you to compare multiple sizes before placing your order.
3. Binding type
Available binding methods. The system shows only those options that are technically suitable for the thickness and structure of a particular file.
- Bracket — for thin paperback editions.
- Spring — for notebooks and materials that should be conveniently opened on the table.
- Clay — available for paperback and hardcover.
- thread — reliable binding of the book block in hardcover.
4. Where to get the cover
The cover block must first indicate the source. The choice depends on how your file is organized.
"At the discretion of the Printto team." The designer will review the file and determine which pages to use for the cover. This is convenient if you are not sure about the structure of the document.
- The cover is already inside the PDF - choose a rule that matches the position of the front and back pages.
- The front and back sides are saved separately - upload the two files to the respective fields.
- There is a ready-made full spread - upload one file with the back, spine and front.
- There is no ready-made design - use the option with your own text and color filling.
4.1. Cover and block scaling
If the proportions of the downloaded layout do not match the selected book format, the configurator will offer a scaling method. The settings for the cover and book block work the same, but apply to different parts of the book.
In the example, a 200 x 240 mm layout is adjusted to an A4 size of 205 x 290 mm, so the difference between the modes is clearly visible in the preview.
Scaling the cover
- "Adapt to selected size" — the layout completely fills the selected format. If the proportions are different, the image may stretch in width or height.
- "Enter without stretching the image" — the proportions of the layout are preserved, and the free space is filled with white fields above and below or on the left and right.
- "Original proportions" — the cover remains in its original size, even if it does not correspond to one of the standard formats.
After switching the mode, check the preview for the front and back sides, the spine, the margins and the location of important elements near the edges.
Book block scaling
The same three modes are available for internal pages. Adapt fills the selected format, fit preserves proportions and adds white margins, and original proportions leave the original page size.
Pay attention to margins near the spine, headers, page numbers, and text near the edges. The preview helps you judge the scaling, but the image quality and technical fields should be checked in the original PDF.
5. Text, spine and lamination
If you create a simple cover in the configurator, enter the author and book title, choose the color of the text and fill. For a sufficiently thick book, you can add an inscription to the spine so that the publication is easy to find on the shelf.
Lamination. Glossy gives a brighter shine, and matte looks more restrained and pleasant to the touch. Additional options immediately affect the price.
6. Block of pages and print color
Only part of the pages are shown in the preview to quickly assess the general appearance. The full PDF is not shortened. Nearby, the configurator shows the approximate thickness of the book block.
The beginning of the block. If the first page of the PDF is the cover, the book block usually starts with the second page. If the file immediately starts with the text - with the first one.
Print color. The black and white version is suitable for text books; color inkjet — for diagrams and illustrations; photo quality — for photos and saturated fills. Covers are printed in color by default, but a black and white cover layout will remain black and white.
If the file structure is unclear, leave the option "At the discretion of the Printto team". The editor will check from which page the block should start.
7. Paper and endpaper
Paper The selection determines the density, shade, and how the text and illustrations will look.
- White 80 g/m² - the basic option for most textbooks.
- White 100 or 120 g/m² - denser block, less transparency of pages.
- Cream paper - a warm shade for fiction and long reading.
- Smooth white 100 g/m² - reproduces photos and color images more clearly.
The endpaper is the inside of the hard cover. If you need text, fill or images on it, turn on the corresponding option and leave a clear comment for the layout specialist: which pages to put on the initial and final endpapers.
8. Bookmarks and ribbon markers
Gifts and donations. A regular paper bookmark is free. If you don't need it, uncheck it.
The volunteer bookmark is paid: funds from its sale are transferred to volunteer fees, which Printto reports on social networks. For hardcover thread is available slaps — a fabric ribbon sewn into a book. Its color can be matched to the cover or used as a contrasting accent.
9. Quantity, price and saving
Total price. Shows the cost of the entire selected edition, and below - the price of one copy, taking into account the discount.
Number of copies. Increase or decrease the amount with the buttons next to the number. The configurator will immediately update the amount and discount.
Save the configuration. Use this feature if you are printing multiple books with the same settings. A saved set can be applied to other files in My Files.
Discount percentage may vary for black and white, color printing and photo quality. Switch tabs above the scale if you want to compare options.
9.1. How to order publishing support
If the book needs official publishing, in the block "Additionally" mark "Get ISBN and UDC for the book". After that, the application form for publishing support will open.
In the form, indicate the title and subtitle of the book, author's full name, language, target audience, abstract, literature category, and publication status. Data must be entered exactly as it should be printed in the book.
Confirm that you have the right to publish text, illustrations and other materials. Before sending, check the current cost of the service: it is displayed directly on the form.
10. Adding to the order
Check the discount and total. Double-check the quantity, total price, and cost per copy before finalizing.
Click "Add to order". The book will go to cart, where you can check the order composition, contact details, delivery method and payment.
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