The main rule. First, tell the configurator exactly where the cover is. Then check the front and back sides, the spine and the direction of the flip. The 3D view helps to evaluate the result, but check the technical fields in the PDF.

1. Specify the source of the cover

There are several scenarios listed. Choose the one that exactly matches the structure of your file:

  • At the discretion of the Printto team — the layout specialist will determine the cover after checking the file.
  • Last page + first page — back cover at the end of the PDF, front at the beginning.
  • Blank page + first page — a clean back side is required.
  • First or second page in landscape orientation — the ready spread is already available in PDF.
  • Your files — front and back sides separately or the entire cover in one spread.
  • Your text and color fill — a simple cover can be created without a ready-made design.
On screenCover source
Choosing a cover source
1Cover source Check the rule against the actual page sequence in your PDF.
Don't guess. If you're not sure where the front and back sides are in your document, choose to check with the Printto team and leave a short comment.

2. If the cover is a separate file

For two files, upload the front and back sides in the appropriate fields. A full spread requires one layout in the order: back, spine, front. The height of all parts must be the same.

The width of the spine depends on the number of pages, paper and binding. Do not count on it by eye. Get the actual size in the configurator or check with the manager.

3. Text, spine and color

If the cover is created in the configurator, enter the title and author without extra hyphens, check the case and color of the text. The inscription on the spine is only available when the thickness of the book allows it to be printed legibly.

On screenCover design
Text, color, spine and cover lamination
2Cover design Check the text, spine, color and selected type of lamination.

4. Paper and lamination

The type of paper and available options depend on the design of the book. Lamination protects the surface and changes the color impression: glossy enhances shine and contrast, matte looks more restrained. Focus on the current options in the configurator, and pages and paper of the book block configure separately.

  • The front side is on the right in a full cover spread.
  • The back side is on the left.
  • The spine has the current width for the current block.
  • The text does not fall on the folds and in the crop area.
  • All inscriptions are checked for errors.
  • The type of lamination was chosen deliberately.

The instructions have been adapted and supplemented based on the Printto material "Configurator: Step 2".