Setting up a cover file in InDesign

Just thought I would share the way I set up a book design file in InDesign. Maybe other designers do this too. If not, share if you have any time-saving tips.

1. Create a new file.
2. Make the width of the document size =trim size(back) + spine size + trim size(front).
3. Set columns to 2.
4. Column size should equal spine thickness (here, .5")
5. Set margins. I like to use .25" for the bottom elements (logos, barcode, etc.)
6. Left and right margins should be one-half the trim size (e.g. a 5.5" trim width, set margins to 2.75")
7. Set bleed.

File should now have guides for spine, and the center marks for both front and back covers.
Maybe this is obvious and everyone else does it that way too.

Comments

[Nan]

Found your site through a mutual 'art director'... Thanks for this InDesign tip, I've just been weaned off of QE and OS Classic last Oct and if there's a hard way of doing things, I'll utilize it. This will make things a little easier...

Great work on your covers! Will come back and visit again to see updates and to get inspired!
NBd
ps. had a good guffaw on your list of "Good Books Made Ugly" Oh so true!

[Bret Kerr]

Thanks - had been doing the spine trick but not the centering of front and back.

[Jennifer]

Good trick, thanks! I'll try it out soon.

[Barb]

Is this for a paper jacket or the actual board cover? If so, how do you allow for the curvature for the right front dip and left back dip beside the spine?