Why page counts come in fours
A stapled booklet is made from sheets folded in half and nested inside each other. Each folded sheet gives four pages: two on the front and two on the back. That means a booklet's total page count needs to be a multiple of four, such as 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24. If your content runs to 13 or 15 pages, the booklet will still have to be made up to the next multiple of four.
Covers count towards the total
If your booklet has a separate or self-cover, the front and back cover pages are included in the total. A 16-page booklet with a cover has 12 inside pages plus the cover front, cover back and the two inside cover pages. It's worth deciding early whether the inside covers will carry content or stay blank, because they are part of the count.
Dealing with leftover pages
If you're a page or two over a multiple of four, there are usually better options than adding a lot of empty pages. You can tighten the layout, add a useful extra page such as contact details, notes or a contents list, or move a section so the count lands neatly. Blank pages in the middle of a booklet tend to look unfinished, so it's better to use the space purposefully.
Margins and the fold
Keep important text and images clear of the fold in the middle and away from the trimmed edges. Content that sits too close to the centre can be hard to read once the booklet is stapled, and anything near the outer edge risks being trimmed. A comfortable margin all round keeps the layout safe.
Choosing a different binding for thicker documents
Stapled booklets suit lower page counts. As a document gets thicker, staples stop being the right solution and a different binding such as comb, spiral or perfect binding becomes more appropriate. If you're not sure, tell us your page count and we'll say what works.
Getting your booklet printed
Star Printers prints stapled booklets at our Tooting shop. See our stapled booklets page, read our print-ready artwork guide, browse all printing services, or contact us with your page count and finished size.