How to Print a Song Book

Printing a songbook both in the office and with a commercial printer can be a fairly easy process when following just a few tips. To print a songbook that turns out exactly as you desire, incorporate the following formatting, image, and uploading rules.

Instructions

1. Formatting a songbook for print involves choosing its size, its number of pages and a paper stock. A professional printing company allows you to choose from a variety of sizes, but make sure to choose one that will be appropriate for your layout. The page amount should be limited to increments of four, since four pages are printed onto one large sheet of paper. As an example, a four-page songbook would contain pages four and one on one side of the sheet, and pages two and three on the other side of the sheet. Most songbooks only contain uncoated paper of a light weight, such as 70#, for the interior pages; however, if your songbook contains any photography, a glossy paper will create brilliant pictures. The cover requires a more durable paper type, such as a glossy 80# stock.

2. Since most songbooks only contain images of the songs, preparing the layout can be simple when using design software. Just be sure to double check your page order. With a commercial printing company, use the digital template they provide for printing accuracy. This allows you to conform to their printing standards for full bleed and cutting lines when designing your songbook. If you do not know the cutting line, important information could be cut when the printer trims the pages down to size. Or if you do not extend graphics or photographs to the bleed line, a small, uneven white strip could be left on the edges of your pages. If printing on an inkjet, use the digital template provided in your design software. Just make sure that your images are clear by using a resolution of 300 dpi or higher, whether you are using a professional printer or your office printer.

3. Most printing companies require clients to upload artwork to a website or email address. If you have any questions concerning your printer's uploading requirements, be sure to call the company, since any problems can place your project on hold. With a songbook, save the pages in a PDF format, so that your songs are protected from unwanted changes.