Generating a Print Book
Learn how to create professional-quality print books from your digital stories with our comprehensive guide to print generation, proofing, and ordering
Ready to turn your digital stories into a beautiful printed keepsake? Keepsake creates professional-quality print books designed for lasting memories with comprehensive proofing and quality control.
How to Generate Your Print Book
Navigate to Printing
Go to Printing from your sidebar
Select your book
Click Configure on the book you want to generate
Find Book Preview
Scroll down to the Book Preview section
Choose Print tab
Select the Print tab if it's not already active
Start generation
Click Generate Book (you'll see this button if no print version exists yet)
Review details
Review the book details that appear before proceeding to select Generate Book
Review Your Book Details
Before generation starts, you'll see a comprehensive summary of what's being created:
Content Summary:
- Title and author information
- Whether a blurb is included
- Chapter and entry count
- Table of contents inclusion
The Generation Process
Start generation
Click Generate Book to begin the process
Monitor progress
Generation typically takes 1-3 minutes depending on book size. You'll see a progress indicator.
Automatic completion
Generation completes automatically. No need to stay on the page.
Understanding the Print Proof Review Process
When generation completes, Keepsake creates a Print-Ready Proof of your book. This proof ensures:
Print Quality Control
Ensure everything will print perfectly with professional standards
Layout Verification
See exactly how content flows on physical pages before printing
Technical Accuracy
Verify print specifications meet professional standards
Final Review
Catch any issues before your book goes to the printer
Print Preview View Options
Your print proof includes professional printing guides that can be toggled on or off:
View Options (Left Panel)
Bleed (3mm)
Gutter (8mm)
Trim Marks
Page Numbers
Understanding Printing Terms
Bleed
The extra 3mm of content that extends beyond the final page size. This ensures no white edges appear if the cutting isn't perfectly precise.
Gutter
The inner margin (8mm) near the spine where pages are bound. Content in this area may be less visible when the book is opened.
Trim Marks
The guidelines that show the printer exactly where to cut your book to its final size.
Page Numbers
Your book's page numbers for reference and navigation.
Print Preview Options
Technical View
Shows your book with all printer marks when enabled, professional layout exactly as it goes to the printer, and specifications panel for reviewing paper type and printing options.
Perfect for: Quality control and spotting layout issues before printing
Book Specifications
Your print book includes these professional specifications:
Physical Details
- Size: A5 (148mm × 210mm)
- Paper: 150gsm Silk (Premium quality with slight sheen)
- Printing: Full Colour
- Cover: Hardcover
- Endpaper:White
- Pages: Calculated based on your content (shown in preview)
What to Look for in Your Print Proof
Photo Quality
Images should be sharp and well-positioned throughout the book
Text Readability
Stories flow naturally across page breaks without awkward cuts
Gutter Clearance
Important content isn't too close to the binding area
Bleed Coverage
Background colours extend properly to page edges
Chapter Placement
New chapters start on appropriate pages for good flow
Moving from Proof to Print Order
Once you've reviewed your print proof and everything looks perfect, you can proceed to place your print order. The proof ensures you know exactly what your physical book will look like before it goes to production.
Take time to review your print proof carefully - this is your final chance to spot any issues before your book is professionally printed and bound. We cannot make any changes after the book is sent to print.
Troubleshooting
Make sure your book has completed entries and all required details are filled in. Check that you're on the Print tab, not the Digital tab.
Print generation typically takes 1-3 minutes. If it's been longer than 5 minutes, try refreshing the page and starting again.
Use the view options in the left panel to toggle on Bleed, Gutter, Trim Marks, and Page Numbers for the full technical view.
Print books are formatted differently for physical pages. This is normal - your print proof shows the optimised layout for professional printing.
Return to your project to make content changes, then generate a new print proof. Always review the updated proof before proceeding to order.
If you need more assistance with this topic please contact support at support@keepsakeproject.co.
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