How to Print Booklet in Word? Here’s Everything You Need?
Crucial Points to Act On
- We need one PDF with the pages in reading order.
- When the design is complete. export your Word file to PDF
- You need to add an extra 3mm on each edge to help with trimming
Key Highlights
- Microsoft Word offers built-in tools like the Book Fold layout to simplify booklet design and printing.
- Setting up margins, gutters, and page order correctly ensures pages fold and align perfectly.
- Adding consistent fonts, clear spacing, and visual dividers helps create a professional finish.
- Previewing your layout and adjusting margins prevents misaligned or cut-off pages.
- Saving your booklet as a PDF keeps formatting intact and ready for print.
- Common issues such as blank pages or incorrect layouts can be fixed easily in Page Setup.
- Printed booklets remain a versatile and effective format for manuals, catalogues, and programmes.
- Once your file is ready, you can send it to Ex Why Zed for expert, high-quality printing.
You’ve spent hours designing your booklet. The layout looks perfect on screen, the content is ready, and you can already picture holding the printed version in your hands. But when it comes to actually printing it, things suddenly get confusing. The pages print out of order, the text runs too close to the fold, or worse, the entire layout shifts. Sound familiar?
Many people assume printing a booklet in Word will be simple, only to find it’s trickier than expected. Between page setup, margins, and double-sided printing, there are plenty of small details that can throw your project off if you don’t get them right. And when you’re aiming for a professional finish, whether it’s a company brochure, an event programme, or a personal project, those details matter.
The good news is that creating a well-formatted, print-ready booklet in Word isn’t complicated once you know the steps. In this guide, you’ll learn how to print booklet in Word from start to finish, including how to design, set up, and save it as a PDF ready to send to Ex Why Zed for professional printing.
Why Use Microsoft Word To Create And Print Booklets?
Most of us already have Microsoft Word on our computers, which makes it one of the easiest tools to use for creating a booklet. You can quickly set up your pages with features like the Book Fold layout and duplex printing, making printing a booklet in Word simple and accurate.
You can also add images, covers, headers, and footers to give your booklet a polished, professional look. When you’re happy with the design, simply export it as a PDF to keep your layout intact and ready for printing. If you’d like a high-quality finish, you can then send your file to Ex Why Zed for professional printing.
How To Set Up Booklet Layout In Microsoft Word?
Getting your booklet layout right from the start is crucial. Correct setup ensures your pages fold correctly and everything prints in the proper order.
Let’s go through the essential steps to set up your booklet layout in Word.
Step 1 – Open A New Document
Start by opening a new blank document in Word so you have a fresh page to build your booklet on. Next, set the page size according to the paper you will be using, such as A4 or Letter. This ensures your booklet will print at the correct dimensions and fold neatly.
Crucial Step - Add 3mm Bleed
We do need an extra 3mm around each edge to help with trimming. This is called 'bleed' If you have not printed anything before or set a file up for print then we understand 'bleed' will be a completely alien concept. Here is the video guide that will help you do it.
So, for example if you are printing an A5 booklet (210x148mm) then with the 3mm extra on each edge, the Word page needs to 216x154mm.
If you are printing a 210x210mm booklet, the Word page needs to be 216x216mm. For A4 booklets (297x210mm), you should set up the Word page as 303x216mm.
Step 2 – Choose The Total Number Of Pages
Before adding any content, decide how many pages your booklet will contain. A good rule of thumb is to have a total page count divisible by 4. This makes sure the pages align properly when folded and avoids any blank pages at the end.
Step 3 – Adjust Page Setup For Booklet Printing
Now it’s time to format your document for booklet printing. Go to Layout > Margins > Custom Margins. Under Multiple Pages, select Book Fold. This will automatically arrange your pages in the correct order for folding.
Next, adjust the Gutter to leave extra space for binding. This prevents text from getting too close to the fold. Finally, set the orientation to Landscape, which is essential for the booklet format to work properly.
Step 4 – Customise Margins And Paper Size
For a professional finish, tweak your inside and outside margins. This makes sure your content looks balanced on every page. Double-check your paper size under Layout > Size to match the sheets you plan to print on.
At this stage, your document is ready for content, and you’ve completed the main steps on how to print a booklet in Microsoft Word correctly.
Not sure which size works best for your project? Read our Guide to Booklet Sizes for Printing to find the perfect fit for your design and budget.
How to Design Your Booklet In Word?
Once your layout is set, it’s time to bring your booklet to life. Now we’ll look at how to add your text, images, page numbers, and create a professional cover, as well as organising your content effectively.
Step 5 – Add Text, Images And Page Numbers
Start by adding the main content of your booklet. Use Insert > Page Number to number your pages automatically, so readers can navigate easily. Apply Styles to headings and body text to keep your fonts consistent throughout the booklet.
Images can make your booklet more engaging. Insert them via Insert > Pictures, and adjust their size and position so they complement the text without crowding the page.
Step 6 – Create A Cover Page
The cover is the first thing readers see, so make it count. Use Insert > Cover Page for a ready-made template, or design one manually for a custom look. Include your title, logo, and background image to give your booklet a polished, professional appearance.
Step 7 – Organise Content Into Sections
For a structured booklet, use Section Breaks to separate chapters or different sections. This makes it easier to manage page layouts, headers, and footers.
Add Headers and Footers to include page numbers, titles, or other branding elements. This ensures your booklet feels cohesive and professionally formatted from start to finish.
How Can I Print A Booklet In Word
Now comes the most important part: how do I print a booklet in Word
Step 8 – Preview The Booklet Layout
Start by going to File > Print > Preview. This allows you to see how your pages will appear once printed. Check carefully that odd and even pages are positioned correctly so your booklet will fold in the right order.
Step 9 – Set Print Margins And Clean Up Artefacts
Next, adjust your margins if needed, selecting Narrow to make sure the content fits neatly on the page. Take a moment to remove any formatting artefacts or extra blank spaces. Doing this now ensures your booklet looks clean and professional.
Step 10 – Choose The Correct Print Settings
Finally, choose the appropriate print settings. Select Booklet Printing in your printer settings, and make sure to choose Print on Both Sides (Flip Pages On Short Edge). Adjust the paper source if necessary to match your printer setup.
Once you have completed these steps, your booklet is now ready to be printed!
Looking for affordable printing options in the UK? Read our guide on cheap booklet printing UK to find out how to get great quality at a lower cost.
How To Save Your Word Booklet As A PDF?
Saving your booklet as a PDF is a great way to share it digitally or ensure it prints exactly as you intended. PDFs preserve your layout, fonts, and images, making your booklet look professional every time.
Step 11 – Export As PDF
Go to File > Save As > PDF. Before saving, select Options > Book Fold Printing to make sure the booklet layout is retained. Saving as a PDF is perfect for sharing with others or sending to a professional printer. It keeps your pages in order and ensures your design stays intact.
Step 12 – Double-Check Before Printing
Before sending your booklet to print, take a moment to review everything. Verify the margins, images, and page order to ensure nothing is out of place. Completing this step helps avoid errors and ensures a polished, professional booklet.
Once your PDF is ready, you can send it to Ex Why Zed for professional booklet printing. Request an instant quote to see how straightforward and efficient our printing process is.
Where Do You Commonly Use Printed Booklets?
Printed booklets are incredibly versatile and can be used for so many different purposes, both personal and professional. Some of the most common uses include:
- Event Programmes: Set the tone for your event by outlining schedules, speakers, or performances in a format guests can easily follow and keep.
- Training Manuals: Give employees or students structured guidance that’s easy to refer back to, whether in classrooms or on-site.
- Activity Books: Engage children or learners with hands-on content like puzzles, colouring pages, or challenges they can complete offline.
- Product Catalogues: Present your products or services clearly, helping customers browse and compare in a tactile, professional format.
- Branded Magazines: Share company stories, interviews, and updates that strengthen brand identity and keep readers connected.
- Staff Handbooks: Communicate policies, procedures, and workplace culture in a format that feels clear, consistent, and approachable.
- Coffee Table Books: Showcase photography, design, or creative projects in a stylish format that invites people to pick it up and browse.
- Newsletters: Keep your audience informed with updates and insights they can flip through at their own pace, making it a tangible break from the digital noise.
Whether for professional use or personal projects, printed booklets are a simple way to share information in an organised and visually appealing way.
Curious if print still matters? Read our blog on why print booklets are still relevant in the digital age to see how they continue to make an impact.
What Are the Common Issues You Might Face When Printing Booklets In Word?
Even with careful setup, some issues can occur when printing a booklet in Word. Being aware of these common problems can save time and ensure a professional result.
- Pages Out Of Order: This usually happens if the Book Fold settings are incorrect. Double-check that this option is selected in your page setup.
- Blank Pages: Blank pages often appear when the total page count is not divisible by 4. Either adjust the number of pages or add filler content to correct this.
- Margins Cut Off: If text or images are too close to the fold, increase the gutter width in your page setup to provide extra space.
- PDF Layout Issues: When exporting to PDF, make sure Book Fold printing is selected. This keeps your layout intact and prevents pages from printing in the wrong order.
By addressing these issues before sending your PDF to Ex Why Zed for printing, you can ensure your booklet looks polished and professional.
Make your booklet stand out with vibrant, accurate colours. Learn how to get the best printing results for your colour booklet with our practical advice.
How Can You Make Your Booklet Look More Professional? (4 Tips)
Creating a polished, professional booklet is about more than just getting the pages to print correctly. Here are some practical tips to make your booklet look its best:
- Keep Fonts and Sizes Consistent: Use the same font family and size for headings and body text throughout your booklet. This makes your content easier to read and gives a cohesive, professional appearance.
- Maintain White Space: Avoid crowding your pages. Leaving enough space around text and images improves readability and gives your booklet a clean, balanced look.
- Add Borders or Dividers for Style: Simple visual elements like lines, borders, or section dividers can help organise content and make your booklet visually appealing.
- Test Print a Few Pages First: Before printing the entire booklet, print a few sample pages. This allows you to check alignment, margins, and overall design, helping you avoid surprises in the final print.
Following these tips will make your booklet not only functional but visually professional. If you’d like expert guidance or help preparing your file for print, contact the Ex Why Zed team today; we’re here to make sure your booklet turns out perfectly.
Conclusion
Designing and formatting your own booklet in a Word document is easier than most people think. Once you understand how to print a document as a booklet in Word, you can confidently create professional-looking programmes, manuals, or catalogues without needing complex design software.
If you’ve been wondering, can you print a booklet in Word, the answer is yes, and the steps you’ve followed in this guide show exactly how. Now that your booklet is designed and saved as a PDF, your next step is simple: send it to Ex Why Zed for professional booklet printing. We’ll ensure your hard work looks just as impressive on paper as it does on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I print a booklet in Word 2010?
Open your document and go to the File menu, then select Print. In the Print dialog box, under Page setup options, choose the Book fold option to arrange pages correctly. For the best results, print on both sides of the paper and select your preferred paper size.
How to print a 4 page booklet in Word?
To print a short, 4-page booklet, use the Book fold option in Page setup. This automatically arranges pages in order. Check your print setup to ensure double-sided printing is enabled, and preview before printing to avoid alignment issues.
How to print an A5 booklet in Word?
In Page setup options, choose A5 as your paper size and select the Book fold option. Printing an A5 booklet is ideal for small brochures or manuals. Ensure your printer is set to flip on the short edge for the best results.
How to print a booklet in Word 2007?
In Word 2007, go to the Page Layout tab, select Margins, then Custom Margins. Choose the Book fold option under Multiple Pages. Once complete, go to the File menu and print using duplex settings to print on both sides of the paper.
How to print a booklet in Word for Mac?
Open your document on a Mac, then select File > Page Setup. Under Layout, choose Book fold option. In Print setup, enable double-sided printing. This ensures both sides of the paper print correctly for a folded booklet.
Which Word templates are best for creating and printing booklets?
You can use any booklet template available in Microsoft Office or download one online. Templates designed for brochures, event programmes, or manuals work perfectly. They make layout design easier and ensure professional results for your writing project.
How to print to a booklet with correct page order?
Go to Page setup options and select Book fold option to automatically arrange pages in the right order. In your print setup, ensure duplex printing is enabled so both sides of the paper are used on each sheet of paper.
Can you create and print a booklet in Google Docs similar to Word?
Yes, but Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in book fold option like Word. You’ll need to adjust margins manually and export your document as a PDF. For the best results, use your printer’s print setup to print on both sides of the paper.