Free checklist

Yearbook print-ready checklist for schools

Before your school yearbook goes to print, it helps to check a few essentials. Work through the sections below — and if anything is unclear, our Queensland print team can help you get the files print-ready.

1. Before you start

   • Decide your approximate quantity, page count and deadline.
   • Confirm who is designing the book — your team, Canva, Adobe, or with design help from InHouse.
   • Note your delivery location and any key handover or presentation date.

2. Book size and page count

   • Choose a finished size (A4, A5 or a custom format).
   • Confirm your total page count — some binding styles prefer counts in multiples of four.
   • Tell us if the page count might still change; it affects paper and binding.

3. Canva setup

   • Design at the correct finished page size from the start.
   • Where Canva allows, turn on bleed and export with crop marks and bleed.
   • Download as a print PDF rather than individual images.
   • Tell us it's a Canva file so we can advise the safest print-ready export.

4. Bleed and margins

   • Extend full-page images and backgrounds about 3mm past the trim edge.
   • Keep important text, names and faces around 5mm inside the trim.
   • Allow extra clearance near the spine/gutter so nothing is lost in binding.

5. Image resolution

   • Use images around 300 dpi at the size they actually print.
   • Avoid enlarging small web images, screenshots or low-res phone exports.
   • Double-check cover images and full-page group photos at full size.

6. PDF export settings

   • Export a single print-ready PDF, not a folder of images.
   • Embed fonts, and include bleed and crop marks if your tool supports them.
   • Use CMYK where possible — ask us if you're unsure about colour.

7. Cover setup

   • Prepare the cover as its own file where possible.
   • Spine width depends on page count and paper — ask us before finalising.
   • Consider cover stock and finish for a book that stands up to handling.

8. Proofing checklist

   • Check spelling and all student and staff names carefully.
   • Check page order, section dividers and any contents page.
   • Review colour and image placement on a final proof before production.

9. Deadline planning

   • Work back from your presentation night or handout date.
   • Leave time for artwork checks, proofing, printing and delivery.
   • Share your deadline early so we can map the safest production path.

10. What to send InHouse for a quote

    To get a tailored quote, share what you know so far — no need to have every detail finalised:

    • Approximate quantity and page count.
    • Finished size and any cover or binding preferences.
    • Artwork status — print-ready, Canva/Adobe in progress, or need design help.
    • Deadline and delivery location.
    • Please don't send student photos or personal student details — just the details above.