Yearbook print-ready checklist for schools

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.