How to Create Booklet Layouts in CorelDRAW

Creating a booklet layout in CorelDRAW requires setting up proper document dimensions, configuring page orientation, designing in consecutive order, and using CorelDRAW's built-in imposition tools for printing. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of setting up your document, structuring facing pages, and exporting or printing a print-ready folded booklet.

Step 1: Determine Document Dimensions and Page Count

Booklets are made of folded sheets, meaning the total page count must be a multiple of four (e.g., 8, 12, 16, or 24 pages).

  1. Open CorelDRAW and create a New Document.
  2. Set the Page Size to your target finished page size (e.g., Letter or A5 for a folded booklet).
  3. Set the Orientation to Portrait (unless designing an oblong/landscape booklet).
  4. Set the Color Mode to CMYK for commercial printing.
  5. Enter the total number of pages needed (ensuring it is divisible by four).

Step 2: Configure Layout and Facing Pages

To view your design as readers will see it, configure CorelDRAW to display two-page spreads.

  1. Go to Layout > Page Setup (or Document Options).
  2. Under the Document tab, select Layout.
  3. Change the layout type from Full Page to Booklet.
  4. Check the Facing Pages option.
  5. Set the start page to Right Side so that Page 1 acts as your front cover, followed by two-page spreads inside, and the final page acts as the back cover.
  6. Click OK.

Step 3: Set Bleeds and Margins

Proper margins and bleeds prevent text from being cut off or swallowed by the binding.

  1. In the Page Setup window, navigate to Rulers > Guides to create standard margins.
  2. Leave extra margin space on the inside edges (the "gutter") to account for the fold or saddle-stitch staple.
  3. Under Document > Page Size, enable Show Bleed Area and set your bleed distance (typically 0.125 inches or 3 mm). Ensure background graphics and images extend to this outer line.

Step 4: Design Your Content in Consecutive Order

When designing in Booklet mode:

  • Design your document in reader spreads (chronological order: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, etc.).
  • Do not manually rearrange the pages to match how they print on a sheet. CorelDRAW automatically handles the printing sequence (imposition) during the output phase.
  • Page 1 is the front cover, the middle pages hold the interior spread, and the last page is the back cover.

Step 5: Print and Impose the Booklet

CorelDRAW features an automated Print Preview engine to arrange pages into printer spreads (saddle stitch).

  1. Go to File > Print.
  2. Choose your printer, then click Print Preview.
  3. In the Print Preview window, select the Imposition Layout Tool from the left toolbar.
  4. From the top property bar, open the Booklet preset dropdown and choose Booklet (or Saddle Stitch).
  5. CorelDRAW will automatically place Page 1 alongside the last page on a single sheet of paper.
  6. Review the signature sheets using the page navigation arrows at the bottom.
  7. Print double-sided (duplex), flipping on the short edge.

Step 6: Export to PDF for Professional Printing

If you are sending the file to an external commercial printer:

  1. Go to File > Publish to PDF.
  2. In the PDF settings, choose Prepress from the PDF Preset dropdown.
  3. Under the Prepress tab, check Bleed Limit and ensure it matches your document bleed settings.
  4. Check with your commercial printer whether they require Reader Spreads (single consecutive pages) or Imposed Spreads. Most commercial print shops prefer single consecutive pages, as their prepress RIP software handles imposition automatically.