Master pages
A master page controls the page-level layout used by Print preview and print PDF export. It can define paper size, margins, writing direction, binding, typography, header and footer zones, and bleed.
All plans can apply the built-in master pages. Creating, editing, and applying a custom master page requires Pro.
Open Master Pages
- In the left sidebar, open Advanced > Master Pages.
- Select a master page to preview it.
- To create a custom master, choose New master page, then save it to This Project or Global Library.
- Edit the new master in the editor on the right.
A new custom master starts from the built-in Standard Body Page. Adjust it for the current book rather than assuming that its initial values match a print provider.
Main settings
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Paper | Page size and orientation. |
| Margins | Top, bottom, inside (spine), and outside (fore-edge) space. |
| Writing direction | Horizontal or CJK vertical page composition. |
| Binding direction | Left binding for most horizontal books or right binding for many CJK vertical books. |
| Zones | Body, header, footer, and footnote areas. |
| Typography | Fonts, sizes, line spacing, columns, and related page text settings. |
| Bleed | Bleed width, preview crop marks, and whether bleed and crop marks are included in PDF export. |
Print specifications vary. Use the dimensions, bleed, and crop-mark settings required by the service that will receive the PDF.
Apply a master page
- Open the document that should use the master.
- In Master Pages, select the built-in or custom master you want.
- Choose Apply to current document.
- Open Print preview and check the result.
Apply the appropriate master to each document that needs a different layout. For example, body chapters, title pages, and illustration pages may use different masters.
Horizontal and CJK vertical books
For horizontal text, begin with a horizontal master and confirm the binding direction. For CJK vertical text, choose vertical writing and the required binding direction explicitly; a newly created custom master does not switch these settings automatically.
Bleed and crop marks
Enable bleed when artwork or a background must extend past the trim edge. A text-only page with white margins may not need it. The preview option and the PDF export option are separate, so check both before export.
Always compare the final PDF with the target print provider's current specification.
Master pages and page templates
Master pages control page geometry and page regions. Page templates reuse document content such as a title page or dedication. A document can use a page template for its content and a master page for its print layout.