Start Your Creative Journey With Comix Wellspring

From Idea To Printed Book, We Are The Trusted Print Partner.

Shop now

Start With The Correct Template

Properly setting up your files from the beginning can significantly speed up production turnaround time. It starts with your illustrator. Creators and publishers often make the mistake of allowing the initial illustrator to not use a template from the printer intended for the final book. This oversight can lead to critical artwork being cut off when the book is printed and that’s why you need to always review your proofs! We offer six sizes to choose from, accommodating all creative publishing ventures. Moreover, we provide free PDF templates for every size. Download the appropriate template, share it with your artists, and streamline your production process.

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATES

If You Are Not Using a CWS Template

If you are not using a CWS template
Follow the below guidelines to correctly size your file.

Print Sizes (Trim Size)
Choose one of the following trim sizes for your project: 

  • 5” × 7.5” (Traditional Japanese Manga)
  • 5.8” × 8.3” (A5)
  • 5.5” × 8.5” (Zine)
  • 6.625” × 10.25” (CWS Standard)
  • 8” × 10.5” (CWS Magazine)
  • 8.5” × 11” (US Letter)

File Size (Including Bleed)Your submitted file must be 0.25” larger than the trim size on both width and height. This allows for proper bleed and clean trimming.

Formula:
Trim size + 0.25” = File size

Example:
5.5” × 8.5” → submit as 5.75” × 8.75”

Templates
If you are using a CWS template, bleed and sizing are already set up correctly, no adjustments needed.

Safe Area
Keep all important content (text, logos, and key artwork) at least 0.25” inside the trim edge to avoid accidental cutting during production.

Submitting correctly sized files helps prevent delays and ensures faster turnaround.

Note:
If you prefer a more guided setup, you can download the template for your selected size. Each template is pre-configured with the correct dimensions, bleed, and safe areas to help you prepare print-ready files accurately.

Understand Your Book's Bleed Area, Trim Line, & Safe Area

Let’s keep it simple. If you want to print a 6" x 9" book, your page files should be 6.25" x 9.25". Your artwork should extend 0.125" past the trim size on all sides of the page. To play it safe, keep all crucial artwork and text 0.125" within the trim size. Using the Novella example, your safe area would be 5.75" x 8.75".

Eport Your Files At 300 DPI Resolution And CMYK Color Profile

Ensure your files are exported at 300 DPI resolution and in the CMYK color profile. This will keep your lines crisp and your colors accurate for print.

Flatten All Of Your Files

Information can be lost if not embedded. Avoid issues with layers by flattening your files. This ensures all elements are properly incorporated.

Separate Double-Page Spreads And Covers Into Single Pages

Ensure your double-page spreads start on even page numbers. Double-page spreads and covers should be submitted as single pages to maintain order and clarity during the printing process.

Upload Your File

We currently accept Print Ready PDF files only.

Please submit your files as a single PDF document containing all pages in the correct reading order, from front cover to back cover.
Important file setup guidelines:

  • Each page must be set up as a single page, not as two-page spreads
  • Include all pages in one PDF
  • Arrange pages in the correct order before uploading
  • If your page contains a spine, include it either first or last in the file.
  • Label the File properly (book title_issue/variant, if applicable)

Upload your PDF directly through the order form at the time of submission.

Providing a properly ordered, high-quality PDF helps ensure the best possible print results and prevents delays in production.

HOW TO COMBINE FILES FREE ADOBE TOOL

Ensure You Have The Correct Page Count

Saddle-stitch comics should have a page count in multiples of 4, and perfect-bound books should have a page count in multiples of 2. This ensures the structural integrity and proper binding of your book.

The CWS Spine Width Calculator

Getting the spine width right on your perfect bound book can be tricky. But it doesn't have to be, with our Spine Width Calculator, simply enter your book's specs, and we'll deliver precise spine and cover measurements instantly, bleed included. It's bookbinding made easy.

SPINE CALCULATOR

Artworker and Proofing 101

Artworker is Comix Wellspring’s file prep, prepress, and proof support service, ensuring every book is properly formatted and print-ready. It removes technical friction so creators can focus on their story while we handle the details.

LEARN MORE

Rep Us In Your Book and Save

Place our advertisement in your book and receive a discount on your books. You'll just need to leave a full page open for our full page CWS ad.

DOWNLOAD COLOR DOWNLOAD B&W