EdgeWeaver

Before You Begin

EdgeWeaver is a post-production tool. Use it after the book has been edited, proofed, formatted, and exported as a final PDF.

If your text still needs edits, wait. Any change to the interior can change the page count, and page count affects edge art.

Files to Have Ready

• Final interior PDF: the exact file you plan to print.
• Trim size: for example, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, or your printer’s required size.
• Final page count: do not guess; use the count from the PDF.
• Edge artwork: black-and-white, color, or pattern artwork sized to the printer’s requirements.
• Interior graphics: chapter ornaments, title-page art, section dividers, or other approved elements.
• Printer specifications: bleed, margin, safety, and file requirements from the printer you are using.

What Edge Artwork Needs

Edge artwork depends on the physical book. The same design will not fit every trim size, page count, or paper type.

• Use the exact page count. Edge art is built around the number of pages in the final book.
• Use the correct trim size. A 5 x 8 file and a 6 x 9 file need different placement.
• Keep important details away from the outer edge. Fine lines can be cut off or softened during production.
• Use high contrast for black-and-white edge designs. Tiny gray details may disappear in print.
• Check the printer’s template. If the printer gives you exact dimensions, use those dimensions.

Interior Graphics

Interior graphics should support the book without interfering with readability. Use them where the reader expects design, not where the text needs quiet.

• Chapter openers: ornaments, icons, frames, or small illustrations.
• Part pages: larger design elements or divider graphics.
• Title and copyright pages: subtle motifs, seals, or series marks.
• Back matter: branded accents, newsletter calls, or series art.

Avoid putting heavy graphics too close to the spine or over body text. Pretty is not useful if the page becomes hard to read.

Recommended Workflow

1. Export the final formatted PDF.
2. Confirm trim size and page count.
3. Check your printer’s edge-art requirements.
4. Prepare the edge artwork at the required size.
5. Upload the PDF into EdgeWeaver.
6. Apply edge artwork first.
7. Add interior graphics only where needed.
8. Preview the full output.
9. Export the finished PDF.
10. Open the exported PDF and inspect the pages before uploading to print.

What to Check Before Printing

• Page count: the exported PDF should still have the expected number of pages.
• Odd/even pages: chapter graphics should land on the intended side.
• Margins: no graphic should crowd the body text or spine.
• Bleed: graphics that should reach the page edge must extend far enough for the printer.
• Edge alignment: the edge design should not rely on tiny details surviving trimming.
• File size: very large image-heavy PDFs may upload slowly or fail printer checks.

Common Fixes

• The edge design looks stretched: check trim size and page count.
• The artwork is cut off: move important details inward or use the printer’s bleed template.
• Interior graphics land on the wrong page: check whether front matter changed the odd/even page order.
• The PDF is too large: compress images before re-exporting.
• The printer rejects the file: compare the exported PDF against the printer’s required dimensions, bleed, color mode, and page box settings.
• The design feels too busy: remove interior graphics first. Edge art can carry the special-edition feeling without crowding the pages.

Best Pairings

• Brand DNA Generator: use the palette, motifs, and aesthetic direction to create cohesive special-edition art.
• A+ Content Builder: reuse special-edition visuals in Amazon A+ or store-page graphics.
• Darkling Palimpsest: create translated print editions first, then use EdgeWeaver for matching special-edition files.