Morris Press Cookbooks 1
It’s easier than ever to create material ready for print-
ing. If pages are press-ready, material can go directly
from computer to press.
Saving Time vs. Saving Money
Our recipe formats are designed to fit the maximum
number of recipes on each page. By submitting press-
ready pages, you may end up with more pages than we
would for the same number of recipes, resulting in
higher printing costs. However, you will have more total
design control over all your pages.
Note: If your goal is to save money, we suggest you
use our easy online system at www.typensave.com.
Create an account and all your members can log in to
submit their own recipes. You’ll also save 25¢/book
($300 max.) and production time will be 20–25 days.
Also note, if you want digital recipes on e-Book, we will
be unable to provide this service if recipe pages are
submitted press-ready.
Copyright © 2007
Revised March 2019
Morris Press Cookbooks
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this document, in whole or in part,
may be copied, transferred, or reproduced.
Accepted Material & Free Proof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Formatting Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Numbering Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Type Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Artwork Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Resolution & File Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Prepare File to PDF/Send Order & Upload File . . . . . . 8
Use this guide to create all cookbook pages: title page, person-
al pages, table of contents, recipe pages, mail-order page,
index, advertising pages, and any other pages. Pages will be
printed in black ink, except for photos or artwork in personal
pages that you request to be printed in full-color.
Note: If you want full-color photos or other color on all or most
of your cookbook pages, please use our Press-Ready Guide for
Full-Color Pages, which is on our web site’s Download Center.
3212 E. Hwy 30 • P. O. Box 2110
Kearney, NE 68847
800-445-6621 • Fax: 308-234-3969
www.morriscookbooks.com
e-mail: cookbook@morriscookbooks.com
Visit our Download Center at www.morriscookbooks.com and
print the One-Color Press-Ready Order Form which includes pric-
ing. See p. 8 for details on sending your order and uploading files.
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
Morris Press Cookbooks 2
Accepted Material
• A file converted into a PDF (Portable Document
Format) is the only digital format we will accept.
See p. 8 for how to create a PDF and upload a file.
• A previously printed cookbook may be provided
as long as pages convert into our format as
described on p. 3. A signed Release Form will be
required to print the cover, dividers, and any art-
work. See the Download Center of our web site.
We cannot print a stock cover or dividers from
another company since this material is copy-
righted. You may use one of our stock covers and
divider sets. Supply one copy of the book and
original artwork and photos.
• Note: If you have a custom press-ready cover or
divider set, do NOT include them in your pages
file. These require different templates; download
our press-ready guides for dividers and a cover.
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
Material NOT press-ready includes:
color printouts, dot matrix printouts,
digital files that don’t follow our speci-
fications, or pages created with wrong
image area and margins. If this mate-
rial is submitted, it will be returned to
the customer for corrections.
What is Press-Ready?
Press-ready pages are:
• designed pages that require no extra alterations
or typesetting.
• the correct size and margins.
• in the correct order with correct page numbers.
• furnished as a high-resolution file.
If furnished correctly, your pages are ready to print.
The quality of the printed work is determined by the
quality of your digital file. All pages of your cook-
book must be furnished press-ready. This includes
table of contents, personal pages, recipe pages,
index, and any other pages for your cookbook.
Free Proof
• Proofread and spell-check all pages carefully
before uploading your file. If changes are need-
ed after submission, submit a new PDF which
is subject to a charge. Production may also
be delayed.
• Production time is 35-45 business days (7-9
weeks) from the day after we receive your complete
order and you will receive a hard copy text proof.
If you waive the option to see a text proof,
production time is 20-25 business days from the
day after we receive your complete order. You
will receive a digital proof of your cover and
custom dividers.
• If you do not return your proofs by the date
indicated, production will be delayed. ALL proofs
and sign-off letters (even those you do not
approve) MUST be returned before production
can continue.
Morris Press Cookbooks 3
Figure A
Figure B – Margins for Microsoft® Word
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
Type and artwork must
stay within image area
Page Size 8 1/2" X 11"
1 5/8"
4 3/8"
2 1/16"
2 1/16"
1 5/8"
7 3/4"Even page
numbers
here
Or center all page numbers
Odd page
numbers
here
Page Requirements
• ALL artwork, photos, and text, including page
numbers, MUST stay within the image area of
4.375" x 7.75". Anything outside the image area
will be too close to the edges or binding. Bleeds
are not allowed (content to the edge of the page).
• Include all pages in ONE file: title page, personal
pages, table of contents, recipe pages, index,
mail-order page, ad pages, blank pages, etc.
• Do NOT assign a color to anything. Keep all text,
artwork, and photos in black (grayscale). If
photos are to be printed in color, see p. 7.
• Allow for blank pages. See p. 4.
• See p. 5–6 for type and photo/artwork recom-
mendations and p. 7 to ensure the correct reso-
lution and file formats for digital artwork.
Microsoft® Word – See Figures A & B
Use these margins:
• use the portrait setting (8 1/2" x 11")
• top and bottom margins set at 15/8" (1.63)
• left and right margins set at 2 1/16" (2.06)
• the result is an image area of 4 3/8" x 7 3/4"
(4.375 x 7.75)
To assist you, the Download Center of our web site
has a premade Word® document.
NOTE: Other software may be used as long as the
image area is 4 3/8" x 7 3/4" (4.375 x 7.75). We
require files to be converted into a PDF. Native files
are not accepted, except for Word – our uploader
tool will convert a Word file into a PDF. See p. 8.
Formatting Pages
Create a document using the page margins at right.
Include all pages of your cookbook in ONE file: title
page, personal pages, table of contents, recipe
pages, index, mail-order page, advertising pages,
and even blank pages. Proofread and spell-check all
pages carefully after typesetting is completed.
If furnishing press-ready dividers or a cover, do
NOT include them in your page document. This
material requires different templates and must be in
separate
files. Refer to Press-Ready Cover
Guidelines and Press-Ready Divider Guidelines.
You may print these files from the Download Center
of our web site, www.morriscookbooks.com.
Create pages 1-up. Do NOT create them 2-up or
in facing page format. Use the portrait, not land-
scape setting. See Figure B for Microsoft ® Word.
Morris Press Cookbooks 4
Numbering Page
• Odd numbered pages are right-hand pages;
even-numbered pages are left-hand pages. The
first page of each recipe section should be odd-
numbered. The last page of each section should
be even-numbered. Add a blank page if necessary.
• Allow for blank pages in your numbering, even if
you do not want page numbers printed on them.
• Allow for dividers in your cookbook. Each divider
takes up two pages. Do NOT submit dividers
(fronts or backs) in the same file as cookbook
pages. See Figure C below.
• Page numbers should be placed at the bottom of
each page, centered or on the outside edge. See
images at right and Figure A on p. 3. Keep page
numbers within the margins.
• Final page count: Count ALL cookbook pages
(title page, personal pages, table of contents,
recipes, index, advertising pages, blank pages,
etc.). Dividers should NOT be included in your
final page count.
Back of Divider
First page of recipes
within a category
Example of page
numbering
Page numbers centered
at the bottom of pages
Page numbers on outside bottom edge
Figure C
First page
of book
(title page)
Pages 2–6
are personal
pages and table
of contents
Front of
Divider:
Always a
right-hand
page.
Start of
Recipes:
Always a
right-hand
page.
Back of
Divider:
Always a
left-hand
page.
1
3
2
5
4
6
7
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
Allow for blank pages in your num-
bering, even if you do not want
page numbers printed on them.
We recommend that you place
page numbers in one of two areas:
1) centered at the bottom of each
page or 2) on the outside bottom
edge of each page.
Morris Press Cookbooks 5
(A)
(B)
(D)
(C)
Type Recommendations
Do these things:
• Make a list of rules for using bold, italic, center-
ing text, etc., for design consistency that results
in a more professional looking cookbook. (A)
• Justify text for a professional look. (B)
• To add emphasis, boldface or italicize text; do not
underline. Many lines of text in boldface or italics
is hard to read; don’t overdo it. (C)
• Put recipe ingredients and instructions in 10 –13
point type. Text smaller than 10 point should be
used for captions or small bodies of text. (D)
• Put recipe titles in a larger point size and/or bold-
er typeface than the ingredients and instructions.
This also applies to headings and subheadings in
personal pages. (D)
Justify (flush left and flush right) –
Adjust the horizontal spacing in lines of
text so they begin and end evenly,
making lines of uniform length.
Avoid these things:
• DO NOT use too many fonts. It can make the text
harder to read.
• DO NOT put screened images or boxes behind
type or use screened type. (E)
• DO NOT submit large, heavy fonts, black boxes,
bars, or lines exceeding 2" in width or height or
areas with reversed type. They are difficult to print
with consistent ink coverage. (F)
• DO NOT use script fonts in all caps, as they are
difficult to read. They are elegant for headings and
are easier to read in upper/ lowercase. (G)
• DO NOT use fonts with very fine lines. When
printed, fine lines may fill with ink or drop out
completely. (H)
• DO NOT allow two consecutive lines of type to
end with hyphenated words.
We recommend that text smaller than
10 point should be limited to small
bodies of text or photo captions.
(E)
(F)
(F)
(G)
(H)
• DO NOT allow widows, if possible. These are sin-
gle words on one line at the end of a paragraph,
column, or page.
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
(H)
(I)
(J)
(G)
Morris Press Cookbooks 6
• DO NOT submit copyrighted artwork or photos
without a written, signed release from the copy-
right owner giving permission for their use.
Generally, all artwork and photos are copyrighted
unless you are using royalty-free photos or clip
art, you own the images, or you paid someone to
create artwork. Examples of copyrighted images
include photos from a newspaper, magazine, or
book, or scanned scrapbook papers, greeting
cards, or other artistic purchased material including
images dragged from a web site. (J)
Personal pages may include 1 FREE photo printed
in black ink. Additional photos may be included for
an extra charge. All photos will be printed in black ink
unless you want photos printed in full-color, which
is limited to only personal pages.
Artwork Recommendations
Do these things:
• Recipe pages can only include black/white art.
Line art prints best – this is art made only from
black lines, with no grays/screens. See p. 7. (A)
• Artwork with screens should be in grayscale
mode at 300 ppi; save as a .tif or .eps file. (B)
• All content (text, photos, artwork) must stay with-
in the image area as specified on p. 3. (B)
• If using Illustrator® files, line strokes on artwork
should be at least .5 point, or they may be too
faint and not print. Convert text into outlines.
• If you purchase artwork or photos from an image
web site, download the largest size. Most will list
the pixel and/or ppi size. We require 150 – 300 ppi.
See p. 7 to figure the print size you can achieve.
• Color images are limited to personal pages. (C)
If color is found on other pages, it will be con-
verted to print in black ink.
Avoid these things:
• DO NOT use clip art with color or artwork from
pencil drawings, crayons, or highlighters – they
print poorly. (D)
• DO NOT use artwork with fine detail; it may fill in
or drop out when printed. (E)
• DO NOT use low-resolution images. Do not use
photos dragged from web sites, as most are only
72 ppi – not acceptable for printing. See p. 7. (F)
• DO NOT scan photos printed from a photocopier,
color copier, color inkjet, or color laser printer. (G)
• DO NOT create pages with borders around the
entire page. (H)
• DO NOT extend artwork, photos, or text off the
page. Keep all contents within the image area. (I)
• DO NOT submit solid black boxes, black bars,
thick lines, or photos or artwork with large solid
black areas.
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
(A)
(B)
(C)
(E)
(F)
(D)
Morris Press Cookbooks 7
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
Resolution & File Formats
Resolution
An image that looks good on your computer’s mon-
itor may not necessarily print well. Resolution of a
digital file, expressed in pixels per inch (ppi), deter-
mines the printing quality.
Divide each axis by 300 – the result is the largest
size an image can be printed at maximum quality.
We will accept files as low as 150 ppi. Images won’t
be as sharp as 300 ppi, but it is still of acceptable
quality. In that case, divide each axis by 150.
Example of image at 1000 pixels x 667 pixels:
300 ppi
1000 pixels x 667 pixels (each ÷ 300 ppi)
= 3.33" x 2.22" maximum print size
150 ppi
1000 pixels x 667 pixels (each ÷ 150)
= 6.67" x 4.45" maximum print size
If you enlarge an image, maintain at least 150 ppi.
Most images dragged from a web site are 72 ppi.
You cannot resave 72 ppi files to 300 ppi. Once you
bring images into your document, don’t enlarge
them as it reduces the ppi; use at 100%.
Note: Scan line art (black/white artwork with NO
shading) at 600 ppi and save as a .tif. Avoid enlarg-
ing it in your document as it affects resolution.
How many pixels are in my image?
Photo-editing software can show how many pixels
are in an image, in length by height. Otherwise, on a
Mac, under “File” use “Open With” and “Preview,”
then use keys “Command-I” to see “General Info.”
A pop-up window will display the data. See above.
On a PC, right click on the image file, look at
“Properties,” and then the “Summary” tab.
Camera Settings
Most newer digital cameras and cell phones can
take photos suitable for printing. Check the owner’s
manual to use the highest quality settings available.
If possible, do not use any compression settings
because it destroys quality.
Image File Format
You may want to modify the brightness, contrast,
and color in a photo-editing program. We cannot be
responsible for image quality since we do not make
alterations or correct colors to your files.
Save images as .eps, .jpg, .tif, .png, or .pdf in
CMYK or gray-scale mode (for black/white photos
or images) and place them into your pages. Files
will be several megabytes in size if it’s the correct
resolution, although .jpg files are generally smaller.
Maximum Print Size at 300 ppi
width = 1000 pixels ÷ 300 ppi = 3.33"
height = 667 pixels ÷ 300 ppi = 2.22"
667
pixels
The “General Info” pop-up window on
a Mac will display your image’s pixels.
1000 pixels
Artwork may be substituted for photos
on personal pages. Full-color images
may only be used on personal pages.
➥
Morris Press Cookbooks 8
PRESS-READY GUIDE
for ONE-COLOR
COOKBOOK PAGES
Prepare File to PDF
It does not matter what software was used to cre-
ate your pages (e.g., Microsoft ® Word, InDesign,®
QuarkXPress,® etc.). Our File Uploader will convert
a Microsoft® Word file into a PDF. For all other soft-
ware, you must convert the file into a PDF.
For the Best Possible PDF:
• See p. 5 for type recommendations to produce
the best readability and printing results.
• See p. 6 for photo/artwork recommendations. If
material is submitted from the “DO NOT” list, the
customer is responsible for poor print quality.
• See p. 7 to ensure artwork/photo resolution of
150 – 300 ppi and proper mode and format.
• PDFs will embed fonts and artwork. There is no
need to send those to us.
• Convert text in Illustrator® files to outlines. Make
sure fonts used are open when converting a file
into a PDF; otherwise, fonts will be substituted.
• Make sure artwork in Quark® or InDesign® do not
have any broken links before you PDF the file.
• ALL pages must be in ONE file (title page, person-
al pages, table of contents, recipe pages, index,
mail-order page, advertising pages, blank pages,
etc.). Do NOT create sections or pages in sepa-
rate files. If you do, combine them before creat-
ing your PDF and uploading your file.
• Do NOT include your cover or dividers in the
same file as pages. These must be created in a
separate file.
• If using Quark® or InDesign,® make the PDF using
PDF/X-1a setting with NO registration marks and
NO bleeds.
• Once your PDF is made, and before you upload it,
review all pages to ensure everything look accu-
rate. Check for any font replacements and broken
image links (images will appear fuzzy/blurry).
See page examples above.
Send Order & Upload File
• Before uploading a file, send your completed
order form. When received, you will be sent a
confirmation e-mail with a Book Number. Your
Book Number is needed to upload your cookbook
pages file (plus cover and dividers, if custom).
• Visit www.morriscookbooks.com/upload to send
your file through our File Uploader.
• After you upload your file, you will be able to pre-
view it for accuracy. Make sure all fonts and
images look accurate before accepting the file.
• Orders are processed once we receive all material.
• If we receive a digital file other than a PDF, we will
reject your file, which delays your order.
• If you have any problems uploading your file,
send it on a CD or jump drive. Label it with your
organization name and book title.
• For assistance, call us at 800-445-6621.
After you upload your file, you will
be able to preview it for accuracy.
Good PDF
Fonts are correct and images
appear sharp and colorful.
Bad PDF
Demonstrates a substituted
font and broken image link.