Master the art of book edge design with our comprehensive guides, tutorials, best practices and insights from our customers.
Walk through every step of building a project inside the Edge Creator.
View TutorialFollow a quick checklist so your files, finishes, and delivery details are press-ready.
Explore GuideQuick fixes for common snags plus pro tips for consistent results.
Read FAQWelcome to PrintedEdges.com! To get you started quickly on designing your gorgeous printed edges for your next project, we have put together a series of resources, tutorials, and FAQs to answer your questions. Before getting started on your projects, we highly recommend that you review some of the new resources to understand the changes and features we have implemented within our newest release.
Edge printing transforms the usually plain edges of book pages into stunning visual displays. Whether you're looking to add subtle elegance or bold artistic statements, edge printing opens up new possibilities for book design. Fore-edge painting and designs have been around for centuries dating back to as early as the 10th century. What used to require hand-painted designs, expensive sprayed or digitally printed services, or expensive and time consuming interactions with professional formatters, can now be completed entirely on your own, at a fraction of the price, and available instantly!
Our platform makes it easy to create professional-quality edge designs ready for any Print-On-Demand or traditional printing services without needing specialized printing knowledge or expensive equipment. Start your design journey today completely for free!
Use this Learning portal as your go-to resource for finding new information and support while you are designing your project. The above video gives you a brief overview of our platform with detailed onboarding information for the Edge Creator tool in the Onboarding Resource. Once you have finished your design and purchased your final PDF proof, you can refer to the Getting Your Edge Design Printed Resource to understand the specific steps needed to either submit your PDF proof to your POD printer of choice, or to apply your template to Vellum as a page border. If you run into any issues, or want to see some of the common questions from our customers please refer to the Troubleshooting and Best Practices.
Use a PDF directly out of ANY formatting software or create Vellum-specific templates for easy reuse.
Bring your own design or explore some of our pre-built design patterns (coming soon!) to perfectly match your book's theme.
Use our 3D previewer to see exactly how your book will look, then place your order with confidence.
Understanding how embedded edge designs work is key to planning your book's design, production, and printing. While the results may look similar to sprayed or digitally printed edges that are added after a book has been bound, our process creates the artwork during the print-ready PDF stage.
Sprayed edges start with a finished book and run it through a printer that coats the outer edges in a solid or ombré color. It's a classic look, but every copy costs extra, the finish can fade, and you're usually limited to simple color treatments.
Digitally printed edges go a step further by jetting detailed artwork onto the trimmed block. Services like BookVault or 48 Hour Books can produce striking results, yet they share the same drawbacks: higher per-copy pricing, potential wear, and reliance on specialty equipment that many indie authors can't access.
Embedded (or "forced") edges solve those pain points by baking the artwork into the PDF itself. Our platform creates page-by-page image slices that align when the book is stacked, forming a seamless design along the top, bottom, and foreedge. Because the magic happens in the file—no custom machinery required—you can print anywhere, pay once instead of per copy, and know the artwork won't scuff or fade.
There are still a few considerations. Some designs work better than others within the slicing structure, and final quality depends on the consistency of your print provider. We've tested a wide range of printers and share our recommendations, templates, and tutorials in the Learning Hub so you can confidently bring your concept to life.
Explore the resources above to learn how to design, prep, and print your embedded edges.
| Specification | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document Format | A final PDF ready for submission to your printer with full-bleed margins already added. | |
| Image Format | PNG | PNG for your design in the correct size based on trim size and length. |
| Dimensions | Variable | Based on book size and page count, our sytem will generate a blank design in the correct size for you. |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum | Higher resolutions are recommended for intricate designs and bright colors. |
Ensure your edge design complements your cover design and overall book aesthetic. Consistency across all visual elements creates a cohesive, professional appearance.
Proofing is critical! Take the time to review your 3D proof preview as well as the PDF proof in detail. Check for embedded images overlapping internal content, artifacts appearing on the edges (specifically the corners), and color accuracy.
Consider your target audience when choosing designs. Young adult fiction might benefit from bold, vibrant patterns, while academic texts might need more subtle approaches.
Edge printing is a fairly new technique for Print-On-Demand printers so it's worth investing in a proof copy before ordering mass production. Each POD printer has different capabilities and consistency in their printing, so it's important to understand what to expect from your chosen printer.
Put your knowledge into practice with our easy-to-use design tools.