Edge Creator
Onboarding Tutorial

Follow this guided walkthrough to master every step of the Edge Creator experience, from naming your project to exporting polished marketing assets.

Back to Learn Hub
Orientation

Start or Restart the Guided Tour

The in-app guided tour is always available whenever you need a refresher. Click the ? help button to reopen the walkthrough at any point while working on your project.

PrintedEdges help button and guided tour trigger
Step 1 of 10

Name Your Project

  1. Click into Project Name.
  2. Type something descriptive (e.g., Trilogy Book #1 – Final).
  3. Press Enter to save.
Project naming field highlighted in Edge Creator
Step 2 of 10

Select Project Type

Choose how you want to use the Edge Creator for this project:

  • Final PDF – embeds edges into a finished, print-ready PDF.
  • Template – produces embedded edges in a Vellum-ready template.
  • Free – produces embedded single color edges in a Vellum-ready template.
Project type selection options in Edge Creator
Step 3 of 10

Upload Your Interior PDF or Setup Template

  1. Click Upload PDF manuscript.
  2. Drop in your formatted PDF — trim size and page count are detected automatically.
  3. If your PDF lacks the required full bleed margins, review and follow the warning prompt.
  4. If building a template, set trim size and page count, then select Set Template Size.
Uploading interior PDF manuscript inside Edge Creator
Step 4 of 10

Watch Changes in 3D

  1. As you configure options, the live 3D preview updates instantly.
  2. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom, and use the right-hand toolbar for different angles and utilities.
Live 3D book preview interface
Step 5 of 10

Set Edge Styles

Enable and customize finishing touches for your project. Choose from edge and border options to build a unique look.

  1. Open the Style section to view available options.
  2. Toggle and configure any combination of:
    • Custom Edges – upload full-edge artwork for custom designs. Templates are provided pre-sized for your specific page count and trim size.
    • Tabbed Edges – apply page range–based designs (coming soon) and text for sectioned visuals.
    • Internal Border – upload border overlays (coming soon) for each page.
    • Colored Edges – pick a solid color for the book’s edge.
  3. Adjust settings or upload artwork as needed, then continue.
Edge style configuration panel
Step 6 of 10

Generate Your Proof

Before generating a proof, work through this validation checklist:

  • Confirm your PDF includes full-bleed margins (if uploading a PDF directly).
  • Ensure you’ve selected all required features for this project.
  • Check that images are rotated and applied correctly in the 3D preview.

Then click Generate Final Proof to proceed.

Generate final proof button and checklist
Step 7 of 10

Review Your Proof

  1. Use Default 3D Preview or Proof 3D Preview to toggle views.
  2. Download your PDF Proof and inspect edges, colors, and alignment.
  3. Make any necessary adjustments before continuing. You can regenerate as many times as you would like for free.
Reviewing generated proof options
Step 8 of 10

Capture Preview Assets

Use the viewer toolbar controls to create marketing-ready visuals:

  1. Switch camera angles, pause motion, or adjust lighting.
  2. Capture still screenshots, record videos, or create GIFs.
  3. Save assets for previews, social posts, and sales pages.
Preview capture tools within Edge Creator
Step 9 of 10

Open Purchase Modal

  1. Purchase Project or apply credits to finalize your order.
  2. Prefer to return later? Save your progress and pick up where you left off.
Finalize or save project controls
Step 10 of 10

Review the Purchase Price and Details

  1. Check the order summary, pricing breakdown, and included files before completing checkout.
  2. Apply credits or pay through Stripe, and confirm the contact email that receives receipts.
  3. After you finish purchasing you will be directed to the checkout completion page with details on how to use your new PDF files.
Purchase modal with pricing, download, and credit options
Beyond the Basics

Additional Tools and Features

Enhance your presentation with cover artwork and master the previewer toolbar.

Cover Artwork

Use Covers to place artwork on your book preview so your marketing shots reflect the final product.

  1. Open Covers in the toolbar.
  2. Upload Front, Spine, and Back images.
  3. Use Rotation to align artwork if needed.
  4. Click Done to apply.
  5. Your book covers will be saved with your project files.
Cover artwork modal with upload slots

Previewer Toolbar Reference

Use the right-hand toolbar controls to customize your preview experience:

  • Hardcover/Paperback – toggle binding style.
  • Covers – open the Cover upload modal.
  • Matte/Glossy – switch cover finish.
  • Side Edges – view left, right, or combined edges.
  • Book Stack – switch between single and multi-stack book previewer.
  • Fullscreen – go fullscreen with the 3D previewer.
  • Screenshot, Video, GIF – capture media.
  • Beauty Shots - capture multiple angles of the book and download a .zip file.
  • Bounce, Rotation – start/stop 3D previewer animations.
  • Share – export or access sharing options.
Previewer toolbar reference callouts
3D Preview Modes

Showcase Single Books or Stacks

Use the live preview to visualize your project as a single hero book or an impressive stack—perfect for product pages, marketing collateral, and launch-day signage.

Single Book Presentation

Highlight cover artwork and edge detailing with a focused single-book angle—ideal for storefront thumbnails and proofing reviews.

Single book preview mode example

Stacked Book Showcase

Switch to stacked mode to picture a full series or signing-day display—perfect for social teasers and envisioning your works of art at the next signing.

Stack of books preview mode example

Tips & Gotchas

  • Full Bleed: All uploaded PDFs must have the correct full bleed margins required for your specific POD printer. For most printers, an additional .13" top, bottom, and side margins are required. Please refer to your preferred printer for specific details, or contact us for recommendations.
  • Covers: Upload separate front, spine, and back images to ensure your designs match your cover designs.
  • Stacks: Combine Book Stack with Video and Beauty Shots to generate consistent marketing images quickly.
  • Tour on demand: Need help mid-project? Click the ? button to relaunch the guided tour.
Back to Learn Hub