Make-up Process of Books
ImpressionOne impression equals 1/2 broadside sheet, for one folio (in the standard of folio printer), impression=page number/binding size

(1) Impression=96/16=6, i.e. 6 impression means to use 6 folios (3 broadside sheets) to complete a book.
※ One impression of the printing plate has 16 folios, 8 page numbers on the front and 8 on the back, which constitute an impression.
(2) A 16-mo book with 88 page numbers, impression=88/16=55. In theory, five and half impression, i.e. five and half folios could complete the book.
(3) A 16-mo book with 92 page numbers, impression=92/16=575, in theory, five and three fourths pages could complete the book.
(4) A 16-mo book with 94 page numbers, impression=94/16=5875, in theory, five and seven eighths pages could complete the book. General Knowledge of BindingSignature:fold the impression (cut or uncut) into several folds according to page number and sequence. The fold with multi-pages is called a signature of book-block. After collocating the folded signatures into volumes by order and combine them, it is called saddle stitching. Impression→folding→collating→wrappering→saddle stitching→cutting
Method for glue binding: impression→folding→collating→glue binding→wrappering→cutting
※ Method for folding page number: fold the sheet from right to left—turn 90 degrees clockwisely till obtaining satisfied size.Turn the sheet from left to right horizontally, and cut a corner in the right bottom, then mark page number


Saddle stitching and glue binding are introduced below:

The introduced knowledge of binding can serve as the foundation for correct make-up. Different folding and collating methods require different make-up methods, e.g. 16-mo book with 32 folios are made up by saddle stitching and adhesive binding.
（1） saddle stitching


（2） glue binding


If you have understood the method for folding page number and collating method for saddle stitching and glue binding, you can make up the plate above.
Auto reprint: one print plate prints two sides of a paper sheet, gripper does not change its direction when the sheet turns.
Positive reprint: one print plate prints two sides of a paper sheet, the gripper changes its direction when the sheet turns.


in example (4) 0.875 printed sheets, 81 to 94 pages 14 page numbers

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i need some help on this subject. i comprehend why the sheets are set out this way - my question is, does the designer set up the artwork on say A1 sheets like this, and then send that sheet as a PDF to the printer? or do they supply a multiple page PDF in which the printer then positions the individual pages correctly themselves?

Unless you have a very tight relationship, the prepress department of the press will handle the n-up imposition for the press/sheet size your job will run on and the designer almost always furnishes the book/booklet setup as individual pages (with proper bleeds if applicable)

that is an enormous relief. i find it really hard to get my head around. what is 'n-up'? is that the technical term for this making up process?

n-up just is just a placeholder for 4-up or 8-up, or whatever number it may be.

imposition can be confusing due to all the spatial thinking you have to do. Most updated print shops have software than handles the imposition, so dont worry about doing it.

that is so helpful. thanks guys.