How to create 'Booklets' using MS Word

[Sunite]

How to create 'Booklets' using MS Word


To create small or big BOOKS we need special software that are specifically developed for this. This category of software is called 'Desktop Publishing' (DTP). For example 'PageMaker' is a DTP application. But for creating smaller books are 'Booklets' then you need not purchase DTP software. You can use MS Word 2002 or higher version of MS Word to create booklets.
First you need to plan well and decide on how you want your booklet to be. Both sides of the book should appear at the top of the paper. Another two pages should come at the bottom of the paper. That is, on a single paper, you will print four pages of a booklet. Therefore the number of pages of the booklet should be in multiples of 4 such as 8,12,16 etc.

For this tutorial, let us create a booklet with 12 pages. Therefore this will be printed on 3 (3x4) papers. On the  first paper, page 12 should be placed on the left and page 1 should be placed on the right. (Remember that after printing, the paper will be folded into two). On the  BACK side of the same paper, page 2 should be printed and on the right page 11 should be printed.

Therefore, you will now know that pages 12 and 1 will be printed on the front of the paper and pages 2 and 11 should be printed on the back of the same paper. Likewise in the front of the second paper pages 10 and 3 will be printed and on the other side pages 4 and 9. In the third paper, pages 8 and 5 while on the back pages 6 and 7.

Are you confused now? Don't worry, MS Word will know exactly where to print which page. Let us see how we can achieve this.

Steps to create and print a Booklet in MS Word

Open MS Word 2002 or higher version of Word
Goto File -> Page Setup
Select the 'Margins' tab
In the 'Multiple Pages' drop down list select 'Book fold'. Word will automatically change 'Portrait' to 'Landscape'
Give desired margins for Top, Bottom, Inside and Outside
For binding the book there has to be an extra space at the left. Therefore change the 'Gutter' setting according to your preference
Click on the 'Sheets per booklet' drop down and select the appropriate number such as 4,8,12 etc. If you are not sure how many pages you need (since you haven't started typing) then just select 'All'
Type the contents of the book. pictures, tables, add whatever you want.
Save the file using File->Save and give a filename
Now you can print it using File->Print
If your printer prints automatically on both sides of the printer then you can just print it. If not choose 'Manual Duplex' option in your 'Print Dialog box' and then print it. ( You will need some experience in order to get this right. Gain perfection by Trial and Error until you get the printing correctly)
Now fold the papers into two. and arrange it based on the page numbers.
Now your first 'Booklet' is ready.