How to auto page layout for A3 newsletter from A4

[MattWhite]

I've created a newsletter in InDesign using 2xA4 page spreads as the standard. This edition comes to 16 pages.

I wanted to print it on A3 papge so it can automatically be stapled and folded so it reads like a center-stapled double A4 booklet. (eg the first A3 sheet has page 16 and 1, then on its back are pages 2 and 15. Then the next A3 sheet has 14 and 3, then on its back is 13 and 4... etc)

I've looked through the settings of Indesign, Adobe PDF reader and even the A3 printers at work but can't find anything that will take a continuing series of A4 sheets and organise them onto A3 for book fold printing.

Can this be done? Is there a special name for this procedure so I can search help files more effectively? or is the only way to do this to copy each A4 page onto an A3 sheet? How do commercial printers do this?

 

[jimoblak]

The keywords you should be searching for are 'booklet' and 'imposition'.

Ideally, this task is handled by your print service provider. If you only need a sample print for yourself, consider exporting a PDF file and then downloading the latest Adobe Reader 8, which offers booklet printing in the print dialog.

 

[apepp]

...if using Indesign CS2 then the Inbooklet SE function under the file menu may help you. The plugin permits 2-up Saddle Stitch, 2-up Perfect Bound, 2-up; 3-up; 4-up Consecutive. The plugin for Indesign CS is part of the Pagemaker Plugin Pack...

Andrew

 

[Ekwoman]

If you've already done the imposition manually (page 16 is sitting to the left of page 1, etc. in spreads), then you can print it out on A3 by choosing "spreads" in the print menu (under page range). Remember to choose A3 size paper and the right orientation in the Setup pane of the Print dialog box.