How to print in two-up saddle stitch layout?

Question

Level 1

19 points

How to print in two-up saddle stitch layout?

This question was asked seven years ago, and the answer then was "It can't be done". I would hope that, in seven years, Apple has provided a solution. Here's a more complete description of what I want: I have an eight page document that I shall print double-sided, two pages per side, onto two sheets of paper. The page numbers should line up on the sheets as follows:

Sheet one, front: page 8, page 1

Sheet one, back: page 2, page 7

Sheet two, front: page 6, page 3

Sheet two, back: page 4, page 5

This way I simply take the two sheets of paper, place sheet two on top of sheet one, fold them down the middle, then staple at the fold line. This makes a eight-page pamphlet.

I have tried the various printer options. I use short-edge binding, but none of the four variations on this accomplish what I need.

Am I attempting the impossible?

iMac, Mac OS 9.1.x

Posted on Jan 28, 2016 12:59 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 21, 2017 11:34 AM in response to Loginator

Doh, I ended up getting a new copier this week so I had to ditch all my presets and do some testing. This is the new setup I have for a booklet that is 8.5 x 11 finished. Paper is on auto select with a dedicated tray for 11 x 17 paper. Hopefully one of these sets will work for you.

Reply

Answer 2

Feb 8, 2017 9:58 AM in response to ErasmusFrog

I'm not sure what type of copy/printer you are using, but these are my Pages settings for an 8-panel 8.5" x 11" (finished) single-folded document, with a saddle staple finish. I'm using a Sharp MX series copier:
Layout: Default
Paper Feed: Default
Printer Features: Output >
Output > Saddle Stitch Tray

Binding Edge > Left

Staple > Saddle Stitch

Booklet > Off

You shouldn't need to change any other settings.

Reply

Answer 3

Jan 28, 2016 1:40 PM in response to ErasmusFrog

If the question was asked here, the answer was not that it can't be done.

You are asking for Imposition, the binding is immaterial.

Imposition is handled at the printing end of the design. Usually from supplied .pdfs.

There are several imposition Apps or you can create your own manual imposition by reordering the pages of the pdf or assembling the pages into a larger printing sheet size document.

If this is a core feature that you don't want to do yourself or via Imposition software, Swift Publishing has imposition built into its software.

Or you can layout a template to suit with the material in Imposed order so it is a simple print. Easier done in Pages '09 which has textbox linking and most of the Facing Pages options etc that this requires.

Peter

Reply

Answer 4

ErasmusFrog Author

Level 1

19 points

Jan 28, 2016 1:41 PM in response to PeterBreis0807

Thanks much, Peter. I gather that this is not a feature that is automatically handled by Pages. That's OK with me, I'd hate Pages if were a monstrosity like Word. I'll handle it manually.

Reply

Answer 5

Jan 28, 2016 2:16 PM in response to ErasmusFrog

Actually Apple could build this into the System Printer routines so it is available to all software.

I can't imagine that it would be too difficult to code. There are 2 things, the combination of two pdf bounding boxes in order, with placement co-ordinates and then the print order. In fact the imposition software out there, is mostly AppleScripts that handles that.

I'll post this in Menu > Pages > Pages feedback and suggest you do the same, requesting it as part of the System rather than individual Apps.

Peter

Reply

Answer 6

Feb 21, 2017 3:04 PM in response to Loginator

Those settings would be specific to your printer.

They are not standard.

Peter

Reply