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Publication & Editorial Templates

Professional templates for multi-page publications including magazines, catalogs, books, and newsletters. All templates include proper page setup, master pages, and print specifications.
Multi-page projects: These templates are optimized for efficiency with master pages, style guides, and components for consistent design across many pages.

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Magazine Templates

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Template 1: Magazine Cover

Magazine Front Cover Template

Specifications:
  • Size: 8.5” × 11” (US Letter format)
  • Bleed: 0.125” all sides
  • Spine width: Calculated based on page count
  • Perfect bound layout
Design features:
  • Masthead (magazine title) area
  • Cover image/photography placement
  • Cover lines (article teasers)
  • Issue date and number
  • Barcode placement (bottom right)
  • Price indication
Layout elements:
  • Top third: Masthead (magazine name)
  • Middle: Hero image with main cover line
  • Lower third: Secondary cover lines, date, issue
  • Barcode: Bottom right corner
Customization:
  • Magazine title and branding
  • Cover photography
  • Article headlines (cover lines)
  • Color scheme
  • Typography style
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 100 lb gloss cover stock
  • Finish: Gloss or aqueous coating
  • Perfect binding: Spine glued
  • Barcode: UPC required for newsstand distribution
Best for: Consumer magazines, trade publications, company magazines, literary journals

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Template 2: Magazine Interior Pages

Magazine Editorial Layout System

Specifications:
  • Page size: 8.5” × 11”
  • Bleed: 0.125”
  • Margins: 0.5” outside, 0.625” gutter (inside)
  • Grid: 3-column system
Master page templates included:
  • Feature article spread (2 pages)
  • Department page (single column)
  • Photo essay spread
  • Interview Q&A layout
  • Product review grid
  • Advertisement placeholder pages
Design system:
  • Typography styles: Headline, subhead, body, captions
  • Grid system: 3-column with flexible layouts
  • Header/Footer: Page numbers, section names
  • Running elements: Consistent across issue
Layout variations:
  • 1-column (full-page article)
  • 2-column (standard article)
  • 3-column (news/departments)
  • Asymmetric layouts (creative features)
  • Full-bleed photo spreads
Customization:
  • Content and images
  • Column configurations
  • Color accents
  • Section identifiers
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 70-80 lb gloss or matte text
  • Pages: Divisible by 4 (saddle-stitch) or any count (perfect bound)
  • Gutter margin: Extra space for binding
  • Bleeds: Full-bleed photos extend to trim
Includes: 10 different page layout templatesBest for: Monthly magazines, quarterly publications, company newsletters

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Template 3: Table of Contents

Magazine Table of Contents Template

Specifications:
  • Usually pages 2-3 or 4-5
  • Spread layout (2 pages side-by-side)
  • Grid-based organization
  • Bleed: 0.125”
Design features:
  • Section divisions (Features, Departments, Columns)
  • Article titles with page numbers
  • Small thumbnail images
  • Issue highlights
  • Masthead (staff listing)
Layout options:
  • Grid layout (structured)
  • Free-form layout (creative)
  • Photo-driven TOC
  • Text-only minimalist
Customization:
  • Article listings
  • Thumbnail images
  • Section organization
  • Typography styling
Best practices:
  • Page numbers large and clear
  • Logical section grouping
  • Visual hierarchy (features vs. departments)
  • Consistent formatting
Best for: All magazine types, newsletters, catalogs with many sections

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Catalog Templates

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Template 4: Product Catalog Cover

Product Catalog Cover & Back

Specifications:
  • Size: 8.5” × 11” or custom
  • Bleed: 0.125”
  • Spine: Calculated for page count
  • Perfect bound or saddle-stitch
Design features:
  • Front cover: Company logo, catalog title, season/year, hero image
  • Back cover: Contact information, website, QR code, secondary products
  • Spine: Company name, catalog name, season/year (if thick enough)
Customization:
  • Brand identity
  • Product photography
  • Season/collection name
  • Color scheme
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 100 lb gloss or matte cover
  • Binding: Perfect bound (glued spine) for 40+ pages
  • Finish: Gloss, matte, or spot UV
Best for: Product catalogs, lookbooks, course catalogs, wholesale catalogs

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Template 5: Product Page Layouts

Catalog Product Page Templates

Specifications:
  • Page size: 8.5” × 11” (or custom)
  • Bleed: 0.125”
  • Grid system: 2 or 3-column
  • Consistent product presentation
Product layout options:
  • Single product per page: Large image, detailed description
  • 2 products per page: Medium images, moderate detail
  • 4 products per page: Grid layout, brief descriptions
  • 6+ products per page: Dense catalog, essential info only
Information hierarchy:
  • Product image (largest element)
  • Product name/SKU
  • Description
  • Specifications (size, color, material)
  • Price
  • Order code/SKU
Design features:
  • Consistent product image sizes
  • White space for readability
  • Clear typography
  • Price callouts
  • Optional: “New” or “Sale” badges
Customization:
  • Product photos
  • Descriptions and specs
  • Pricing
  • Grid density (products per page)
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 70-100 lb gloss or matte text
  • Color: Full CMYK
  • Pages: Multiple of 4
Includes: 6 different product density layoutsBest for: Product catalogs, wholesale catalogs, B2B sales tools, course offerings

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Book & Booklet Templates

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Template 6: Book Cover (with Spine)

Perfect Bound Book Cover Template

Specifications:
  • Dimensions: Based on trim size + spine width
  • Trim size: 6” × 9” (US Trade standard)
  • Spine: Calculated from page count and paper weight
  • Bleed: 0.125” on all outside edges
Spine width calculation:
Pages: 200 pages (100 sheets)
Paper: 60 lb offset (0.0038" thick per sheet)
Spine: 100 sheets × 0.0038" = 0.38" spine

Cover dimensions:
Width: (6" front) + (0.38" spine) + (6" back) = 12.38"
Height: 9"
With bleed: 12.63" × 9.25"
Design areas:
  • Front cover: Title, subtitle, author, image/graphics
  • Spine: Title, author, publisher logo
  • Back cover: Synopsis, author bio, barcode, price
Customization:
  • Cover imagery
  • Typography
  • Color scheme
  • Back cover content
Print specifications:
  • Cover stock: 100 lb gloss or matte cover
  • Lamination: Gloss or matte
  • Optional: Spot UV, embossing, foil stamping
  • ISBN barcode: Required for retail distribution
Best for: Novels, non-fiction books, manuals, workbooks

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Template 7: Book Interior Pages

Book Interior Page Template

Specifications:
  • Trim size: 6” × 9” (standard trade paperback)
  • Margins: 0.75” outside, 1” gutter (binding side)
  • Bleed: Usually none for text-only books (images only if needed)
  • Page numbers: Bottom center or outside edge
Page elements:
  • Running headers: Chapter title or book title
  • Page numbers: Consistent position
  • Chapters: New chapter starts on right-hand page (odd number)
  • Drop caps: Optional decorative initial letter
Master pages:
  • Chapter opener (right page)
  • Standard text page (left and right)
  • Blank page (for chapter ends)
  • Photo/illustration page
Typography:
  • Body text: 10-12pt serif (Garamond, Caslon, Georgia)
  • Line spacing: 1.3-1.5 leading
  • Paragraph style: Indented or spaced
  • Chapter headings: 18-24pt
Customization:
  • Text content
  • Chapter styling
  • Typography choices
  • Page number position
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 50-60 lb cream or white offset
  • Binding: Perfect bound (glued spine)
  • Color: Black text (1-color printing = cost savings)
  • Optional: Images in grayscale or full color
Best for: Novels, memoirs, business books, self-published books

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Template 8: Booklet (Saddle-Stitch)

Multi-Page Booklet Template

Specifications:
  • Size: 8.5” × 11” flat, folds to 8.5” × 5.5”
  • Pages: 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24 pages (multiples of 4)
  • Binding: Saddle-stitch (stapled at spine)
  • Bleed: 0.125” on outer edges only
Page order for saddle-stitch:
8-page booklet:
Cover (p1, p8), Inside cover (p2, p7)
Center spread (p3-4, p5-6)

Design as spreads: pages viewed together
Design features:
  • Cover (page 1): Title, main image, branding
  • Inside spread: Content flows across pages
  • Gutter: 0.25” extra margin at spine
  • Page numbers: Optional (small booklets often skip)
Customization:
  • Content and images
  • Number of pages (must be multiple of 4)
  • Layout style
  • Color scheme
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 80-100 lb text or cover stock
  • Cover: Can be heavier stock than inside
  • Binding: 2-3 staples at spine
  • Finish: Gloss, matte, or uncoated
Best for: Event programs, small catalogs, instruction manuals, brochures, zines

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Newsletter Templates

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Template 9: Newsletter (2-page)

2-Page Newsletter Template

Specifications:
  • Size: 11” × 17” flat, folds to 8.5” × 11” (4 panels)
  • Or 8.5” × 11” flat (2 sides, no fold)
  • Bleed: 0.125” if edge-to-edge printing
  • Grid: 2 or 3-column
Layout options:
  • Single sheet (front/back): Email-friendly, simple
  • Fold once: 4 panels total
  • Fold twice (z-fold): 6 panels total
Design features:
  • Masthead (newsletter name)
  • Date and volume/issue number
  • Articles with headlines
  • Images and captions
  • Contact information footer
Content sections:
  • Lead article (largest)
  • 2-3 secondary articles
  • Calendar/events
  • News briefs
  • Contact/social media
Customization:
  • Organization branding
  • Article content
  • Images
  • Color scheme
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 60-80 lb text
  • Color: Full color or 2-color (save costs)
  • Quantity: 100-5000 typical
Best for: Company newsletters, non-profit updates, community news, school newsletters

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Template 10: Newsletter (4-page)

4-Page Newsletter Template

Specifications:
  • Size: 8.5” × 11” pages
  • Total: 4 pages (1 sheet folded)
  • Binding: Folded and stapled (or just folded)
  • Bleed: 0.125”
Page structure:
  • Page 1 (cover): Headline story, newsletter name
  • Pages 2-3 (inside spread): Multiple articles, continuous design
  • Page 4 (back): Calendar, contact, mailing address area
Design features:
  • Nameplate (newsletter branding)
  • Feature article on cover
  • 2-3 column grid inside
  • Photo placement
  • Consistent typography
Customization:
  • All content and images
  • Article count and layout
  • Brand colors
  • Typography
Print specifications:
  • Paper: 60-70 lb text
  • Self-mailer option (address on back)
  • Color: Full color or economical 2-color
  • Saddle-stitch or fold only
Best for: Monthly newsletters, church bulletins, association news, alumni updates

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Annual Report Templates

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Template 11: Annual Report

Non-Profit Annual Report Template

Specifications:
  • Size: 8.5” × 11” (portrait) or 11” × 8.5” (landscape)
  • Pages: 12-24 pages typical
  • Binding: Perfect bound or saddle-stitch
  • Bleed: 0.125”
Content sections:
  • Cover (organization name, year)
  • Letter from leadership (2 pages)
  • Mission and vision (1 page)
  • Year in review / highlights (2-4 pages)
  • Programs and impact (4-6 pages)
  • Financial summary (2 pages)
  • Donors and supporters (2 pages)
  • Back cover (contact info, future vision)
Design features:
  • Strong visual storytelling
  • Impact photos
  • Data visualization (charts, infographics)
  • Pull quotes from beneficiaries
  • Professional typography
Customization:
  • Organization branding
  • Year’s content and data
  • Photography
  • Charts and graphs
Print specifications:
  • Cover: 100 lb gloss or matte cover
  • Inside: 80-100 lb text
  • Binding: Perfect bound for 20+ pages
  • Finish: Professional matte or gloss
Best for: Non-profits, corporations, educational institutions, foundations

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Multi-Page Design Systems

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Master Page Strategy

Definition: Template pages with consistent elements that appear on multiple pagesCommon elements:
  • Headers and footers
  • Page numbers
  • Running headers (section/chapter names)
  • Background graphics
  • Grid systems
  • Margin guides
Benefits:
  • Consistency across publication
  • Time savings (set once, applies to many)
  • Easy updates (change master, updates all)
In Figma: Use components for repeating elements
Establish hierarchy:
  • Level 1: Main headlines (36-48pt)
  • Level 2: Sub-headlines (24-30pt)
  • Level 3: Section headers (18-20pt)
  • Body: Main text (10-12pt)
  • Captions: Image captions (8-9pt)
  • Fine print: Legal, footnotes (7pt minimum)
Create as Figma styles:
  • Define once
  • Apply throughout
  • Update globally if needed
Consistency: Key to professional publications
Common grids:
  • 1-column: Simple, full-width (books)
  • 2-column: Standard magazine layout
  • 3-column: Dense content (catalogs)
  • 4+ column: Flexible, modular (newspapers)
Grid benefits:
  • Alignment consistency
  • Visual rhythm
  • Professional appearance
  • Faster layout decisions
Flexible grids: Can break grid intentionally for impact
Publication color strategy:
  • Primary color: Brand color, used sparingly
  • Secondary colors: Section identifiers, accents
  • Neutral palette: Grays for text, backgrounds
  • Accent: Highlight color for callouts, CTAs
Consistency:
  • Define exact CMYK values
  • Create Figma color styles
  • Use same colors throughout
  • Document in style guide
Cost consideration: Fewer colors = lower printing cost

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Publication Workflow

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Efficient Multi-Page Production

1

Content Planning

Before designing:
  • Total page count (must be divisible by 4)
  • Content allocation (which stories on which pages)
  • Photo/illustration needs
  • Advertisement placement (if applicable)
Create flat plan: Simple grid showing all pages and their content
2

Master Page Setup

Create templates first:
  • Master page elements (headers, footers, page numbers)
  • Typography styles (all headline levels, body text)
  • Grid system
  • Color styles
Save as components: Reuse throughout publication
3

Page-by-Page Layout

Work in sections:
  • Cover and TOC first
  • Feature sections
  • Departments
  • Back matter
Use templates: Apply master pages to each new pageMaintain consistency: Use established styles
4

Image Optimization

Before adding to Figma:
  • Resize images to needed dimensions (inches × 300 DPI)
  • Color correct and enhance
  • Save as optimized JPEGs (85-90% quality)
Result: Smaller file, faster performance, same quality
5

Export Strategy

For large publications (50+ pages):
  • Export in batches (10-20 pages)
  • Verify each batch
  • Combine PDFs afterward
Or: Export all at once (if file size manageable)Settings: 300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a
6

Preflight and Proof

Quality control:
  • Run PDF preflight check
  • Verify page count
  • Check page order
  • Spot-check every 5th page in detail
  • Order print proof before large run
Catch errors early: Cheaper to fix before printing

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Publication Print Specifications

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Binding Methods

  • Saddle-Stitch
  • Perfect Bound
  • Spiral/Coil
  • Wire-O
How it works: Pages folded, stapled through spineBest for:
  • 8-64 pages (typical limit)
  • Magazines, booklets, programs
  • Budget-friendly
Specifications:
  • Page count: Multiples of 4
  • Max thickness: ~1/4” (64 pages)
  • Lays flat: Yes (advantage)
  • Gutter margin: 0.25” minimum
Cost: Least expensive bindingLimitation: Page count limit, thicker = pages creep (outer pages extend)

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Publication Checklist

Before sending to printer:
  • Page count correct (divisible by 4 for saddle-stitch)
  • Pages in correct order (verify in PDF)
  • Bleed extends 0.125” on all edges
  • Gutter margins appropriate for binding type
  • All images 300 DPI minimum
  • All fonts embedded in PDF
  • Page numbers sequential and correct
  • No missing pages (check against flat plan)
  • Cover designed for binding method
  • Spine width calculated correctly (if perfect bound)
  • ISBN/barcode present (if required)
  • Copyright and publication info included
  • Table of contents page numbers match
  • Preflight check passed (no errors)
  • File size under printer’s limit
  • Correct PDF format (PDF/X-1a)

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Learn More

Booklets Guide

Complete booklet workflow

Design to Print

Complete print workflow

Multi-Page Video

Multi-page document tutorial

File Size Optimization

Optimize large publications
Publication pro tip: Create a comprehensive style guide document with all typography styles, colors, grid systems, and master page layouts. This ensures consistency and speeds up production, especially for recurring publications like monthly magazines.