Today, I’m showing you how to make a ledger size lined paper template for bookbinding. This is a great size for anyone looking to make a book that’s just slightly smaller than an A5. You see, A5 books are technically 8.3″ x 5.8″ in size. But, if you shave off 3/10 of an inch in each direction, you could easily make a book 8.0″ x 5.5.” Since 11×17 paper is easier to find and generally less expensive than it’s larger counterpart (12×18), it’s a much more affordable option for most binders.
Side note: if you’re brand new, have never sewn a signature in your life and are a little nervous, try my 8-1/2″ x 11″ tutorial and template. It’s better to get practice with a size as accessible as 8-1/2″ x 11″ than to never start at all, especially if you only have access to this size paper.
Two signatures from one sheet
Here’s the good news: ledger size paper will yield two 8.0″ x 5.5″ signatures from just one sheet! This means there is only one inch worth of unused paper to recycle and minimal cutting. In fact, this particular template only requires two cuts! Let’s get started.
Instructions
I used Adobe InDesign to create the template because InDesign is used to organize text and other content for catalogs, books, portfolios and more. It’s very straight-forward and intended for this type of work.
Before sitting down in front of a computer, I will sketch the page on a sheet of paper beforehand. It’s not pretty, but it allows me to visualize the end result. This is important for me because I am visual/kinesthetic.
11×17 Page layout
Page height: 17.0”
Page width: 11”
11×17 Page settings (for two 8.0″ x 5.5″ signatures)
- Margin-top: 0”
- Margin-bottom: 1.0”
- Margin-inside: 0.25”
- Margin-outside: 0.25”
- Columns: 2 (each column is a page)
- Gutter: 0.5”
11×17 Table settings
- Table Setup:
- Border: 0pt (I’m removing any border around the entire table)
- Space before/after: 0
- Row Strokes:
- First Rows: 0 (the header is technically the first “row”, so I skip the program’s idea of a first row with a zero)
- Next: 27 rows / 0.25pt
- Skip: 0
Creating the lined pages
After creating the table style, it’s time to create the table itself. To do this, you’ll go to Table > Create table and enter the number of columns, rows, headers and footers necessary.
Each table just needs one column, one header and 27 rows. No footer.
Once the table is “drawn”, you’ll start to see the page coming together.
Creating the page title
Next, I set the height of the header row to be 1/2.” This gave the top of the page enough room for a date, entry title or anything else I might want to write before journaling. Since it’s a “header” row, the line is darker by default.
The main body of lines were set to a height equal to 0.27″ each. This is a great height for print or cursive handwriting.
Finally, I gave the last row of the table a height of 1/2″ to add balance.
Rinse and repeat
Once the first table is created, it’s as simple as copy/paste! I copied the table four times – top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right.
Printing
This can be easily printed at home, but If you don’t have a printer, export your template as a PDF, load it on a thumb drive and take it to any big box office supply store (Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, etc.).
Since this size is common, you could have them print it on any available paper (though, I recommend you buy some of my preferred paper in this size and take it with you instead). The cost is usually a few cents per sheet, which is usually less than the cost of replacement printer ink.
Once the page prints, turn it over and run it through again to print on the other side. This makes one signature with 4 total pages.
Resources
My Preferred Paper & Printer
I print my lined paper on a Canon Pixma Pro-100 Inkjet printer using some of my preferred paper. I choose paper that is 100% recycled, environmentally-friendly and compatible with nearly all printers.
Don’t feel like making a template?
In How to Find Lined Paper for Bookbinding, I explained where to find pre-printed lined paper. While there are no big box producers, there are several smaller sellers on Etsy who can print this paper on demand. The sizes are limited, but this is a great option if you’re just getting started and don’t feel like making a template of your own.
You can also grab my 11×17 Ledger Size Lined Paper Template (below) in PDF format!
More sizes
More on paper
- Learn about The Most Important Rule in Bookbinding | Grain Direction and Two Easy Ways to Find Grain Direction in Paper
- Are you new to bookbinding? I’ve included some great getting started resources in my New Bookbinder Guide, so be sure to check it out.
11×17 Ledger Size Lined Paper Template (PDF)
If you’d rather not create your own, you can enjoy mine! The template I personally use is available below, plus you’ll be able to join my newsletter for more great templates in the future. Enjoy!
Find me on Instagram if you have any other lined paper questions!
ALL my best,
Misty
