Lift-the-flap Book

File Preparation Guide

Lift-the-flap books require a specific set of layered files so our team can align and produce every flap perfectly. Here’s exactly what to send us.

To print your lift-the-flap book, we need 1 cover PDF and 4 interior PDFs. All interior files should be laid out identically — same dimensions, same page order — so the layers stack and align correctly when we go to print.

You can send interior pages as individual pages or as 2-page spreads, whichever is easier for you.

The 4 interior files

1. Interior pages — flaps closed

The fully finished artwork as it appears when all flaps are closed. This is what readers see on the page surface.

PufferPrint Lift-the-flap Board Book File Setup: Top Layer

2. Diecut file

Indicates where each flap is located, which side acts as the hinge, and where any finger cuts should go. This file is a technical guide, not artwork.

PufferPrint Lift-the-flap Board Book File Setup: Diecut

3. Bottom layer artwork

The artwork revealed when a flap is lifted. This artwork must extend ⅛” (3mm) beyond each edge of the cutout above it on all 4 sides.

PufferPrint Lift-the-flap Board Book File Setup: Bottom Layer

Notice how all of the layers align when the files are layered on top of each other:

PufferPrint Lift-the-flap Board Book File Setup: Stacked Files

4. Back-of-flap artwork

The artwork printed on the back of each flap. This artwork must also be ⅛” (3mm) larger than the flap on each side. No need to rotate or mirror your text — our team handles that.

PufferPrint Lift-the-flap Board Book File Setup: Back of Flap

For example, if you’re printing an 18-page book you’ll need 4 interior files, each containing 18 pages (or 9 spreads). Every file should the same page size and order so they layer up perfectly.

Remember, in addition to the 4 interior files, you’ll also need to send a separate print-quality PDF for the cover, prepared to our standard cover file specs.

Get a Free Quote

Select your print option or schedule a 15-minute consult to get a FREE quote for your next project. We’ll work with our print team to give you an unbeatable price quote for a beautiful, bookstore-quality finished product.

Why Print with PufferPrint?

Premium Quality

Our expert print engineers use the best materials to ensure the quality of your book is as good or better than any major publisher.

Affordable

Printing overseas allows us to offer you prices that are 40-60% lower than domestic offset printing options. Printing with PufferPrint is surprisingly affordable!

Eco-Friendly

Paper from sustainably-managed sources, soy-based inks, and climate-neutral operations means that we offer the most eco-conscious print process on the market.

Printing Partnership

You’ll work with a dedicated print specialist to guide you through the process and make sure your book is one you’re excited to share with the world.

Read Our Reviews

See what other authors are saying about working with PufferPrint.

PufferPrint Customer Reviews: 5 Stars

I worked with PufferPrint to publish my children’s board book and they did a fantastic job. I was really appreciative of their communicativeness and professionalism. I felt like they were truly working WITH me, and were invested in making my book as high of a quality as I wanted it to be. Will be recommending them and hopefully working with them again in the future!

Jes McCutchen

Lil’ Space Explorer

PufferPrint Customer Reviews: 5 Stars

PufferPrint is the absolute best for self publishing. The Adventures of Yaya staff is very happy with the decision we made with going through this company. Customer service is second to none and the quality of our children’s book is beyond what we expected. We are looking forward to a long lasting relationship with Pufferprint because they are simply THE BEST!!

Yaya Dayiti

The Adventures of Yaya

PufferPrint Customer Reviews: 5 Stars

PufferPrint guided me through the book printing process and addressed all of my questions promptly. The book looks amazing. I highly recommend PufferPrint!

Janet Beaulieu

Be Brave Little Pirate

PufferPrint Customer Reviews: 5 Stars

I’m so glad I found PufferPrint and I would highly recommend their services. It was a joy to work with such dedicated, prompt and talented customer service. Such meticulous attention to detail, I’m completely satisfied with my book, and PufferPrint. Don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed – thanks PufferPrint!

Denise Mathus

Big Potato and Small Fry

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