Custom notebook and diary covers can be printed two ways: with your design on the outside only, or with your design on the outside and the inside of the front cover. This single setting is easy to misunderstand, because it is not what the name suggests. Here is exactly what it controls, how to set it correctly in your file, and what to do if your order already went out wrong.

📔 What “single-sided” and “double-sided” cover printing means

Every custom notebook is submitted as one print-ready PDF, with your pages arranged in order: front outer cover, front inner cover, your interior pages, then the back outer cover. Page 2 of that file is the inside face of your front cover, and it is page 2 specifically that this setting controls.

🤔 A common point of confusion

“Printed back-to-back” is often assumed to mean the whole notebook is fully designed, front and back covers both. It does not. It specifically means page 2 of your file, the inside of your front cover, is printed instead of left blank. The back outer cover is unaffected either way, since it is a separate page in the file.

✅ How to set it up correctly

1. Prepare one PDF with your pages in order: front outer cover, front inner cover, interior pages, back outer cover.
2. On the product page, choose Single Side or Double Sided under the cover printing option (Double Sided adds R10).
3. If you chose Double Sided, put your design on page 2 of your PDF. That is what prints on the inside of your front cover.
4. If you chose Single Side, page 2 still needs to be in your PDF, left completely blank.

Even-numbered pages sit on the left when the notebook is open, and odd-numbered pages on the right. Worth keeping in mind as you lay out your file. For the full sequence, see cover, inner page and back cover order.

🧮 Interior page counts work differently

A page count refers to individually numbered pages, not physical sheets. A notebook listed as “100 pages” is 50 physical sheets, printed on both sides, not 100 separate sheets. This is unrelated to the cover setting above, which only affects the inside of your front cover.

🚨 Already placed your order with the wrong option?

If you need to switch to double-sided after the fact, the R10 for that option gets added to your account, and we will get your file corrected if production has not started yet.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Is the inside of my front cover printed by default?

No. Single-sided is the default, which means only the outside of your front cover is printed. Select Double Sided if you want your design on the inside too.

Do I need a separate file for the inside of my cover?

No, it is all one PDF. Page 2 of that file is the inside of your front cover. Put your design there if you selected Double Sided, or leave it blank if you did not.

Does this affect my back cover too?

No. Your back outer cover is a separate page at the end of your file and prints regardless of this setting.

What does “100 pages” mean, 50 sheets or 100 sheets?

100 pages means 50 physical sheets, printed on both sides. This is separate from the front-cover setting above.

What if the wrong option was selected at order time?

Contact us with the order number right away. If the order has not entered production yet, it can usually be corrected.

👉 Related guides and next steps

• Back to the complete custom notebook printing guide
• Do page counts include covers? · notebook file requirements · artwork mistake after checkout
• Order on the custom notebook page
• Questions before ordering? Email support@valenna.co.za or use the contact form.