make_booklet

make_booklet is a Python tool that converts any PDF into a print-ready booklet PDF.
It supports professional print workflows including TrimBox/ArtBox margin trimming and automatic booklet imposition.

The script ensures that pages appear in the correct order once printed double-sided, folded, and trimmed.

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Key Features

• Converts a standard PDF into booklet imposition (2 pages per sheet)
• Odd pages trim only on the left side
• Even pages trim only on the right side
• Preserves top, bottom, and outer crop lines or margins
• Pages are automatically padded to a multiple of 4 with blank pages
• Output file name is automatically generated as: INPUTNAME_PRINT.pdf
• Runs entirely offline, no external services or PDF tools required

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Requirements

• Python 3.8 or later
• pypdf version 6.3.0 or later

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Installation

Install the required package:

pip install pypdf

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Usage

Standard command-line usage:

python make_booklet.py input.pdf

This will create:

input_PRINT.pdf

To specify a custom output name:

python make_booklet.py input.pdf output.pdf

Windows drag-and-drop usage (no command line required)

If the script file make_booklet.py is located on your Desktop, you can convert a PDF by simply dragging the PDF file onto the script icon and releasing it.
The booklet will be generated automatically in the same directory as the source file.

Example:

1. Place make_booklet.py on your Desktop.
2. Drag a PDF and drop it onto the script.
3. A new file named <input>_PRINT.pdf will be created.

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Recommended Print Settings

For correct booklet printing:

• Print double-sided (duplex)
• Orientation: Portrait
• Binding: Short-edge when printing portrait booklets
• Scaling: 100% (do not use "Fit" or "Shrink to printable area")
• Do not add additional printer crop marks

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Supported Platforms

• Windows 10/11
• macOS
• Linux
• Compatible PDF viewers:
  • Adobe Acrobat / Acrobat Reader
  • Chrome / Edge built-in PDF viewer
  • macOS Preview

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Contributing

Contributions and pull requests are welcome. Potential improvements:

• Graphical user interface (Tkinter, PyQt, or web frontend)
• Automatic inner margin detection
• Additional preset outputs for A5, A4, and A3 booklet production
• PDF/X prepress output options
• Support for cover and section-sewn booklet structures

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Support / Issues

If you encounter problems or have suggestions, please open an issue in the repository.