Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a word processing software commonly used for creating basic documents such as letters, term papers, tests, and quizzes. Because Word is a word processing software, there can be many issues when using the program for book layout. For example, it can be difficult to control graphics, text flow, and positioning of your book's content may skew when you save the word document as a different file type (such as PDF). Another common issue with Word is that it converts colors to RGB, and IngramSpark requires that files be submitted in CMYK.

In addition to color, text, and layout issues, Word’s default page size is 8.5 x 11 (standard letter size). Many publishers mistakenly create their interior pages at this default size, even when the intended trim size is smaller. Doing so will result in a printed book with text cut-off on the top or on all sides.

IngramSpark accepts PDF files made from Word, but no technical support for Word is offered as it is not designed for book layout. If you are using Word and need further information, we recommend consulting a graphic designer or Microsoft Support. 

MS Word Italic and Bold Fonts

In some* versions of Word, using the quick options for italicizing and bolding a font (indicated by the “I” and “B” in the toolbar), rather than using the actual italic or bold version of a font, can cause the font to be unstable and lead to unexpected outcomes when printed. *When choosing the “I” or “B” in the toolbar in newer versions of Word,  Word will automatically change to the true italic or bold version of the font when it’s available.

How to tell if the wrong version is used: “AGaramondPro-Regular” is the regular version of a font. When the quick tool for italics is used, the name of the font becomes, “AGaramondPro-Regular, Italic”. The true italicized version of the font is named, “AGaramondPro-Italic,” and does not contain, “Regular”.