> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.firstclassplanners.ca/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Handbook Instruction Guide


### STEP 1: Download the Handbook Template.

Download the Microsoft Word Handbook Template that matches your planner size: [Handbook Template 8” x 10”](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/handbooks/Handbook_8x10_Template.docx) or [Handbook Template 5” x 8”](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/handbooks/Handbook_5x8_Template.docx). Our templates have pre-set margins, to ensure your content is placed perfectly on the page.

**Note:** If you don’t want to use the template and wish to set your own margins, carefully follow the directions on page 2 of this document.

### STEP 2: Create your title page.

The first page of the Handbook Template is your title page. You might consider adding:

* School name and logo
* Address
* Phone number
* Web address
* School year

If you want your school name/logo to shine through the cover window, place it **inside the red oval** on the template.

Need help? Watch the Inserting a Logo tutorial.

${vimeo}[Inserting a Logo tutorial](1081113323)

### STEP 3: Add content.

Start adding your content below the red oval or on page 2. Handbooks are a minimum of 8 pages and increase in 8-page increments.

Use unformatted text when pasting to maintain margin integrity. Keep all text and images **within margins**.

Content must be in greyscale. Ensure images are high resolution (300 dpi). Pixelated images will print pixelated.

Need ideas? Visit our [Quick-Pick Pages](https://piqpotential.ca/product-customization/quick-pick-pages/8x10/) and [Customizable Calendars](https://piqpotential.ca/product-customization#handbook).

Text and images must be greyscaled because handbooks are black and white. For help converting to greyscale.

### STEP 4: Export your file as a PDF.

Once you’ve completed and proofread your file, export it as a **PDF**. All submissions must be in PDF to ensure proper font rendering. Watch tutorial.

${vimeo}[Saving a PDF tutorial](1081566769)

**Important:** Your file will print exactly as submitted.

### STEP 5: Submit your files.

You’ll receive a submission link by email. Before submitting, review our [Submission Checklist](https://piq.crisp.help/en/article/material-submission-checklist-893c4o/) to ensure everything is correct.

### ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

###### HANDBOOK MARGINS

If not using the template, set margins as follows:

| Size | Width | Height | Top | Bottom | Sides |
| ---- |
| 5” x 8” | 5” | 7.93” | 0.31” | 0.38” | 0.58” |
| 8” x 10” | 7.87” | 10.25” | 0.5” | 0.57” | 0.77” |
To view text boundaries in Word:

* **PC:** File > Options > Advanced > Show Document Content > Show Text Boundaries
* **Mac:** Word > Preferences > View > Show > Text Boundaries

### SAFETY LINE

The Safety Line indicates the safe image area. No important content (faces, logos, text) should extend beyond it.

### WINDOW GUIDE

The red oval on the template is the Window Guide. School names/logos must be inside this guide to be visible through the cover.

**Do not move or recolour the oval.** It will be automatically removed before printing.

If you do *not* want your name/logo visible through the window, place it below the oval or remove the oval for a custom cover.

The red oval on the template is the Window Guide. School names/logos must be inside this guide to be visible through the cover.

![Window guide](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/5/0/7/6507f98de0923800/window-guide_1pu4i9m.webp =400x508)

### QUICK-PICK HANDBOOK PAGES

Check out our library of existing content pages:

* [Quick-Pick Handbook Pages (8" x 10")](https://piqpotential.ca/product-customization/quick-pick-pages/8x10/)
* [Quick-Pick Handbook Pages (5" x 8")](https://piqpotential.ca/product-customization/quick-pick-pages/5x8/)

### CUSTOM CALENDARS

Want to add a custom calendar to your handbook? Use one of our handy templates:

* [1 Page per Month (5" x 8")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/One_Page_Per_Month_5x8_Cal1ppm_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [2 Pages per Month (5" x 8")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/Two_Pages_Per_Month_5x8_Cal2ppm_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [1 Page per Month (7" x 9")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/One_Page_Per_Month_7x9_Cal1ppm_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [1 Page Full Year Option 1 (7" x 9")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/One_Page_Full_Year_Option1_7x9_Cal1yi_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [2 Pages per Month (7" x 9")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/Two_Pages_Per_Month_7x9_Cal2ppm_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [1 Page per Month (8" x 10")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/One_Page_Per_Month_8x10_Cal1ppm_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [2 Pages per Month (8" x 10")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/Two_Pages_Per_Month_8x10_Cal2ppm_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [2 Months per Page (8" x 10")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/Two_Months_Per_Page_8x10_Cal2mpp_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [1 Page Full Year Option 1 (8" x 10")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/One_Page_Full_Year_Option1_8x10_Cal1yi_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)
* [1 Page Full Year Option 2 (8" x 10")](https://piqpotential.ca/documents/calendars/25-26/One_Page_Full_Year_Option2_8x10_Cal1yi_CA_2526_FINAL.doc)