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” or Handbook Template 5” x 8”. 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.
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 and Customizable Calendars.
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.
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 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.
QUICK-PICK HANDBOOK PAGES
Check out our library of existing content pages:
CUSTOM CALENDARS
Want to add a custom calendar to your handbook? Use one of our handy templates:
- 1 Page per Month (5" x 8")
- 2 Pages per Month (5" x 8")
- 1 Page per Month (7" x 9")
- 1 Page Full Year Option 1 (7" x 9")
- 2 Pages per Month (7" x 9")
- 1 Page per Month (8" x 10")
- 2 Pages per Month (8" x 10")
- 2 Months per Page (8" x 10")
- 1 Page Full Year Option 1 (8" x 10")
- 1 Page Full Year Option 2 (8" x 10")
Updated on: 05/05/2025
Thank you!