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Start at 0.25 inch minimum, add half the spine width since text curves into the gutter on thick books.
Gutter = 0.25 + (Spine width × 0.5)Saddle stitch nest causes outer pages to extend slightly past inner. Shift content 0.125 inch for outer signatures (creep/shingling).
Gutter = 0.125–0.25 inch (creep adjustment for outer pages)Hardcover hinge and endpaper attachment need extra inner margin. Text should start 0.5 inch from visible spine edge minimum.
Gutter = 0.5–0.75 inch from spine edgeUpdated: July 2026
0.5 inch spine → gutter = 0.25 + 0.25 = 0.5 inch inner margin. Outer margins can be 0.75 inch for balanced appearance.
Minimal 0.25 inch gutter. Check creep on outer pages — content may shift 0.0625 inch toward outer edge.
Otabind allows smaller gutter (0.375 inch) since pages open flat without spine curvature blocking text.
Binding consumes inner edge space — insufficient gutter margins cause text to disappear into the spine. Enter trim size, binding type, and page count to calculate recommended inner (gutter) margins for readable layout.