Creep Allowance

Definition: Adjusting the page layout of inner spreads to maintain a constant outer margin when the saddle stitched booklet is trimmed to counteract creep is known as creep allowance or shingling. If there is no creep allowance, when pages are trimmed the outer margins become narrower toward the center of the booklet and there is the possibility that text or images may be cut off.

If creep is noticeable, copy can be repositioned toward the center of the spread for those pages in the center of the booklet. When trimmed, all pages will have the same outer margins and no text or images are lost. Some page layout software can automatically calculate creep allowance and adjust layouts for creep -- moving the page elements of affected spreads in small increments.

The amount of creep allowance needed depends on the size of the margins, number of pages, and the thickness of the paper. A booklet with few pages and wide margins might not need creep allowance because the difference after trimming is not noticeable. With more pages, smaller margins, or bulkier paper the creep becomes more noticeable and can result in loss of text if there is no adjustment made.

Also Known As: shingling | stair stepping | progressive margins