Programme Printing
Set the tone for every performance and event with programme printing that informs, guides and gives guests something to keep.
At 4edge, we professionally print programmes for theatres, events, concerts, festivals, conferences, ceremonies, graduations and live performances. Choose from hardback, perfect bound or staple bound formats, with a wide range of sizes, paper stocks, cover options and finishes to present schedules, cast lists, speaker information, photography and event details clearly.
With expert artwork support, cost-effective digital printing and reliable UK production, we make it easy to create high-quality event and theatre programmes for one-off performances, recurring productions, festivals, awards, corporate events and commemorative occasions.
The Benefits of Online Programme Printing
Cost-effective digital printing
High-quality image and text reproduction
Expert artwork checking
Personal customer support
Printed in Hockley, Essex
Programme Specifications
Programme sizes
| Size | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 | 297 |
| A5 | 148 | 210 |
| A6 | 105 | 148 |
| A7 | 74 | 105 |
| DL | 99 | 210 |
| Square | 210 | 210 |
| Square | 148 | 148 |
| Square | 120 | 120 |
| Square | 105 | 105 |
- Custom sizes
Paper types
- Silk: 115-170 gsm
- Gloss: 115-170 gsm
- Uncoated: 70-170 gsm
- Offset: 80-120 gsm
- White Bookwove: 80 gsm
- Cream Bookwove: 70 gsm
Binding options
- Hardback / casebound
- Perfect bound (PUR)
- Staple bound / saddle stitched
Cover options
- Self cover
- 230 gsm cover stock
- 300 gsm cover stock
- 350 gsm cover stock
- Printed case covers
- Wibalin covers
- Faux leather covers
- Dust jackets
Finishes & Special Options
- Matt lamination
- Gloss lamination
- Soft-touch lamination
- Foil blocking
- Ribbon markers for hardback programmes
- Head and tail bands for hardback programmes
- Custom endpapers for hardback programmes
How to Print Your Programmes
The files you need to supply depend on the binding option you choose.
Staple bound programmes
Supply one print-ready PDF containing all pages in reading order as single pages, not spreads. The cover pages should be included in the same PDF and the total page count must be in multiples of four.
Perfect bound programmes
Please provide two print-ready PDF files:
- Cover PDF – outer and inner cover spreads, including the spine
- Inner pages PDF – all pages supplied in reading order as single pages, not spreads
The correct spine width depends on the number of pages and chosen paper stock. The 4edge team can confirm the required dimensions before you supply final artwork.
Do not provide the spine as a separate file.
Hardback programmes
Please provide two print-ready PDF files:
- Cover PDF – back cover, spine and front cover supplied as one continuous outer spread
- Inner pages PDF – all pages supplied in reading order as single pages, not spreads
The correct spine width depends on the number of pages and chosen paper stock. The 4edge team can confirm the required dimensions before you supply final artwork.
Do not provide the spine as a separate file.
Colour and image quality
For the best print results:
- Set artwork to CMYK colour
- Use images at 300 dpi
- Set black text to 100% black
- Convert greyscale artwork to greyscale before supplying it
RGB artwork can be converted to CMYK, but some colours may change during conversion.
Bleed and quiet areas
Where artwork runs to the edge of the page, add 3 mm bleed around the outer edges.
Keep important content at least 3 mm inside all trim edges.
Additional quiet areas are required for the following:
- Perfect bound programmes – 5 mm on the binding edge of inner pages
- Hardback programme inner pages – 8 mm on the binding edge
- Hardback programme covers – 8 mm around the finished cover edges, hinges and spine
Hardback covers also require 20 mm bleed around the outer edges and 5 mm hinges either side of the spine.
Keep schedules, cast lists, speaker details, page numbers and other important content outside these areas.
Lamination
Where lamination is selected, it is applied to the outer cover surface.
Before Supplying Your Artwork
Please check that:
- The artwork matches the quoted finished size
- The correct file setup has been used for the chosen binding
- Pages are supplied as single pages in reading order
- Staple bound page counts are in multiples of four
- All fonts are embedded
- Images are supplied at suitable resolution
- Bleed and quiet areas have been included
- Event dates, times, cast lists, speaker details and schedules have been checked carefully
- Any required blank pages are present
Please review your proof carefully before approving your programme for print.
Need help?
Call 01702 200243 to speak to the 4edge customer service team.
Email: admin@4edge.co.uk
Programme Printers in Essex
4edge provides professional programme printing for theatres, event organisers, venues, production companies, schools, universities and organisations across the UK.
Based in Hockley, Essex, we print and finish programmes in the UK using digital production and a choice of hardback, perfect bound and staple bound formats. Our team can support your project from artwork preparation and proofing through to printing, finishing and delivery.
Print-ready files can be retained to make repeat performances and future event runs straightforward, whether you are producing theatre programmes, concert programmes, event guides, festival programmes or commemorative publications.
What binding options are available for programmes?
4edge offers hardback / casebound, perfect bound (PUR) and staple bound / saddle stitched programmes.
What types of programmes can 4edge print?
4edge can print programmes for theatre productions, concerts, festivals, conferences, awards, graduations, ceremonies, corporate events and other live occasions.
What size should a programme be?
A5 is a popular choice for theatre and event programmes because it is easy to hold and provides enough space for cast lists, schedules and photography. A4 offers more room for editorial content, while A6, DL and square formats suit more compact or design-led programmes.
Can I choose a custom programme size?
Yes. 4edge can produce custom sizes by cutting down from standard industry sizes, such as A4, depending on your chosen specification.
What paper is best for a programme?
Silk and gloss papers are popular where photography, production imagery and advertising need to reproduce clearly, while uncoated and Bookwove stocks provide a softer, more tactile finish.
Should I supply single pages or spreads?
Please supply inner pages as individual pages in reading order, not spreads. Staple bound programmes are supplied as one print-ready PDF. Perfect bound and hardback programmes require a separate cover PDF and inner pages PDF.
How is the spine width calculated?
For perfect bound and hardback programmes, the spine width depends on the number of pages and the thickness of your chosen paper stock. The 4edge team can calculate the correct spine width and provide the dimensions needed for your cover artwork. Staple bound programmes do not require a spine.
Do programme page counts need to be in multiples of four?
Staple bound programmes must have a page count in multiples of four. Blank pages can be added where needed to complete the final printed section.
Can I check my programme before printing?
Yes. Please review your proof carefully before production, checking event dates, times, cast or speaker details, page order, cover artwork and, where applicable, the spine.
Is VAT charged on printed programmes?
Printed programmes are normally zero-rated for VAT in the UK where they meet the relevant requirements.