TL;DR
To export a print book PDF in Storyloft, open Book Controls → Publish → Print Book → Export Book. On print preview, pick a Book Size, adjust Settings (margins, bleed, print marks), click Export PDF, then Download PDF when it is ready. This downloads a file for you—it does not place a Lulu print order.
Table of contents
- When to export a print PDF
- What print export does
- Step-by-step: export your PDF
- Tips
- FAQ
- Related help
User summary
Authors who want to export a print PDF from Storyloft—for a local printer, a proof, or a self-managed file—use the editor’s Print Book export, not only the Publish wizard. Storyloft opens a print preview where you choose Trade Paperback or other sizes, set margins and bleed, and download a PDF when processing finishes. Understanding this path matters if you are comparing “export myself” versus Storyloft Publish print-on-demand checkout.
What it does
From Book Controls → Publish, the Print Book card explains you can export a PDF in any size with dimensions and preferences (bleed, margin, etc.). Export Book opens /manuscripts/[id]/print-preview (page heading Publish). There you set Dimensions / Book Size, tune Settings, run Export PDF, and save with Download PDF. Statuses include Starting…, Queued…, and Preparing PDF…. This is separate from /publish orders that validate interiors for manufacturing.
Steps
Step 1 — Open Print Book export from the editor
From Books, open your manuscript. In Book Controls, click Publish. On the Print Book card, click Export Book. (An active subscription may be required; otherwise you may see Renew Subscription.)
Step 2 — Confirm you are on print preview
You land on print preview with Back to Manuscript available. Note the footnote: Final page count may vary on export versus the preview.
Step 3 — Choose a Book Size under Dimensions
Open the Dimensions tab. Under Book Size, select a preset such as:
- Trade Paperback — 6 × 9
- Digest — 5.5 × 8.5
- Mass Market — 4.25 × 6.87
- Textbook — 7 × 10
Or choose Custom Size, enter Width and Height, and click Apply Custom Size. You must select a size before export (Please select a book size first. if you skip this).
Step 4 — Adjust Settings (margins, bleed, extras)
Open the Settings tab. Set values such as:
- Book Header Title (then Update)
- Inner / Outer / Upper / Lower Margin (inches)
- Bleed (inches) (helper notes standard 0.125)
- Toggles: Print Marks, Right-aligned Chapters, Drop cap, Footnotes
- Heading Layout alignment icons
A Page Layout toast may appear while Storyloft applies updates.
Step 5 — Click Export PDF
Click Export PDF. Watch button states (Starting…, Queued…, Preparing PDF…). When finished, Storyloft shows Your PDF is ready — Click Download to save your file.
Step 6 — Download PDF
Click Download PDF and save the file to your computer. Use Back to Manuscript to return to the editor.
Step 7 — Know when to use Publish instead
If you want Storyloft to manufacture copies, go to sidebar Publish and run the Product → Interior → Cover → Checkout wizard. Interior there uses Generate & validate against Lulu specs; print preview’s Print preview link from the wizard is a related view, not the same as completing an order.
Tips
- Pick size first—Export PDF stays blocked until dimensions are set.
- Match export size to your intended printer or to Publish trim if you will order later.
- Re-export after major layout or theme changes.
- Editorial Review before export catches issues that survive into the PDF.
FAQ
How do I export a print book PDF in Storyloft?
Book Controls → Publish → Print Book → Export Book, choose a Book Size, optionally edit Settings, click Export PDF, then Download PDF.
Is Export Book the same as Storyloft Publish?
No. Export Book downloads a PDF for your use. Publish places a print-on-demand order with product options, validation, shipping, and payment.
What book sizes can I export?
Presets include Trade Paperback, Digest, Mass Market, Textbook, plus Custom Size. Dimensions show in inches on the selector.
Can I set bleed and margins?
Yes—on the print preview Settings tab (Bleed, inner/outer/upper/lower margins, print marks, and related layout toggles).
Why is Export PDF disabled?
Select a Book Size first. If your subscription expired, renew when prompted before publishing features unlock.
Does the preview page count match the final PDF?
Not always. Storyloft notes that final page count may vary on export versus the preview.