What is Creep in Printing and how does it affect my Print Projects ?
Simply put, creep is what happens when folded sections of printed work—such as magazines, brochures, catalogues or booklets (typically printed 8 or 16 pages up on a litho press sheet)—result in the inner pages protruding slightly beyond the outer pages.
This occurs because of the folds within folds (folding happens in the print finishing department after the sheets have been printed), creating a build-up of paper thickness toward the centre of the document.
What Impacts Creep?
The more pages a document has, the more pronounced the creep becomes. This is particularly noticeable in books with more than approx 40 pages.
If you look at the spine from the side, you will see how the inner pages are pushed outward by a few millimeters. This outward movement can cause design elements—such as page numbers, borders, or images—to shift closer to the trim edge than intended. In some cases, these elements may even be trimmed off or appear visually misaligned.
Paper thickness also plays a significant role. The thicker the paper stock, the greater the potential for creep. Therefore, selecting the correct paper is an important consideration during the planning stage.
How to Manage Creep
Creep can be managed effectively through both good design practices and professional print preparation:
- Ensure that your design includes generous margins, particularly on the inside (spine) and outer edges
- Avoid placing critical content too close to trim areas
- Work with your printer, who will typically adjust the inner pages during pre-press to compensate for creep and ensure accurate trimming.
In Summary
Creep is a natural and important factor to consider in multi-page printed documents. The thicker the brochure or magazine—and the heavier the paper—the more impact creep will have.
By taking creep into account during the design stage and working closely with your printer, you can ensure a clean, professional final product.
If you would like assistance or advice on your current or upcoming print project, feel free to contact Remata Communications and Printers on 011 848 0000.