Frequently asked questions
Short answers about making, printing and binding your notebooks. Can't find yours? The guides go into more detail.
The basics
Is Notebook Generator really free?
Yes. Every template, size and export option is free to use, with no account and no watermark.
Do I need an account?
No. Open the maker and start. Your notebooks are saved in your browser on this device.
Does it work on a phone or tablet?
Yes, in a current browser. A larger screen is more comfortable for editing, and the PDF can be printed from any device.
Can I print pages in another language?
Yes. The language printed on the pages is set per notebook and is independent of the app language, so you can use the English interface and print Japanese weekday names.
Printing
Why do my printed pages come out smaller?
Your print dialog is probably set to “Fit to page”. Choose “Actual size” or “100%”. For perfect results, use the printer calibration in the maker.
What is the difference between the booklet PDF and the reading-order PDF?
The booklet PDF places two pages on each side of a sheet in the order needed for folding, so you print double-sided and fold. The reading-order PDF has one page per PDF page, for tablets or single-page printing.
Can I print single pages instead of a booklet?
Yes. Choose the reading-order (single pages) PDF in the export dialog. Each notebook page becomes one PDF page, perfect for ring binders, worksheets or printing only one page.
My printer can't print double-sided. Can I still make a booklet?
Yes. Print the odd sides first, put the stack back into the printer as the guide describes, then print the even sides. The double-sided printing guide explains how to find the right orientation with a test sheet.
Why is there a white border around my pages?
Most home printers cannot print to the edge of the paper. Keep important content inside the safe area, or trim the border off after folding.
How do I make sure the sizes are exact?
Print the calibration page from the maker at 100% scale and measure it. Enter the measured values and Notebook Generator corrects the scale and the front-to-back alignment.
Why were blank pages added to my booklet?
A folded booklet always has a multiple of four pages. Notebook Generator adds the fewest blank pages needed and tells you how many.
Paper and binding
Which paper should I use?
80 to 90 g/m² (20 to 24 lb) is fine for pencil and ballpoint. 100 to 120 g/m² (27 to 32 lb) is better for fountain pens and markers and still folds well.
How many pages can one booklet have?
A stapled booklet folds well up to about 10 to 12 sheets (40 to 48 pages). For thicker notebooks, print several booklets and sew them together.
Can I make inserts for a Traveler's Notebook?
Yes. Choose the Regular or Passport size. Passport inserts can be printed two copies per sheet to save paper.
Planners and dates
Can I create a whole year of dated pages at once?
Yes. Use Add pages, choose a daily, weekly or monthly template and a date range, and every page is created and dated for you.
Can the week start on Monday?
Yes. Each notebook has its own setting for the first day of the week and the language printed on the pages.
Your data
Are my notebooks uploaded anywhere?
No. Your notebooks are saved in your browser's local storage and PDFs are generated on your device. Nothing you design is sent to a server.
How do I keep a backup or move a notebook to another computer?
Open “My notebooks” and export the notebook as a file. Import that file on any other device.
What happens if I clear my browser data?
Your saved notebooks are deleted with it. Export important notebooks as a file from My notebooks to keep a backup.
Do you track me?
The site counts page views without cookies and without storing personal data. The privacy page lists exactly what is counted.
