Free tool · mirror margins for double-sided binding
Mirror margins for a PDF – move every page away from the spine
In a bound book the inner margin disappears into the binding. This tool moves front pages a little to the right and back pages a little to the left — 8 mm by default, or any amount you type — so text stays clear of the spine, the spiral holes and the glue. Page size stays exactly the same. It all happens in your browser.
- 100% free
- No upload
- Front right, back left
- Any mm you choose
- Book-spread preview
- Page size unchanged
- Works on phones
Book preview — the dark line is the spine
Pages keep their exact size. Only the content moves: front pages to the right, back pages to the left, away from the binding edge. Tick Shrink slightly if text runs close to the outer edge.
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In short: Mirror margins move the content of each page away from the spine: front pages (1, 3, 5…) to the right and back pages (2, 4, 6…) to the left. Open your PDF above, keep the default 8 mm or type your own, check the book preview and press Create PDF. The page size does not change, and the file is never uploaded.
Why a bound book needs mirror margins
In double-sided printing the binding edge is on the left of every front page and on the right of every back page. A PDF with the same margin on both sides loses part of its inner margin to the spiral holes, the glue or the stitching, and text near the spine becomes hard to read. Moving each page away from the spine fixes that without changing the paper size.
Front and back, separately
Front pages move right and back pages move left, by the same amount or different amounts in millimetres.
See it as a book
The preview shows pages as open spreads with the spine in the middle, so you can see the gap before you print.
Nothing lost at the edge
Tick Shrink slightly and each page is scaled just enough that the outer edge stays on the paper.
How many millimetres to move
| Binding | Move pages by | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spiral binding | 6 – 8 mm | Clears the punched holes, about 5 mm from the edge |
| Perfect (glue) binding, up to 200 sheets | 8 mm | The glued spine hides a few millimetres and the book does not open flat |
| Perfect binding, thick books | 10 – 12 mm | Thicker books curve more into the spine |
| Hard (case) binding | 10 mm | Sewn and glued; the inner margin needs room to breathe |
| Centre pinning (booklets) | 3 – 5 mm | Booklets open almost flat |
These are starting points. If the PDF already has a wide inner margin, you need less.
Ready to bind? Get the cheapest – best quality printouts in India
Send the adjusted PDF to us. We print front and back on Laser Book Printing machines — 600 DPI, powder toner that does not smudge or fade — bind it, and courier it anywhere in India.
| Service | From | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Black & white | ₹0.50 / side | Front-back, 1000+ pages, text files |
| Colour, 80 GSM | ₹1.50 / side | Front-back, text only, 500+ colour pages (₹2.00 for 200–499) |
| Spiral binding | ₹30 – ₹50 | By thickness, up to 275 sheets |
| Perfect (glue) binding | ₹50 – ₹150 | ₹150 (1–10 copies), ₹100 (11–49), ₹50 (50+) |
| Courier | ₹50 / kg | Mumbai & Thane; rest of India ₹120 first kg |
Quick answers
What are mirror margins?
Margins that are wider on the binding side of every page: on the left of front pages and on the right of back pages, like facing pages in a book.
How do I add mirror margins to a PDF?
Open the PDF above, keep 8 mm or type your own amount, and press Create PDF. Front pages move right and back pages move left.
Does the page size change?
No. The paper size stays exactly the same; only the content moves.
What if my PDF starts with a cover?
Type the pages to move, such as 3-end, or set Page 1 to be a back page if your printing starts on the back.
Will text be cut off on the outer edge?
Only if it was already very close to that edge. Tick Shrink slightly and nothing goes off the page.
How many mm should I use?
8 mm for most spiral and perfect-bound books, 10–12 mm for thick books, 3–5 mm for pinned booklets.
Terms used on this page
- Mirror margins
- Margins set up as a reflection on facing pages, wider on the binding side of both the front and the back of each sheet.
- Gutter
- The extra space on the binding side of a page, so text is not lost in the spine.
- Front and back pages
- In double-sided printing, page 1 is printed on the front of the first sheet and page 2 on its back, and so on.
- Spine
- The bound edge of the book, where the spiral, glue or stitching holds the sheets together.
Other names people use for this tool
Whatever you search for, it is this same free tool on BulkPrintouts.com:
Frequently asked questions
Is the mirror margins tool free?
Yes. It is free, with no signup, no watermark and no limit on file size or number of pages.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The PDF is opened and changed by your own browser. Nothing is sent to any server.
Which way do the pages move?
Front pages (1, 3, 5…) move to the right and back pages (2, 4, 6…) move to the left — both away from the spine. If page 1 prints on the back, choose Page 1 is a back page.
Can I use different amounts for front and back pages?
Yes. Untick Same distance for back pages and type a separate number of millimetres for each.
Does it change the page size or quality?
No. The paper size stays the same and the pages are not re-drawn or compressed. Only their position on the paper moves.
What does Shrink slightly do?
It scales each page down just enough that, after moving, nothing goes past the outer edge. At 8 mm on A4 the page is about 96% of its size.
Can I skip the cover or first pages?
Yes. Type the pages to move, such as 3-end. Front and back are still counted from page 1, so the sides stay correct.
Can you print and bind the book for me?
Yes. Send the PDF on WhatsApp to +91 98201 69619. Black & white starts at ₹0.50 per side and spiral binding at ₹30.
Last reviewed: 26/09/2026 · Published by BulkPrintouts.com, Borivali West, Mumbai · Questions? Call or WhatsApp +91 98201 69619 (Mon–Sat, 3 PM–10 PM IST).