Megal Publisher
HomePage setup for a product catalogue

Publishing guides · Page size, margins and structure

Set up a product catalogue page

Choose the real size, margins, guides, folds or repeated page structure for a product catalogue before detailed design.

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Practical publishing guidance based on Megal Publisher’s documented page, text, image, table, review and output tools.

Practical workflow

Work through the publication in a fixed order

Separate content, structure and proofing decisions so a late correction does not undo earlier work.

Choose the physical or digital format first

A multi-page publication driven by repeatable product modules. Obtain real dimensions from the printer, supplier or distribution requirement instead of relying on a visually similar preset. In Megal Publisher, set page width, height, orientation and units before placing detailed content. A later size change can alter wrapping, picture crops, fold positions and the apparent weight of margins.

Build a usable page grid

Build one repeatable product module and category opener before populating pages, then keep image and data positions consistent. Set margins for readable content, then add guides for columns, repeated edges, folds or safe areas. Guides are working aids rather than output marks. Use alignment and distribution for repeated modules instead of positioning by eye. If pages share furniture such as logos, rules or folios, a master page can keep those elements consistent.

Allow for folds, binding and trim

A fold, binding edge or label gap is part of the information architecture, not empty decoration. Make a plain-paper dummy when the product catalogue folds or has facing pages. Check which page or panel appears first, what sits beside it, and whether important content falls too close to a fold or trim. Check pagination, cross-references, colour expectations, image resolution and the validity period of prices before release..

Test the structure with real content

Populate the grid with realistic long headings, dense data and the busiest expected image. Empty sample boxes often hide weaknesses. Confirm that cover and catalogue scope, category navigation, product name and image, features, variants and price and ordering, terms and contact information each have an appropriate place. If content does not fit, revisit priorities or add the necessary space rather than compressing the entire publication. Avoid allowing each product block to evolve independently until customers can no longer compare like with like.

Use before sign-off

A short working checklist

Page setup checklist

  1. Record finished width, height, orientation and units.
  2. Confirm whether the document is single-sided, duplex, folded or bound.
  3. Set margins, guides, columns and any fold or safe-area references.
  4. Decide whether artwork needs bleed beyond the trim edge.
  5. Use a master page for genuinely repeated furniture.
  6. Test the page with the longest and densest realistic content.
Keep the source and proof together. Megal Publisher can keep the page objects editable in an .mpub project. Preserve the source facts and the approved output as separate records so later changes can be checked.

Continue the workflow

Related product catalogue guides

Move to the next production decision or compare the same task for another publication format.

Foundational references: Microsoft Publisher alternative · Direct PUB import evidence · Megal Publisher instruction manual.

Build the reviewed version in Megal Publisher

Start from a blank page or an appropriate editable design, keep source facts beside the project and make a fresh proof after the final change.

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