How do I select a background image for my cover?

KnowledgeBase > Publishing FAQ > Process faq > Cover Wizard FAQ > How do I select a background image for my cover?

  1. Log into your account and create or modify your project. (How do I create a new revision?)
  2. In the Cover step, click the Backgrounds & Pictures tab in the Cover Properties section, located below the preview.
  3. Select either the Back or Front Cover icon in the Pictures section. (The smaller square overlaying the Back Cover icon provides access to the author’s picture, which prints on top of the background image.)
  4. Click the >Upload a File< button to transfer and use an image stored on your computer. Or, click the >Browse the Lulu Gallery< button to use one of our images.
  5. Check or uncheck the Stretch to Fit checkbox, depending on whether you want the image non-proportionally resized to match the cover. If you uncheck this box, the image resizes proportionally, stopping when its width or height matches the width or height of the front or back cover.
  6. Click the >Accept< button to to place your image on the cover.

What types of files can I upload for my cover(s)?

You have two options for uploading your cover. You may upload separate front and back covers as described in How do I select a background image? Or, if you’re an advanced user, you may upload a single one-piece (wrap-around) cover, as described in Can I use a one-piece (wrap-around) cover?

Note: The book format dictates the optimal dimensions of your image; for best results, use a picture as close to the size and resolution guidelines as you can. For more information, see What dimensions should my book cover have?

  • Cover files that are uploaded separately must be JPG, GIF, or PNG files of at least 300dpi.
  • One-piece (wrap-around) book cover files must be PDF.
  • You may not use a Word document as your cover.
  • Do not include crop marks in files.

Last updated: 2008-07-10 13:32:31 | Back to top

How do I use the Lulu Cover Gallery?

  1. Log into your account and create or modify your project. (How do I create a new revision?)
  2. In the Cover step, click the Backgrounds & Pictures tab in the Cover Properties section, located below the preview.
  3. Select either the Back or Front Cover icon in the Pictures section. (The smaller square overlaying the Back Cover icon provides access to the author’s picture, so does not lead to the Gallery.)
  4. Click the >Browse the Lulu Gallery< button in the Cover Background Image dialog.
  5. Click on a thumbnail to select the image.
  6. Click the >Accept< button to apply the image you selected to your cover; click the >Cancel< button to make no change.

Last updated: 2008-07-10 13:32:00 | Back to top

Why does the cover image gallery show me different images on different occasions?

We create each of the covers in the gallery to fit a specific trim size.

When you open the Front or Back Cover Background Image gallery, by default you see covers that are an appropriate size and shape (tall, square, or wide) for your project, or images that do not suffer artistically from being stretched or squeezed.

Last updated: 2008-07-10 13:32:00 | Back to top

Last updated: 2008-07-10 13:32:31

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