How to Use Background Images

Background images let you add visual interest to your printed book by placing custom images behind your text on specific pages. You can assign a unique background image to any page within a section.

Note

Background images only appear in print PDFs. They will not display in ebook formats.

Add a Background Image

1. Open the section you want to customize.
2. Click the Section Options Menu.
3. Select Customize print settings.
4. Navigate to the Background images tab.
5. Select an empty slot in the background images grid.
6. Choose your image file.
7. Assign it to a specific page number (relative to the section, not your entire book).

Tip

You can use the same background image on multiple pages by assigning it to different page numbers.

Image Position

Control where your background image anchors on the page.

• Top — Anchors the image to the top of the page. The bottom edge may be cropped if the image is taller than the page.
• Center — Centers the image on the page. Both edges may be cropped equally if the image is larger than the page.
• Bottom — Anchors the image to the bottom of the page. The top edge may be cropped if the image is taller than the page.

Tip

You can use the top position to create background images for your headers without having to construct full page images.

Opacity

Adjust the opacity of your background image to control how much it shows through behind your text. Lowering the opacity creates a softer, more subtle effect that keeps your text easy to read. A fully opaque image will display at full intensity.

Full Bleed vs Safe Zone

• Full bleed — Extends the image to the edge of the trimmed page. This creates a seamless look with no white borders.
• Safe zone — Keeps the image within the printable margins to avoid any important parts of the image being trimmed during the printing process.

Copy Background Images to Other Sections

1. Configure your background images in the source section.
2. Click Apply to others at the top of the print settings panel.
3. Select the sections where you want to apply the backgrounds.
4. Select which settings you want to copy.
5. Confirm to transfer the settings.