Page Layout Rules
Control how your print book follows traditional publishing conventions for page layout and numbering.
Table of Contents
Generate a table of contents - Include a table of contents page with automatically generated page numbers. Lacuna updates page numbers as your content changes.
Recto and Verso Pages
In print books, recto refers to right-hand pages (odd-numbered), while verso refers to left-hand pages (even-numbered). Publishers traditionally start important sections on recto pages because readers see them first when opening the book.
Always start first chapter on right-hand (recto) page
When enabled, your first chapter always begins on a recto page. If your front matter ends on a recto page, Lacuna automatically inserts a blank verso page to ensure the first chapter starts on the right.
Always start all chapters on right-hand (recto) page
When enabled, every chapter in your book begins on a recto page. Blank pages are inserted between chapters as needed to maintain this convention.
Page Numbering
Begin counting pages at Chapter 1
Traditional books use two numbering systems:
- Front matter (title page, copyright, dedication, etc.) uses lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv)
- Main content starts with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4)
When enabled, page 1 starts at your first chapter. All front matter uses Roman numerals.
When disabled, page numbering continues sequentially from front matter into your chapters. For example, if your front matter ends at page 6, your first chapter starts at page 7.
Chapter Opening Page Style
Customize the appearance of pages that start new chapters:
Hide page numbers - Remove page numbers from chapter opening pages for a cleaner look.
Hide running headers/footers on opening pages - Remove headers and footers from the first page of each chapter while keeping them on all other pages.
Body Font
Customize the typography of your book’s body text:
Font Family
- Baskerville
- EB Garamond
- Charis SIL
- Open Dyslexic
Font Size - Adjust text size from 10pt to 14pt to match your book’s needs.
Line Spacing - Control spacing between lines for optimal readability.