TTRPG Print Design Skill
Purpose
This skill provides comprehensive guidance for designing professional print-ready TTRPG documents including rulebooks, adventures, supplements, and campaign guides. It covers layout principles, typography, print specifications, visual hierarchy, and production standards for platforms like DriveThruRPG.
When to Use This Skill
- Designing layouts for TTRPG rulebooks, adventures, or supplements
- Creating print-ready PDFs for POD (Print-on-Demand) services
- Establishing visual systems for RPG content
- Formatting stat blocks, tables, sidebars, and other RPG-specific elements
- Preparing files for professional printing or DriveThruRPG upload
- Creating style guides for TTRPG publications
Print Specifications
Standard Page Sizes for TTRPG Publishing
US Letter (8.5" × 11")
- Common for adventures and supplements
- Dimensions: 8.5" × 11" (215.9mm × 279.4mm)
- Trim size with bleed: 8.75" × 11.25"
Digest/A5 (5.5" × 8.5")
- Popular for indie RPG zines and compact supplements
- Dimensions: 5.5" × 8.5" (139.7mm × 215.9mm)
- Trim size with bleed: 5.75" × 8.75"
Royal/Crown Quarto (7.44" × 9.69")
- Common for indie RPG corebooks
- Dimensions: 7.44" × 9.69" (189mm × 246mm)
- Trim size with bleed: 7.69" × 9.94"
A4 (8.27" × 11.69")
- International standard, common in Europe
- Dimensions: 210mm × 297mm (8.27" × 11.69")
- Trim size with bleed: 216mm × 303mm
6" × 9" (Trade Paperback)
- Compact format for novels and some RPG books
- Dimensions: 6" × 9" (152.4mm × 228.6mm)
- Trim size with bleed: 6.25" × 9.25"
8.5" × 11" Landscape
- Used for battlemaps, DM screens, or special products
- Dimensions: 11" × 8.5" (279.4mm × 215.9mm)
- Trim size with bleed: 11.25" × 8.75"
Bleed, Margins, and Safe Zones
Bleed
- Standard bleed: 0.125" (3mm) on all sides
- DriveThruRPG requirement: 0.125" minimum
- Extends background colors/images beyond trim line
- Prevents white edges after cutting
Margins (Inside Safe Zone)
- Outer margin: 0.5" - 0.75" (12-19mm)
- Inner margin (gutter): 0.75" - 1" (19-25mm) for perfect bound
- Inner margin: 0.5" - 0.625" for saddle-stitched
- Top margin: 0.5" - 0.75" (12-19mm)
- Bottom margin: 0.625" - 0.875" (16-22mm)
- Add extra 0.125" - 0.25" to gutter for books over 200 pages
Safe Zone (Critical Content Area)
- Keep all important text and elements at least 0.25" (6mm) inside trim line
- Critical text (page numbers, titles): 0.375" - 0.5" from trim
- Headers and footers: 0.5" from top/bottom trim
Resolution and Color
Resolution
- Text and vector graphics: 300 DPI minimum
- Raster images (photos, illustrations): 300 DPI at final size
- Large background textures: 150-300 DPI acceptable
- Never use images below 150 DPI
Color Mode
- CMYK for print (not RGB)
- Rich black: C:60, M:40, Y:40, K:100 (not pure K:100)
- Avoid pure black backgrounds (causes show-through)
- Total ink coverage: Keep under 300% for coated stock, 280% for uncoated
PDF Export Settings
- PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-4 standard
- Embed all fonts
- Compress images: JPEG quality 80-100
- No security settings or passwords
- Flatten transparency
- Single-page PDFs for DriveThruRPG POD
Typography for TTRPG Documents
Font Selection Principles
Body Text Fonts
- Use serif fonts for extended reading (rulebooks, adventures)
- Recommended: Garamond, Caslon, Crimson Text, EB Garamond, Libre Baskerville
- Sans-serif acceptable for modern or sci-fi settings
- Font size: 9-11pt for body text
- Leading (line spacing): 120-145% of font size
- Character spacing: -5 to +5 tracking for optimal readability
Heading Fonts
- Display or decorative fonts for flavor
- Ensure readability at various sizes
- Can mix serif body with sans-serif headings or vice versa
- Create clear visual hierarchy through size, weight, and spacing
Special Use Fonts
- Stat blocks: Often sans-serif or condensed serif for space efficiency
- Tables: Condensed or sans-serif for density
- Flavor text: Italic or script fonts (use sparingly)
- Handwriting fonts: Use only for genuine handout reproduction
Type Hierarchy
Six-Level Hierarchy for RPG Books
-
Chapter Titles (H1)
- Size: 24-36pt
- Weight: Bold or Heavy
- Spacing: Extra tracking (50-200)
- Position: Often with decorative elements
-
Major Section Headings (H2)
- Size: 18-24pt
- Weight: Bold or Semibold
- Spacing: 1.5-2× line spacing above, 0.5-1× below
-
Subsection Headings (H3)
- Size: 14-16pt
- Weight: Bold or Semibold
- Spacing: 1.5× line spacing above, 0.5× below
-
Minor Headings (H4)
- Size: 11-13pt
- Weight: Bold or All Caps
- Spacing: 1× line spacing above and below
-
Inline Headings (H5)
- Size: Same as body text
- Weight: Bold or Italic
- Runs into paragraph
-
Body Text
- Size: 9-11pt
- Weight: Regular
- Leading: 120-145%
Specialized Typography
Stat Blocks
- Header: Bold, 10-12pt, often with background color
- Labels: Bold or small caps, 8-9pt
- Values: Regular, 8-9pt
- Tight leading: 100-110% for space efficiency
- Use rules/lines to separate sections
- Background fill: 5-10% tint for distinction
Tables
- Header row: Bold, 9-10pt, often with background
- Body cells: Regular, 8-9pt
- Alternating row tints: 5% difference for readability
- Adequate cell padding: 3-6pt on all sides
- Vertical rules: Use sparingly or not at all
- Horizontal rules: Between header and body, optionally between rows
Sidebars and Callouts
- Background tint: 5-15% of accent color
- Border: 0.5-2pt, optional decorative corners
- Internal margins: 0.25-0.5" on all sides
- Font size: Same as body or 1pt smaller
- Italic or different font for distinction
Layout and Visual Design
Grid Systems
Column Grids
- Single column: 4-6" width optimal for readability (45-75 characters)
- Two columns: Common for rulebooks and dense content
- Three columns: For reference material, tables, or magazine-style
- Gutter width: 0.25-0.5" between columns
Baseline Grid
- Set leading increment (usually 12pt or 14pt)
- Align all text baselines to grid
- Images and rules align to baseline grid
- Maintains vertical rhythm across spreads
Modular Grid
- Divides page into modules (e.g., 6×8 grid)
- Allows flexible placement of images and text blocks
- Good for varied content types (adventure modules)
Page Layout Principles
Facing Pages (Spreads)
- Design spreads as units, not individual pages
- Balance visual weight across the spread
- Keep related content on the same spread when possible
- Mirror margins: Inner margins should align
Visual Flow
- Eye naturally enters top-left, exits bottom-right
- Place important content in natural flow path
- Use visual elements to guide eye movement
- Break up text walls with images, sidebars, or whitespace
Whitespace (Negative Space)
- Essential for readability and elegance
- Margins are active design elements, not wasted space
- Use whitespace to group related content
- Avoid cramming; let design breathe
The Rule of Thirds
- Divide page into 3×3 grid
- Place focal points at intersections
- Creates dynamic, interesting layouts
- Especially useful for image placement
Images and Illustrations
Image Placement
- Bleed images to edge or use clear borders
- Avoid trapping images between text blocks awkwardly
- Wrap text around images with adequate spacing (0.125-0.25")
- Group caption with image (never separated across pages)
Image Sizing
- Full-page art: Edge-to-edge bleed
- Half-page: 50% of text height with margins
- Quarter-page: 25% of text height
- Spot illustrations: 1-3" square, aligned to baseline grid
Art Styles for TTRPG
- Consistent style throughout publication
- Mix of full-page showpiece art and spot illustrations
- Border treatments can add flavor (ornate frames, torn edges, etc.)
- Silhouetted art useful for flexible placement
Color and Theming
Color Palette Strategy
- Primary color: Main theme color (chapter headers, accent elements)
- Secondary color: Supporting color for variation
- Neutral base: Black/dark gray text, cream/white background
- Tint scales: 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of primary for backgrounds
Color Psychology for RPG Genres
- Fantasy: Deep purples, rich reds, forest greens, gold accents
- Horror: Deep reds, blacks, grays, sickly greens
- Sci-fi: Blues, cyans, silvers, stark blacks and whites
- Modern/Urban: Grays, blues, industrial colors
- Historical: Sepia tones, aged paper colors, muted earth tones
Accessibility Considerations
- Text contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio (7:1 for AAA)
- Avoid red-green combinations (colorblind accessibility)
- Don't rely on color alone for information
- Test in grayscale to ensure readability
Decorative Elements
Rules and Borders
- Page borders: 0.5-2pt, ornate or simple based on theme
- Section dividers: 0.5-1pt rules with decorative ends
- Text boxes: 1-3pt borders with rounded or decorative corners
- Consistency: Use same style throughout document
Ornamental Elements
- Corner flourishes for chapter starts or special sections
- End-of-section glyphs (symbols to mark breaks)
- Decorative initial caps (drop caps) for chapter starts
- Watermarks: 5-10% opacity, non-intrusive
Background Textures
- Subtle paper textures: 5-15% opacity
- Parchment or aged paper for fantasy settings
- Avoid overly busy backgrounds that reduce readability
- Keep backgrounds light enough for easy reading
TTRPG-Specific Design Elements
Stat Blocks
Classic D&D Style
- Beige/tan background (10-20% fill)
- Bold header with creature name and size/type/alignment
- Horizontal rules separating sections
- Two-column layout for attributes
- Ability scores in bold with modifiers
- Actions section with hanging indents
- Compact, information-dense design
Modern Minimalist Style
- Clean white or light gray background
- Thin borders (0.5-1pt)
- Ample whitespace between sections
- Clear typography hierarchy
- Icons for quick reference (optional)
Narrative Style
- Integrated into prose
- Key stats highlighted in bold or different color
- Less mechanical, more story-focused
- Useful for NPCs in narrative adventures
Sidebars and Callouts
Types of Sidebars
- Lore boxes: Background information, world flavor
- Tactical notes: Combat tips, strategic advice
- DM notes: Behind-the-scenes guidance
- Optional rules: Variant mechanics
- Read-aloud text: Boxed text for DMs
Design Treatment
- Background color: 5-15% tint
- Border: 1-2pt, optional corner ornaments
- Icon or header graphic to indicate type
- Internal padding: 0.25-0.5" margins
- Font: Italic, different font, or standard with colored header
Tables
Combat Tables
- Clear headers with background color
- Alternating row colors for easy scanning
- Adequate column width for content
- Bold column headers
- Minimal vertical rules
Random Tables
- Die roll column (d6, d20, etc.) in bold
- Result column with adequate width
- Optional: Color-code by probability ranges
- Consider two-column layout for long tables
Reference Tables
- Comprehensive borders for complex data
- Color-coded headers for different stat types
- Footnotes below table for exceptions
- Page number in header if multi-page
Chapter and Section Starts
Chapter Opener Design
- Full-page or half-page spread
- Large chapter number (decorative)
- Chapter title in display font
- Optional: Quote, illustration, or summary
- Plenty of whitespace
Section Breaks
- Consistent heading style
- Optional: Small decorative element
- Extra space above (2-3× normal)
- May include small illustration or icon
Production and Technical Considerations
Document Setup
Page Setup Checklist
Master Pages
- Create masters for: front matter, body pages, chapter openers, back matter
- Include: headers/footers, page numbers, background elements
- Override masters locally only when necessary
- Maintain consistency across document
File Organization
Layer Management
- Background layer: Textures, watermarks, page borders
- Content layer: Text, images, main elements
- Guides layer: Margins, grids, alignment guides
- Notes layer: Production notes, bleeds marks (turn off for export)
Asset Management
- Link external images (don't embed) during design
- Organize assets in clear folder structure
- Use naming conventions: "chapter03_monster_goblin_01.png"
- Keep original high-res files separate from working files
Pre-Flight Checklist
Before Exporting
PDF Export
- PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-4
- Compression: JPEG, High quality (80-100)
- Embed all fonts
- Include bleed settings (0.125")
- Flatten transparency
- No security settings
- Single pages (not spreads) for POD
DriveThruRPG Specific Requirements
POD Requirements
- PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-4 format
- 0.125" bleed on all sides
- CMYK color mode only
- 300 DPI minimum for images
- Embed all fonts
- Single-page PDFs (not spreads)
- Total page count must be divisible by 2 for saddle-stitch
- Cover as separate file (template available from DTRPG)
Cover Design
- Use DTRPG cover template for exact specifications
- Front cover, spine, back cover in one file
- Spine width calculator available on DTRPG
- Barcode placement area on back cover (if using ISBN)
- 0.125" bleed on all sides
- Safe zone: 0.125" from trim line
Common TTRPG Design Patterns
Chapter Organization
Standard Structure
- Chapter opener (full or half page)
- Introduction paragraph
- Major sections with H2 headings
- Subsections with H3-H4 headings
- Sidebars and callouts as needed
- Tables and stat blocks integrated into flow
- Chapter summary or conclusion
Visual Rhythm
- Alternate text-heavy and image-heavy pages
- Break up long sections with sidebars or images
- Use pull quotes to add visual interest
- Maintain consistent spacing between elements
Page Elements
Headers and Footers
- Running header: Chapter or section name
- Page numbers: Outer corners or centered bottom
- Small decorative element (optional)
- Different style for chapter openers
Page Numbers
- Front matter: Lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii)
- Body: Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3)
- Position: Outer corners or centered bottom
- Size: 8-10pt, often in different font than body
Two-Page Spread Design
Left Page (Even)
- Natural entry point on inner edge
- Consider placing important info here
- Headers on left side
- Images can bleed to left edge
Right Page (Odd)
- Natural exit point on outer edge
- Strong visual elements here catch attention
- Headers on right side
- Images can bleed to right edge
Cross-Spread Elements
- Maps or large images can span both pages
- Leave 0.25-0.5" gutter gap for binding
- Mirror image slightly to account for binding curve
- Ensure no critical details in gutter
Software-Specific Guidance
Affinity Publisher
- Set up baseline grid: View > Show Baseline Grid
- Master pages: Pages panel > New Master
- Bleed setup: File > Document Setup > Bleed
- PDF export: File > Export > PDF/X-1a
Adobe InDesign
- Baseline grid: Preferences > Grids
- Master pages: Pages panel, A-Master
- Bleed: Document Setup (⌘⌥P)
- Preflight: Window > Output > Preflight
- PDF export: File > Export > PDF (Print)
Scribus (Open Source)
- Bleed: File > Document Setup > Bleeds
- Master pages: Edit > Master Pages
- PDF export: File > Export > Save as PDF > PDF/X-3
Design Philosophy
Principles of Good TTRPG Design
-
Usability First: Design for the table, not just the eye
- Easy to scan during play
- Clear information hierarchy
- Quick reference elements accessible
-
Consistency: Establish patterns and stick to them
- Same style for same element types
- Predictable placement
- Unified visual language
-
Clarity Over Cleverness: Don't sacrifice readability for style
- Decorative elements support, don't distract
- Information easy to find and parse
- White space enhances, not wastes
-
Appropriate Theming: Match design to content
- Fantasy: Ornate, traditional, organic
- Horror: Stark, unsettling, dramatic contrast
- Sci-fi: Clean, geometric, modern
- Let theme enhance immersion
-
Professionalism: Quality execution signals quality content
- Proper typography
- Correct print specifications
- Attention to detail
- Polish in every element
Testing and Iteration
Design Review Process
Self-Review Questions
- Is the hierarchy clear at a glance?
- Can I find information quickly?
- Does it work in black and white?
- Are spreads balanced?
- Is the design consistent throughout?
- Does it match the genre and tone?
Print Testing
- Print sample pages on home printer
- Check readability at actual size
- Verify colors (though they won't match exactly)
- Test with page protectors (simulates glossy coating)
- Check bleed by trimming printed samples
User Testing
- Have someone unfamiliar navigate the document
- Time how long it takes to find specific information
- Ask about visual appeal and readability
- Get feedback from actual play use
Resources and Best Practices
Recommended Reading
- "The Elements of Typographic Style" by Robert Bringhurst
- "Designing Books" by Jost Hochuli and Robin Kinross
- "The Non-Designer's Design Book" by Robin Williams
- DriveThruRPG Publisher Help Center
- DTRPG Publisher Forums for community advice
Design Tools
- Affinity Publisher (one-time purchase)
- Adobe InDesign (industry standard)
- Scribus (free, open-source)
- GIMP (image editing, free)
- Photoshop (image editing, industry standard)
Asset Sources
- Creative Commons imagery
- Stock photo sites (ensure commercial license)
- Public domain art (Project Gutenberg, etc.)
- Commission original art when budget allows
- Create your own ornamental elements
Output and Delivery
When providing design recommendations using this skill, Claude should:
- Assess the project scope: Page count, content type, target audience, genre
- Recommend appropriate specifications: Page size, margins, resolution
- Suggest typography: Font pairings, sizes, hierarchy
- Provide layout guidance: Grid system, visual flow, element placement
- Offer style direction: Color palette, decorative elements, theming
- Technical checklist: Pre-flight items, export settings, DTRPG requirements
- Give practical examples: Specific measurements, CMYK values, tool settings
Format recommendations in clear, actionable prose that balances professional standards with practical creativity. Include specific measurements and technical values rather than vague descriptions.
Version Notes
This skill focuses specifically on print design and layout, not content creation. For content generation (adventures, NPCs, encounters), refer to appropriate content creation skills. This skill assumes basic familiarity with design software but provides enough detail for enthusiastic novices to learn professional standards.