How Do I Upload, Download, Check or Replace My Book Files?

Whether you're uploading your files for the first time, checking which PDFs are currently linked to your title or replacing an existing cover or interior file, you can manage your files directly through Bookvault.

Once your files have been successfully uploaded and passed Bookvault's validation checks, you can also download the PDFs currently associated with your title.

How do I upload files for an existing title?

Step 1: Go to View Your Titles

Select View Your Titles from the navigation menu on the left-hand side of your Bookvault account.

Step 2: Open the file management area

Find the title you want to manage.

You can access its files by either:

• selecting the PDF icon shown on the title; or
• selecting More Details, followed by Files.

Step 3: View your files

You'll now be taken to the file management area.

From here, you can upload new files, download files currently linked to your title and view your book's virtual proof.

Step 4: Upload your PDFs

You'll have an upload area for your cover and text/interior files.

If your book has a dust jacket, you'll also have an additional area for uploading the dust jacket file.

You can either select the relevant upload area to choose the PDF from your device or drag and drop the file directly into it.

Step 5: Wait for your files to process

Once you've selected your files, Bookvault will begin uploading and validating them.

Larger files or slower internet connections may take longer to upload and process.

Step 6: Check your validation results

Once your file has gone through validation, you'll see whether it has passed or whether an issue needs to be corrected.

Bookvault's file validation checks include:

• whether the file is corrupt
• whether the PDF page count matches the specification you've supplied
• whether the PDF dimensions match your chosen book specification
• whether your fonts are embedded
• whether a barcode is present if you've indicated that you've already added one

Passing validation doesn't mean every element of your artwork has been checked. For example, the validation system doesn't check for transparency issues or whether your artwork has been correctly extended into the bleed area.

For a full explanation of these checks, see

What Does Bookvault File Validation Check For?

Step 7: Continue with your title

Once your files have passed validation, you can return to your library or continue to place an order for your title.

Can I upload a large interior PDF in multiple sections?

No. Your book's interior should be supplied as one complete PDF rather than being split into multiple sections.

If your interior contains high-quality photographs and the resulting PDF is particularly large, you should still prepare it as a single file for upload.

When preparing image-heavy books, make sure your images are appropriately prepared for print rather than unnecessarily increasing the file size.

For more guidance, see:

• What DPI Should I Set for My Images?
• What Format Do My Files Need to Be In?

How do I download or check my existing book files?

If you've made changes to your book or simply want to check which files Bookvault currently has linked to your title, you can access them through the file management area.

Step 1: Go to View Your Titles

Select View Your Titles from the navigation menu.

Step 2: Open the title's files

Find the title you want to check.

Select the PDF icon, or select More Details followed by Files, to open the file management area.

Step 3: Download your existing file

If a file is currently linked to your title, you'll see a PDF icon and the file name beneath the relevant cover or text file section.

Select the download button to download the file Bookvault currently has linked to the title.

Step 4: Wait for Bookvault to retrieve the file

Larger files or slower internet connections may take longer to retrieve.

Once the download begins, you'll see a loading message while Bookvault fetches your file.

If your browser blocks pop-ups, you may need to allow pop-ups for Bookvault or use an alternative browser for the download to open correctly.

Step 5: Check your PDF

Depending on your browser settings, the PDF may open directly in your browser or download to your device.

You can then check the PDF to confirm that the correct and most up-to-date version is linked to your title.

How do I replace an existing book file?

From the same file management area, select the upload area for the file you want to replace.

Choose the new PDF from your device or drag and drop it into the relevant upload area.

Your replacement file will go through Bookvault's validation checks again. Once the replacement files have successfully passed validation, your title will be ready to order again.

How do I upload or replace files for a Publishing Project?

Once your ISBN has been assigned and you've entered your book specifications, head to your Publishing Projects dashboard.

Select Upload Now for the relevant project.

You'll then be taken to the file upload page, where you can drag your text and cover PDFs into the relevant upload areas. Your files will then go through Bookvault's validation process.

If you need to change your files after uploading them, return to the Publishing Projects dashboard and select Replace Files for the relevant project.

What should I do if my files fail validation?

If your files don't pass validation, check the error shown against your PDF and book specifications.

Your files should be supplied as digital, print-ready PDFs. Where possible, Bookvault recommends exporting your files using:

• PDF/X-1a:2001
• PDF/X-3:2002

For more information about preparing your files and understanding validation errors, see

What Format Do My Files Need to Be In?

and

What Does Bookvault File Validation Check For?